about
ASHFELL
the lifelong vision...
- and our lifelong passion for nature, quality, and going above and beyond has created Ashfell.
We’re Jo & Jem,
We’re dreaming BIG, and we’re not holding back until we get there…
Ashfell is more than just
a hideaway destination &
woodland retreat;
it's the embodiment of childhood dreams and the culmination of over a decade of searching for the perfect place to allow that dream to grow…
For Jem, the dream began in the boundless imagination of a child, nurtured into a vision of a lush, sustainable retreat built through skilled craftsmanship that has been learnt over 30 years for this very purpose.
Turning the dream into REALITY
This is the stuff memories are made of.
Our commitment to sustainability is evident in every initiative, from repurposing fallen wood to planting for the future with a diverse mix of native and adaptive species.
After years of searching, we found the rugged woodland of Ashfell that whispered potential with every rustle of its leaves. Four dedicated years on, we've turned overgrown thickets into a glade of tranquillity, where every element from the soil to the tallest ash is treasured and nurtured. Together with Jo’s background in hospitality, the visitor economy in Lincolnshire and an eye for the extraordinary, we are transforming this vision into a tangible experience and an exclusive destination to be enjoyed by many. Together, we've journeyed through careers that have not just shaped our professional expertise but have also stoked the fires of our personal aspirations and with family at the heart of everything we do, especially our beautiful boy Bo, we are driven to create something incredibly special for now and for generations into the future.
Living the PROMISE
We don't just offer an escape; we offer a piece of our dream.
We're not building a business; we're crafting a legacy.
This isn't about a fleeting venture; it's about laying down roots for a future where our family and yours can flourish together.
Our hands shape the land, our hearts serve our guests, and our story intertwines with each person who becomes a part of the Ashfell community.
Future PLANS
GROUNDING FOUNDATIONS
phase
PHASE 01
Completion of the essential facilities: our eco-friendly yet premium quality toilets and showers are taking shape, ensuring luxury and comfort that doesn't cost the earth.
The Woodland Kitchen begins to simmer, offering a communal hearth where stories and recipes are shared alike. This permanent roofed outdoor kitchen will be included in the facilities available to every guest.
Welcoming our first guests to the antique furnished bell tent, complete with log-burner (that can sleep up to six individuals) and to the van-lifer pitches – your slice of serenity starts here.
BRANCHING OUT
phase
PHASE 02
Construction of the first two cabins and the treehouse, each a testament to sustainable luxury.
The establishment of the freshwater swimming space with a deck that invites the sun to dance on the water's surface.
The continued enrichment of our soil and soul, as we reintroduce native flora, bringing the buzz and bloom back to Ashfell.
FLOURISHING FUTURES
phase
PHASE 03
The realisation of our signature event calendar, brimming with activities that make every visit a novel experience.
The opening of the smallholdings, where chickens cluck amidst the gardens and the laughter of children discovering life's simple joys.
The crafting of our dream home, the heart of Ashfell, complete with a kitchen garden for all to draw inspiration from.
THE CANOPY OF DREAMS
phase
PHASE 04
Full completion of all guest accommodations, with each space telling its own story, a narrative of nature and nurture.
The expansion of our on-site workshops, where skills are passed down and new passions are ignited.
The integration of a fully-operational organic cycle, where every aspect of Ashfell contributes to and thrives off the land.
Tracing the Root of ASHFELL
The journey SO FAR...
Our hands, hearts, and hopes have worked hard to heal and invigorate every inch of Ashfell. We began by clearing away the old, recycling rotting wood into nurturing compost, and allowing the land to breathe once more. Bracken, ivy, and undergrowth, once a choking shroud, were removed, their ashes returned to the earth as a homage to the circle of life.
The small trees that overshadowed their majestic elders were thoughtfully removed, making space for our broadleaf species to thrive and flourish. Our endeavours honoured the delicate balance of nature, giving our ash, oak and elms room to stretch towards the sky, giving them the space we all crave.
The wisdom of a local agronomist helped us sow the seeds of a new beginning. Under her guidance, we nurtured a lush glade, a soft carpet of grass beneath the towering trees. We continued to plant with purpose, with an eye towards conservation and the coming challenges of ash dieback, introducing a blend of native and adopted tree species to ensure diversity and resilience.
Our commitment to the land extended to its very veins as ancient ditches were revived, now weaving through the woodland, ensuring life-giving water flowed as intended. We sowed wild and meadow flowers, inviting the hum of bees and the flutter of butterflies, turning Ashfell into a living tapestry of nature's finest.
Our journey so far has been one of boundless passion and dedication. We are sharing this land's evolution with friends and kindred spirits, gathering their smiles and stories as the most genuine testimonials to our mission. Each mini-festival, each stay, each moment of connection with nature has been a brick in the foundation of our vision.
As you step into Ashfell, you step into our story, into a narrative that speaks of conservation, connection, and the collective joy of shared experiences. This journey so far is just the prelude to an ongoing adventure, one we invite you to join as we forge ahead, writing new chapters under the shelter of Ashfell's canopy.
Welcome to our journey so far; welcome to the sanctuary we call home.
'Ashfell' is not just a name; it's a reflection of our deep commitment to the environment and the story of our land…
Rooted in the woodland that sprawls across our retreat, dominated by ash trees threatened by ash dieback, the name honours both the present and the future. Ash trees, facing an uncertain fate, are being responsibly felled and replaced with oaks and fellow indigenous species to preserve the ecological balance. 'Ashfell' thus stands as a testament to this cycle of care and regeneration — it signifies both the act of felling the ash trees and the promise of renewal through the arrival of saplings that take their place, sustaining the woodland's legacy.
What's in a NAME?
Our sustainable PLEDGE
Our stewardship of the land is rooted in respect and responsibility. From rewilding with native flora to managing ash dieback, every action is taken with the future in mind. We’re not just maintaining; we’re enhancing the ecological balance.
conscious conservation
1.
Sustainability extends beyond the land—it’s about supporting our community. By collaborating with local artisans, farmers, and businesses, we contribute to a sustainable economy that benefits everyone involved.
caring for our community
2.
Your stay at Ashfell is designed to leave a light footprint. Our accommodations are crafted with eco-conscious materials, our activities promote environmental awareness, and even our luxurious finishing touchers are grounded in earth-friendly practices.
eco-friendly experiences
3.
Energy at Ashfell will be harnessed from the elements—responsible wood-burning and eventually solar power will ensure that your comfort doesn’t come at a cost to the planet.
renewable
by nature
4.
We strive for a zero-waste operation, recycling natural materials into compost, utilising every resource thoughtfully, and always looking for ways to reduce our impact.
zero waste
ambitions
5.
Experience creature comforts that don’t compromise on care. At Ashfell, indulge in the richness of nature and the assurance that together, we’re fostering a healthier planet.
sustainable
luxury
6.
Nature at ASHFELL
Our land is a sanctuary for an array of wildlife; from soaring buzzards and kites to stealthy badgers and graceful deer.
Discover the raw beauty of Ashfell's skies, where sunsets blaze and starlit nights reveal the season's character constellations in stunning clarity. As night descends, bats dance in the dusk, and a wealth of species from the animal kingdom call Ashfell home. Spot everything from squirrels to owls, and listen for the distinct sounds of the woodpecker and for the keen-eyed, there's a kaleidoscope of butterflies and moths, including the impressive privet hawk moth.
Marvel out our quirky lizards (ok... newts) that dash about, or listen to the echo of lapwings, merlins, sparrowhawks, and an array of other birds. There’s never a dull moment here at Ashfell.
Want to delve deeper into Jo & Jem’s STORY and the roots of ASHFELL?
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