Tucked away in the rolling hills of the British countryside, Louma was once a family farm. Its position overlooking the Jurassic Coast is more Italian, a little bit French and not at all the kind of place that you would expect to find in Dorset. With over 100 acres of farmland, the philosophy at Louma is simple, the belief that a quiet place, one that is rooted in nature can spark change, a reminder of the deep beauty in simple things. One of the cosiest hotels immersed in nature in our roundup, the accommodations in beautifully restored farm buildings range from the elegant farm house to cosy stone barns, timber stables and star-lit cabins.
The six rooms in the main farmhouse all have windows that frame that view, over the vineyards and rolling fields towards the sea. Rooms are all named according to the sounds or sights that surround Louma: Tawny is the room where owls can be heard calling from the ancient oak forest, Dewdrop has glorious views over the garden and Seabird is named after the Herring Gulls that fly inland at night. The rooms are decorated in a palette of pale pinks, greens and with a carefully edited selection of books. The sitting room, dining room and snug area all have huge windows and are filled with comfortable sofas, huge lamps and a giant ottoman upholstered in African inspired fabric. The interiors are a perfect blend of the owners Louis and Emma Steyn, he is the son of a South African tycoon and she’s from the English countryside.
Photo: Jonathan Bond
From the moment you arrive at Louma there is a sense of absolute peace, and this is reflected in everything and everyone that works here from the brilliant yoga teacher who conducts classes in the Cow Barn yoga studio with the herd of often quite noisy cows munching hay beneath. Massage treatments are in shepherds huts surrounded by wild herbaceous borders. Children are welcome at Louma and there are also indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a Woodland Walkway through the trees. Much of the food is grown in the immaculate garden and greenhouse and the food, always exquisitely presented, is seasonal. Louma is one of those rare hotels that has simply got everything right, from the Roberts Radios in the rooms to the homemade yoghurt for breakfast and with one of the best views in England. Private transfers are arranged from the local train station.
Loire Valley Lodges, France
Photo: Julien Deprez
