The Farmyard at The Newt in Somerset is a hospitality collection of masterfully restored buildings on a 2,000 sq. m site. Originally a farm hamlet, these historic buildings have been converted into 17 hotel room suites along with a restaurant, indoor pool and spa, bar and games room and bike/electric buggy shelter.
The adaptive reuse of nine historic farm buildings, including a Grade II-listed Georgian farmhouse, have been sensitively restored with a light touch combined with state-of-the-art technology. Building management systems optimise heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation, resulting in reduced energy consumption and operational costs while ensuring a comfortable environment for occupants. Focusing on adaptive reuse, energy efficiency, and the incorporation of recycled materials, exemplifies the fusion of historical preservation and modern sustainability.
A sophisticated, pared-back design, inspired by the local landscape and vernacular, uses a limited pallet of English stones, oak timber, glass, marble and plaster in order to reinstate the original spirit of the nine buildings. Low build miles and the use of local artisans and craftsmen were key.
