Comparing Accommodations: Tree Houses vs. Bell Tents at West Lexham
For a getaway in the UK that is different from any other, West Lexham in Norfolk is unmatched. This eco-friendly haven is situated in a 21-acre estate and has various types of accommodations to suit different tastes and needs. The most popular among them are fascinating tree houses and lovely bell tents. Though both offer an exclusive glamping experience, they have unique aspects which make them attractive. In this article, we provide a detailed comparison of these two accommodation types, looking at their amenities provided, experiences offered, and overall appeal to help you decide on the best fit for your next holiday.
The Allure of Tree Houses: A Childhood Dream Come True
Staying in a tree house at West Lexham is like stepping into a fairy tale. These hand-built structures are designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, offering a magical escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Each tree house is unique, with its own character and charm, making it a perfect choice for families, couples, and groups of friends.
Types of Tree Houses
West Lexham boasts six luxury tree houses, each with its own distinct features:
- Tilia Tree House: The tallest of the tree houses, Tilia offers sunny, south-facing views across the canopy. It follows an open-plan design filled with unique character and creative charm. The wooden staircases, furniture, and beds are all locally hand-crafted, bringing the fairytale to life. Tilia sleeps up to six people and includes an ensuite bathroom, a log-burning cooking oven, and central heating.
- Quercus Tree House: Tucked away in its own little wood, Quercus features a south-facing deck accessed across a treetop bridge. It sleeps up to six people and includes a wood-fired kitchen, an open-plan mezzanine design, and four-poster beds.
- Sunrise Tree House: The largest tree house, Sunrise, sleeps six people between two double beds and two twins. It features French doors, an open-plan living room, two bedrooms, and Georgian sash windows.
- Ash Tree Temple: This tree house sleeps four people and is made of oak trunks to resemble a classical round temple. It includes an ensuite bathroom and a kitchenette.
- Owl Tree Temple: Similar in design to Ash Tree Temple, Owl Tree Temple sleeps two to three people and includes a double bed, an optional extra child’s bed, and a wood-burning stove.
- Tinker Tree House: The smallest of the tree houses, Tinker is perfect for two people. It features a double bedroom, a treetop balcony, and access to a quirky outdoor kitchen.
Amenities and Facilities
Tree houses at West Lexham are designed to provide a luxurious yet rustic experience. Here are some of the amenities you can expect:
- Ensuite Bathrooms: Most tree houses come with ensuite bathrooms, complete with hot showers, proper flushing toilets, and luxury linens.
- Kitchen Facilities: Depending on the tree house, you may find a fully-equipped kitchen, a wood-fired kitchen, or basic facilities like a kettle and toaster.
- Heating: Central heating and wood-burning stoves ensure that you stay warm and cosy, even during the colder months.
- Outdoor Spaces: Each tree house features a private deck or balcony, perfect for enjoying the surrounding nature and wildlife.
- Eco-Friendly Features: West Lexham is committed to sustainability, and the tree houses are no exception. They are built using locally sourced materials and are designed to have minimal impact on the environment.
Activities and Experiences
Staying in a tree house at West Lexham offers a range of activities and experiences that allow you to reconnect with nature:
- Wild Swimming: Take a dip in the beautiful lake or the naturally filtered outdoor swimming pool.
- Rowing and Boating: Enjoy a leisurely paddle in one of the rowing boats available on the lake.
- Nature Walks: Explore the 21-acre estate, which includes ancient woodlands, floating water meadows, and formal gardens.
- Yoga and Meditation: Participate in yoga sessions and meditation retreats held in the sanctuary garden.
- Campfires and Stargazing: Spend your evenings by the campfire, roasting marshmallows and stargazing.
The Charm of Bell Tents: A Glamping Experience Like No Other
For those who love the idea of camping but don’t want to sacrifice comfort, the bell tents at West Lexham offer the perfect solution. These spacious, bohemian-style tents provide all the joys of traditional camping with the added luxuries of modern life.
Types of Bell Tents
West Lexham offers a range of bell tents, each designed to provide a cosy and comfortable stay:
- Lakeside Bell Tents: Located by the lake, these tents offer stunning views and easy access to water-based activities.
- Woodland Bell Tents: Nestled in the woods, these tents provide a tranquil and secluded retreat.
- Riverside Bell Tents: Situated next to the river, these tents offer a peaceful setting with the soothing sounds of flowing water.
Amenities and Facilities
Bell tents at West Lexham are designed to provide a luxurious glamping experience. Here are some of the amenities you can expect:
- Comfortable Beds: Each bell tent sleeps up to four people and includes a double bed, a single bed, and the option of adding a second single mattress.
- Luxury Linens and Towels: Soft linens, cosy throws, and fluffy towels are provided to ensure a comfortable stay.
- Fairy Lights and Decor: The tents are lit naturally by day and strewn with magical fairy lights after dusk. They are decorated with vibrant, upcycled furniture and cosy blankets.
- Garden Wash House: A short stroll from your tent, the garden wash house features underfloor heating, hot showers, and nature-friendly toiletries.
- Communal Outdoor Kitchen: When the Garden Kitchen Café is closed, a communal outdoor kitchen is available, complete with utensils, plates, cutlery, BBQ, induction hob, microwave, kettle, and toaster.
Activities and Experiences
Staying in a bell tent at West Lexham offers a range of activities and experiences that allow you to immerse yourself in nature:
- Wild Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing swim in the lake or the naturally filtered outdoor swimming pool.
- Boating and Rowing: Take a leisurely paddle in one of the rowing boats available on the lake.
- Nature Walks: Explore the 21-acre estate, which includes ancient woodlands, floating water meadows, and formal gardens.
- Yoga and Meditation: Participate in yoga sessions and meditation retreats held in the sanctuary garden.
- Campfires and Stargazing: Spend your evenings by the campfire, roasting marshmallows and stargazing.
Comparing Tree Houses and Bell Tents
Accommodation and Comfort
- Tree Houses: Offer a more structured and enclosed space with solid walls, proper beds, and ensuite bathrooms. They provide a higher level of comfort and luxury, making them ideal for those who want a more home-like experience in nature.
- Bell Tents: Provide a more open and airy space with canvas walls, comfortable beds, and access to communal wash facilities. They offer a more traditional camping experience with added luxuries, making them perfect for those who want to feel closer to nature.
Amenities and Facilities
- Tree Houses: Come with a range of amenities, including fully-equipped kitchens, central heating, and private outdoor spaces. They are designed to provide a luxurious and comfortable stay with all the conveniences of home.
- Bell Tents: Offer basic amenities, including comfortable beds, luxury linens, and access to a communal outdoor kitchen. They provide a more rustic and minimalist experience, with a focus on simplicity and connection to nature.
Activities and Experiences
- Tree Houses: Offer a range of activities and experiences, including wild swimming, boating, nature walks, yoga, and campfires. They provide a more immersive and adventurous experience, with the added comfort of a cosy and luxurious accommodation.
- Bell Tents: Offer similar activities and experiences, including wild swimming, boating, nature walks, yoga, and campfires. They provide a more traditional camping experience with added luxuries, making them perfect for those who want to feel closer to nature.
Cost and Availability
- Tree Houses: Generally more expensive than bell tents, with prices varying depending on the size, facilities, and time of year. They are available year-round, with some tree houses offering central heating for winter stays.
- Bell Tents: More affordable than tree houses, with prices varying depending on the size, facilities, and time of year. They are available from April to October, making them a seasonal option for glamping.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to stay in a tree house or a bell tent at West Lexham, you are guaranteed a unique and memorable glamping experience. Both types of accommodations offer a range of amenities and activities that allow you to reconnect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the Norfolk countryside. Tree houses provide a more luxurious and comfortable stay, with solid walls, proper beds, and ensuite bathrooms. They are perfect for those who want a more home-like experience in nature. Bell tents, on the other hand, offer a more traditional camping experience with added luxuries, making them ideal for those who want to feel closer to nature.
Ultimately, the choice between a tree house and a bell tent comes down to personal preference and the type of experience you are looking for. Whether you prefer the cosy and enclosed space of a tree house or the open and airy feel of a bell tent, West Lexham has something to offer everyone. So why not book your stay today and experience the magic of glamping at West Lexham for yourself?
