The Newt in Somerset has unveiled Yarlington Lodge, a restored Regency estate for exclusive hire featuring 16 bedrooms, a private cinema, speakeasy bar and dedicated butler service.

The Newt in Somerset has announced the opening of Yarlington Lodge, a new private-use estate designed for exclusive stays by families and groups seeking a modern interpretation of the traditional British country house.

Located in the village of Yarlington, approximately one mile from The Newt's main estate, the property sits within 12 acres of restored gardens, woodland and grounds. Guests also have access to The Newt's wider 2,000-acre estate, which encompasses ancient woodland, orchards, gardens and agricultural facilities.

The launch marks the completion of a multi-year restoration project led by The Newt co-owner Karen Roos in partnership with Richard Parr Associates. The project centres on a Regency rectory and a collection of surrounding buildings that have been transformed into a private estate accommodating up to 32 guests.

Yarlington Lodge consists of three separate residences that share a walled garden, formal lawns, entertainment spaces and an indoor-outdoor swimming pool. At its heart is the main eight-bedroom Yarlington Lodge, which includes a library, drawing room, dining room, private cinema and speakeasy bar. The four-bedroom Coach House occupies former stables and carriage buildings, while Cottage in The Wall, also with four bedrooms, has been created from a former gardener's cottage.

The interiors reflect Karen Roos' distinctive approach to design, blending influences from Britain, France, the Netherlands, Italy and South Africa. Throughout the estate, striped wallpapers, soft furnishings and canopy-style ceilings reference Regency-era decorative traditions, while contemporary pieces sit alongside antique furniture and historic architectural features.

Literature provides another recurring theme. Bedrooms in the main house are named after characters from novels of the period, including Jane Bennet and Natalya Rostova, with copies of the corresponding books placed beside each bed. References to writers including Jane Austen, Lord Byron, Charlotte Brontë and Leo Tolstoy appear throughout the property, reflecting the intellectual and cultural atmosphere of the Regency era.

Elsewhere, bespoke Delft tiles commissioned from the Netherlands feature in the kitchen, while green marble bathrooms, vintage Fendi chairs and furniture by Hay create a layered aesthetic that combines historic and contemporary influences. The design also incorporates subtle references to both Gothic Revival architecture and the Napoleonic period, reflecting fashions that shaped Britain during the early 19th century.

The estate itself has a history stretching back several centuries. According to The Newt, the property was gifted by Henry VIII at different points to two of his queens, Catherine Howard and Katherine Parr, adding a royal connection to the site's heritage.

While the architecture and interiors draw heavily on history, the experience is designed for contemporary travellers. Guests have access to a dedicated butler team who can arrange services including childcare, spa treatments and personal training sessions. Private chefs are also available to create bespoke menus using ingredients sourced from The Newt's gardens, creamery and butchery.

The estate has been conceived as a setting for both relaxation and celebration. Families can make use of the swimming pool, tennis court and cinema, while larger gatherings can be hosted in the Palm House, courtyard and gardens. Evening entertainment can continue in the property's private speakeasy bar.

Yarlington Lodge also serves as a base from which to explore The Newt's wider Somerset estate, including its gardens, orchards, woodland trails and cyder-making facilities. Seasonal events and experiences hosted by The Newt are also available to guests staying at the property.