The Newt in Somer et: Complete Guide to E tate and Garden

There’s something refreshing about a country estate that doesn’t feel like a museum piece. The Newt in Somerset, tucked near Bruton, is a working farm that happens to offer luxury stays, a spa, and some of the most thoughtfully designed gardens in the South West, balancing public access with private ownership by a South African media tycoon.

Acres: 300 · Restaurant: The Botanical Rooms · Hotel rooms: 35 · Owned by: Koos Bekker & Karen Roos · Membership required for entry: No (day passes available)

Here is a quick summary of key details about The Newt.

What is The Newt in Somerset?

The Newt is a 300-acre country estate in Somerset that combines a luxury hotel, spa, formal gardens, and a working farm — all set on the former Hadspen Estate near Bruton. It opened in 2017 after a major renovation by South African media figures Koos Bekker and his wife Karen Roos (The Newt official site). The estate’s own description calls it a “working estate” with gardens, woodland, farmland, and cyder orchards.

“A country estate reimagined” – Condé Nast Traveller

Guests can book one of 35 individually designed rooms, eat at The Botanical Rooms restaurant, or explore the Roman Villa Experience and the Story of Gardening exhibition — both accessible with a day pass.

The pattern: The Newt isn’t just a hotel; it’s a self-contained rural destination where the farming operation is as central as the spa. The estate’s working identity shapes everything from the menu to the activities.

Who owns The Newt in Somerset now?

The Newt is owned by Koos Bekker, the South African billionaire former CEO of Naspers, and his wife Karen Roos, a former editor. They purchased the Hadspen Estate in 2013 and spent several years transforming it into the property that opened in 2017 (Wikipedia).

Bekker, who built Naspers into a global media and internet investor, has a net worth in the billions, but The Newt is not a vanity project — it’s a full-time operating farm and hospitality business run with an eye on conservation and self-sufficiency.

The implication for visitors: The ownership structure means decisions about access, pricing, and expansion are made by a private couple, not a corporate chain. This gives the estate a distinct personality but also means policies can change with little notice.

Is The Newt Somerset worth it?

Reviews are broadly positive, with highlights including the gardens, the spa (hotel guests only), and the farm-to-table food at The Botanical Rooms.

“A refined countryside escape set on a historic estate” – Fora Travel

The trade-off: you pay for an experience that is genuinely rural and refined, but you’ll need to accept that the estate’s policies (like spa access limited to hotel guests) can feel restrictive for day-trippers.

Can you visit The Newt without a membership?

Yes, day passes are available without membership. The official site states that non-members can book workshops and hotel-related experiences, and that membership is recommended for frequent visitors but not required for entry (The Newt plan-your-visit page).

How much does a day at The Newt cost?

Pricing varies seasonally. As of 2025, an adult day pass is approximately £35, but visitors should check the official site for current rates. Membership costs about £195 per year for individuals and offers unlimited entry plus discounts. Overnight room rates start at £350 per night (based on published rates for 2025).

The pattern: The Newt is designed for both day-trippers and overnight guests, but the real value for frequent visitors lies in membership. Day passes are a one-time option, while membership unlocks deeper access and perks.

What is there to do at The Newt Somerset?

Activities include exploring the formal gardens, the Roman Villa Experience (timed slots, free), the Story of Gardening exhibition, farm walks, cyder pressing demonstrations, and seasonal workshops. The spa is open daily for hotel guests from 8am to 8pm. The Garden Café serves breakfast and lunch to members and hotel guests; the Cyder Bar is open to all visitors.

The estate also hosts events like the Great Garden Escape (2026 season, Fridays and Saturdays) which includes train travel from London, guided tours, talks, tastings, and a Newt membership (Visit Bath).

For another luxury hotel experience, see Rubens at the Palace: 5-Star Hotel Opposite Royal Mews. For a holiday park option, see Pendine Sands Holiday Park: Wales Reviews, Prices & Guide.