Escapism
A magical sense of childhood nostalgia has always drawn Alice back to Somerset. Sweeping landscapes, eclectic personalities, respect for nature, local culture and the art of slow living; it’s all woven through the Temperley DNA.
Alice acquired a property in Ilminster to create a creative universe and built the first studios and stores for Temperley London. It’s been 12 years since Alice happened upon Cricket Court – her beautiful Grade II-listed home in the same town as her parents’ farm – and decided to split her time between town and country to maximise creativity and enhance her work-life balance.
The world has changed dramatically since then, but Temperley’s roots in Somerset have only grown deeper. In 2021, the brand’s new headquarters – in Phoenix Studios, in the market town of Ilminster – opened its doors.
As well as the brand’s atelier and training studio, the new HQ features a shop offering pieces from current and archive collections, our exclusive brand Outlet and Bridal Flagship.
Phoenix Studios has become a must-see stop on any visit to Somerset, but there’s plenty more to discover in the south west. Here are a few highlights as picked by our team.
The food at Holmis driven by the seasons, the environment and the locality in the beautiful Somerset countryside. Working with local farmers, growers, butchers and anyone who shares the love of exceptional ingredients, treated with care and respect. Book in advance, especially if you’re a big group.
From a refurbished 1950s train carriage and double-decker bus, Pip’s serves coffee, teas and cakes, all prepared at their on-site bakeshop.
Everything you’d want from a country pub, from home-cooked pies to hearty pints. There are rooms to stay in, most with slipper or roll-top baths, and some are dog-friendly.
Picture by Jake Eastham
If you are looking for a completely switch off, escape, unwind and recharge in a stunning West Country woodland. 3 stunning treehouses, plus hot tubs, copper baths, pizza ovens and fire pits. No children or dogs allowed.
Luxe shepherd’s huts for pairs and a cottage for bigger groups, with fire pits, lake views and private wooden hot tubs that encourage time in the great outdoors.
From weird to wonderful and everything in between, there’s always something new to admire within the Crooked Swan’s decor. An extraordinary pub with beautiful bedrooms of carved wooden beds, including a pair of creative bunkbeds built into a nook in the family room, Indian doors, oil painting wallpaper and a gramophone shower head are just a few highlights.
Now owned by the National Trust, Barrington Court has beautiful farmland with public paths from where you can appreciate the natural surroundings and the elegant old Tudor mansion. Stop in at the award-winning Barrington Boar for a plate of refined comfort food and a glass of English sparkling wine.
Ceramicists Sally Tuffin and Richard Dennis sell their creations, made using fine craftsmanship that fuses traditional techniques with contemporary designs, from the converted stables of a Gothic Victorian rectory.
Inside, you’ll find world-class exhibitions at the rural outpost of this leading contemporary arts gallery. Outside, there’s a breathtaking landscaped garden by leading landscape architect Piet Oudolf to marvel over. Refuel at Roth Bar & Grill, the excellent on-site restaurant.
If you’re in need of a little respite, The Newt – with its glorious Georgian hotel and extensive gardens – is the place to have a breather. Beautiful and productive, there’s an original Roman villa, diverse woodland with deer, and flourishing vegetable gardens and apple orchards. An astonishing destination for children and adults alike, with shops, cafes and seasonal restaurant.
With a range of rooms across the Georgian manor, in the Main House, Coach House and Stable Block, as well as the indoor and outdoor pools, spa, restaurants and bars, library and walled garden – Babington House is just the place for some well-earned R&R. The ultimate countryside escape for rest, relaxation and seasonal dining.
Owned by Alice’s parents, the Burrow Hill Cider Farm is a truly magical place. Book a tour and tasting in advance or just soak up the beauty of Somerset from Burrow Hill, while walking around the orchard trail and cider house. You can buy the cider and brandy, that are made on the farm using traditional techniques.
A world so seductive, so magical, you can’t help wanting to be part of its sepia toned wonderfulness the moment you enter it.
– VOGUE
Please select your shipping location to continue to our online store.
If you had an account previously on our old website, click here to generate a new password.
Reactivate my account
Don't have an account yet? Sign up and take advantage of these benefits:
Register your email address below to receive an email notification when this product becomes available.
Swap are our trusted partner in package protection.
To submit a claim, all you need is your order number and email address. Instructions and link to the claim portal are sent via email after the purchase is complete.
Swap offset the carbon impact of all protected purchases via Tree Nation at no extra charge to you.
