Our self-sufficient homestead
Back in 2014, seeking a new chapter in the countryside, Ed and Vicky stumbled upon a crumbling cowshed near Winsham, Somerset. With spectacular views across the Axe Valley, the 1950s concrete shed was an irresistible project, perfect for the chef and Pilates teacher who had been searching high and low for land to build their self-sufficient homestead.
After several tense months of planning applications, site visits and dowsing later, the flat in London was sold and Ed and Vicky packed their bags, moving to Somerset to begin their new adventure.
Ed set to work on the build. With no experience other than the odd ambitious DIY project or two, Ed’s passion and determination to transform the cowshed eventually caught the attention of Channel 4’s Grand Designs. The production team thought it a mad but interesting project and followed the build for much of 2015. You can catch the show here.
One year, one wedding, four pigs, nine chickens, six ducks and a couple of sheep later, Ed and Vicky had their self-sufficient, off-grid home: Mello View.
Several years on with two children, cows, self-catering accommodation and a barn for larger events, Mello View continues to grow and provide.
Come and stay
for a wild weekend
Come join us for a weekend in The Gardner’s Shed. It’s newly refurbished and now has a bit of living space to huddle together on those cold Autumn nights. Your neighbours will be our menagerie of farm animals, feel free to hang out with the, feed them some vegetables (broccoli is the pigs favourite!) If you’re looking for a calming city escape, this is it.
