Frost tints the landscape silver as we set up our easels in the soft morning sunlight. On the horizon, the gentle rise of Burrow Hill stands out against the flat expanse of the Somerset countryside. Local artist Frances Watts guides me through mixing color palettes, and with her assistance, I attempt to capture the wintry magic of the scene in oils.
I’ve come to Kingsbury Episcopi, a small village 20 minutes west of Yeovil, to stay in the newly built Craftsman’s Cabin, nestled in its own meadow on the edge of the Somerset Levels and Moors. The cabin, hand-crafted and filled with local artwork, offers a perfect retreat for those looking to connect with the area’s creative spirit. Some of Frances’ paintings adorn the walls, and guests can arrange outdoor painting sessions, allowing them to engage more deeply with the stunning countryside and take home a piece of the experience.
While Bruton to the north is known for its contemporary art scene, with the famous Hauser & Wirth gallery, the southern part of Somerset maintains a more grounded, artisanal atmosphere. The cabin’s owner, Decca Lang, an interior designer who grew up on a local farm, explains that the area has a long tradition of craftsmanship and artistry. “There are so many talented makers here,” she says. “Guests can even try their hand at pottery, basket weaving, or painting while they stay.”
The cabin itself is a cozy haven, with earthy tones and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The living area is heated by a wood burner, and the kitchen is well-equipped for self-catering. A wide covered veranda features rocking chairs, a table, and a freestanding roll-top bath, offering the perfect spot to relax and soak in the surroundings. The cabin’s furnishings are all locally sourced, from the woolen blanket made from sheep in nearby fields to the curtains woven by Fox Brothers, the oldest surviving mill in Somerset.
Among the items that catch my eye is a relief sculpture of a man’s head carved in Portland stone, with herbs growing like hair. The piece is by Tom Clark, a sculptor and stone carver from nearby Martock. Tom offers workshops in his 16th-century home, and his studio is filled with beautiful works that showcase the craftsmanship of the region. Next door, his son Bertie’s woodwork studio is where the oak kitchen in the cabin was crafted.
A short drive away, I stop for lunch at the Old Dairy café, located on a working farm. The café serves creative dishes made with local produce, including meze platters and street food bowls. Nearby, I visit the studios of artists Amy Rhian, known for her colorful papier-mâché creations, and ceramist Issy Gordon, both of whom offer workshops and welcome visitors. Across the road is Muchelney Pottery, famous for its distinctive kitchenware with a “toasted” finish.
As evening falls, I return to the cabin, where the clouds gather and the temperature drops. I soak in a bubble bath on the deck, listening to the wind and the distant hoot of an owl. With no Wi-Fi and limited phone signal, it’s the perfect opportunity to switch off and unwind, accompanied only by the DAB radio and a good book.
Beyond the artistic offerings, the area is rich with natural beauty. The nearby Parrett Trail offers scenic walking routes, and the wetlands of Westmoor are home to a variety of birdlife, including starling murmurations. The Wyndham Arms, just down the track from the cabin, provides a cozy refuge with flagstone floors, open fires, and a wide selection of local ciders and beers.
A visit to Burrow Hill Cider, within walking distance of the cabin, is a must. The Temperley family has been producing cider and Somerset Cider Brandy for generations, and the tour of their presses and distilleries reveals the intricate process of making cider, from tending ancient orchards to bottling the finished product. I leave with a bottle of cider to enjoy in the cabin that evening.
The next day, my painting, though not perfect, sits proudly in the passenger seat of the car. The lines of trees tumbling down the hill and the moody sky remind me of the inspiring stay and the talented people I met in this peaceful, artistic corner of Somerset.
