If you’re looking to escape the Big Smoke but don’t actually have the time to travel that far away, then Birch is going to be the place for you. Just 30 minutes north of London, the property is set in 55 acres of grounds and will have 140 bedrooms, an interactive bakery, three bars and two restaurants run by Robin Gill – the casual Valerie’s and the farm-to-table The Zebra Riding Club.
There’ll also be a wellness space with a gym, fitness studios (for yoga, HIIT and spin classes), a 25m lido, and pottery, art, music and screening rooms. The place has been designed to help you disconnect from that city life – that means no TVs or desks in the rooms, and activities like beekeeping and foraging with farmer Tom. There will be co-working space on site if you absolutely have to get back on the emails though.
Birch will be open to everyone, meaning you can book in for dinner or stay the night, with a membership scheme that lets you come and go as you please – and it’s all just a train ride away.
Opens June 2020
Lieutenant Ellis Way, Cheshunt, EN7 5HW
birchcommunity.com