On the sunny bank holiday we were lucky enough to be invited to Emily Estate to check out our very talented friend’s project. The project – The Newt in Somerset is situated between Castle Cary and Bruton. Katie has been working super hard in the creation of the beautiful gardens. The detail which has gone into the design is mesmerising from the Newt water features puncturing the walls to the intricately positioned pebble flooring in the Parabola and the beautiful floor grates illustrated with apples and newts. Even the railings have little apples sitting on the top.

Upon arrival you enter the Emily Estate through the modern gatehouse. You precede to the Threshing Barn along a beautiful wooden walkway through the trees. The entrance through the trees creates a sense of intrigue and atmosphere and makes you want to explore further.

Architecture

The buildings in the gardens are predominantly new. The threshing Barn and Cyder Press cellar are built using traditional techniques to imitate older buildings. The large windows and kinetic ceiling art however, make it feel current.

There’s also a sleek garden cafe design with a smart, contemporary interior with stunning views across the gardens.

The Garden Cafe has a contemporary interior with a raised open kitchen which gives some theatre to the space. It has a simple colour pallet of woods, dark blues and the red which is reflected in the seating and desk in the threshing barn and the desk in the gatehouse. Unfortunately we didn’t get a chance to eat in here, However. We did get a tasty pork and apple sausage roll from the cyder press bar. A stainless steel bar situated next to the cider press open to the elements.

The greenhouse, despite being new, has a very traditional feel and acts as a charming backdrop to the gorgeous seasonal plants. This place has all the things I love, beautiful architecture, interiors and plants.

I’d definitely recommend taking a visit to The Newt at the Emily Estate. There is still a lot in construction including a hotel and spa and some museum buildings so I look forward to coming back again and seeing the already stunning garden become more established.

The Newt can be found at thenewtinsomerset.com

Photography by Yvonne Nelson & David Yeates