Kestrel Retreat

The open-plan living, dining and kitchen space is designed to feel light, calm and welcoming, with large picture windows drawing natural light into the lodge while framing the surrounding countryside. The far-reaching views remain a constant feature throughout the day, subtly shaping the atmosphere of the space.

A tilt-and-turn door opens directly onto the decking, creating an easy connection between indoor and outdoor living.

The living area combines comfort with understated Scandinavian styling, featuring a sleek teal sofa and a generous cuddler chair — ideal for long conversations, quiet mornings with coffee, or relaxed evenings watching Netflix beside the contemporary log-effect fire. Underfloor heating adds warmth during cooler months, while air conditioning ensures comfort throughout the summer.

The dining area centres around a beautiful contemporary oak dining table, positioned beside the large picture window to make the most of the views — a lovely setting for long, relaxed meals together.

The kitchen is fully equipped for self-catered stays, whether preparing simple suppers, locally sourced produce or takeaway from one of the nearby pubs. (See ‘What’s Included’ for full details of appliances.)

Thoughtful touches, including a welcome hamper on arrival, help you settle in immediately, while a folder of local walks and binoculars encourage you to enjoy the surrounding landscape in greater detail.

The bedroom is designed as a restful and calming retreat, centred around a handmade oak king- size bed, with a high-quality British-made Harrison Spinks mattress, hypoallergenic bedding and Egyptian cotton linen — all contributing to a genuinely comfortable night’s sleep.

Ample hanging space, drawers and a spacious dressing table make longer stays feel effortless, while underfloor heating and air conditioning maintain comfort throughout the year. A Sonos sound system is integrated throughout the lodge, allowing you to set the atmosphere to suit your stay.

A sliding door leads directly onto the decking, allowing the outdoor space and views to be enjoyed from morning through to evening.

The en-suite bathroom features a powerful rainfall shower and a clean, contemporary finish in keeping with the calm Scandinavian aesthetic of the lodge.

A private, enclosed deck extends from the lodge, positioned to take full advantage of the elevated setting, far-reaching views and clear, star-filled night skies.

• The double spa bath is a defining feature. With adjustable jets, soft lighting and an inline heater, it can be enjoyed throughout the year — whether soaking at dusk as the landscape softens, or later beneath the night sky, with minimal light pollution. Filled fresh for each use and free from chemicals, it offers a more considered alternative to a traditional hot tub.
• Outdoor rattan seating offers a comfortable space for dining or simply spending time outside, whether in the morning light or as the sun sets across the landscape.
• A charcoal ceramic Kamado-style BBQ (available April–October) provides a versatile option for outdoor cooking.
• Subtle deck lighting enhances the atmosphere into the evening, creating a relaxed and intimate setting.

Each lodge at Bettws Court Retreats has been carefully positioned to maximise privacy. While the lodges are located on the same site, they have been thoughtfully arranged with consideration to orientation, cladding and planting, ensuring that once inside the lodge or on the decking, you are not overlooked.

Set on a working farm, the landscape is open and expansive, with panoramic views and minimal light pollution. Guests frequently comment on the sense of quiet and separation from everyday life — even when all lodges are occupied. Grazing cattle and sheep are often visible in the foreground, with rolling countryside stretching beyond.

Kestrel Retreat has been designed to offer a comfortable and straightforward stay:

• Private parking for up to two vehicles, located directly behind the lodge for easy access and unloading
• High-speed WiFi throughout
• Washer-dryer, clothes airer, vacuum, iron and ironing board (see ‘What’s Included’ for full details)
• Well-equipped kitchen (see ‘What’s Included’)
• Air conditioning and underfloor heating throughout
• Contactless check-in via key safe, offering flexibility for later arrivals

Kestrel Retreat offers a stay that can be shaped entirely around how you choose to spend your time — whether that’s slowing down and enjoying the space, exploring the surrounding area, or arranging experiences to enhance your stay.

Often chosen for mini-moons, anniversaries and special occasions, it provides a setting that lends itself naturally to time spent together, without the need for structure or plans. Days tend to unfold at a gentle pace — from morning coffee overlooking the countryside to evenings spent in the spa bath or watching the light shift across the landscape. As the light fades, the night sky becomes part of the experience, with minimal light pollution allowing for clear, star-filled skies. The emphasis is on simplicity, privacy and quality, creating a stay that feels both relaxed and memorable.

For those looking to explore, there is a wide range of experiences nearby, from canoeing and forge workshops to vineyard tours (see ‘Plan Your Stay’). Alternatively, you may prefer to stay at the lodge and arrange in-lodge treatments, pre-prepared chef meals or thoughtful touches ahead of arrival.