Re:treat is adjacent to a pond and meadow which is cut for hay. Re:treat has its own grassed area within a low level fence* with access to the pond and meadow field being via a wooden gate.
Whether it’s relaxing on the jetty or pond dipping (nets provided) the pond area is an enchanting place to while away time. There’s also a small summerhouse complete with a rocking chair to take in the views of the pond and relax with a good book.
Walk across the ‘Meadow field’ and ‘Dewpond field’ at Re:treat to what we call ‘the old orchard’. With mature trees around the perimeter of this grass meadow, this is a wonderful space for you to picnic, play and relax.
Across the way from the old orchard, you also have access via the public footpath to some pretty walks to nearby Pulloxhill, Silsoe and Flitton. You’ll find a map and some suggested walks in your welcome information at Re:treat. There’s a great pub in each of the villages and each one is only a 25 minute walk away via the footpaths.
We currently have a resident barn owl that can be heard hooting occasionally in the evenings. We have also spotted it swooping across the fields trying to catch its dinner at sunset. There is also a nesting pair of red kites nearby and we regularly see them flying over the farm fields and hear them calling to one another.
The pond has visiting moorhens and ducks as well as the occasional heron. Swallows can also be spotted, more often than not, catching insects from above the surface of the pond. We’ve also spotted hawks, kestrel, deer, foxes and the occasional hare at Re:treat and there’s also evidence of badgers. In the neighbouring farmer’s field adjacent to the pond and hidden behind the hedgerow there are beehives. You may spot the beekeeper tending to his bees from time to time.
Only 3 miles away from Re:treat you will find Barton Hills National Nature Reserve. They are part of the Chilterns with hiking routes marked on maps at the entrance to the hills. The view at the top of the hills is fantastic.
A great place for a walk in unspoiled countryside following the line of the spring up to the source where there are amazing hills to climb if you want to. Lovely picnic spot by the source and completely unspoiled. Nothing there at all apart from the spring and the grass and the trees, fabulous
∼TripAdvisor Reviewer
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