The Ark | Luxury self-catering modern eco home | Wells, Somerset

The Ark

Wells, Somerset, UK

Infused with creative spirit, this luxury self-catering home takes its cues from the values of its wildlife conservationist owners. The Ark has been designed with Passivhaus principles, its glazed interiors filled with contemporary art and expansive spaces closely connected to the Somerset landscape.

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Introduction

At the head of a valley in rural Somerset, just moments from the city of Wells, lies a modern home that finds its muse in art and animal. It may look minimalist, but inside The Ark blends the creativity the area is known for – the Hauser & Wirth art center is close by – with the owners’ passion for wildlife. Arranged over two floors in an inverted living configuration, the design ethos of the home is one of playful sophistication – unified by the scale of its surrounding nature.

Inside

Enter The Ark and a sense of space unfolds. Despite its scale, the house is welcoming, restful and intimate, and the owners’ love of art – focused on the theme of nature and the environment – becomes clear. An explosive twin cyclone by Emilie Pugh, black and white prints from Sebastião Salgado’s Genesis series, a giant carbon footprint (using ink produced from pollution in Delhi) by musician Brian Eno. Elsewhere, Pierre Frey wallpapers and textiles add texture and richness.

Outside

Open the sliding doors on the ground floor spaces, and step onto the wraparound terrace for sprawling 180-degree views and an al fresco dining area. Steps lead down to a landscaped garden that makes clever use of the gentle slope to create terraces on which to unwind. For a wellbeing boost, a sauna and cold plunge awaits. You’ll see the topiary hippos immediately, but look closely and find coupled rhinos, argali sheep, Asian elephants – and more – making their way out of The Ark.

The Facts

  • SleepsUp to eight guests
    From £3,450 per week, £2,595 per short break
  • Alternative group optionUp to 4 guests
  • Bedrooms and bathroomsThere are four double bedrooms, three of which are en suite. All bedrooms are on the lower ground floor and there is an additional WC on the ground floor.
    View bedrooms
  • FeaturesSauna and cold plunge
  • PetsYes, two well behaved dogs are very welcome
    Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof
  • Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
  • FamilyYes, children and babies are very welcome.
  • PracticalitiesThere is parking for up to four cars. The kitchen is fully equipped with a Miele oven, gas hob, two dishwashers, a microwave, a large larder-style fridge and freezer and a Nespresso coffee machine. The utility room features a washing machine and tumble dryer. CCTV covers the entrance and parking area. Alongside the large garden, there are two fields adjacent to the house were dogs can be walked.
  • Homestay includesSmart television, Wi-Fi internet, Sonos speakers, a Nespresso coffee machine and a luxury welcome hamper with a selection of local produce.House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more
  • Private cateringWhether you're looking for a fully catered stay or a one-off meal for a special occasion, discover your bespoke catering options.
    Explore private dining
  • Eco-friendlyAir source heat pump and solar panels
  • Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questionsView floor plan

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Bedroom four features its own library
Elephant sculptures on the grounds

Prices & Availability

Wells

Cradled at the foot of the Mendip Hills, England´s smallest city has a medieval heart threaded with artisan shops, independent cafés and a twice-weekly market that fills the square with local produce, colour and chatter.

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Wells
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Getting there

  • On the Map The Ark sits just outside Wells in Somerset, close to the Mendip Hills AONB.
  • By Car Approximately three hours from London and just over an hour from Bristol.
  • By Train Castle Cary is the nearest train station, 20 minutes away by car.
  • By AirHeathrow Airport is two and a half hours away whilst Bristol Airport can be reached in approximately 40 minutes.

From the owner

“Spending time at The Ark is like floating in a hot air balloon – high in the air with the epic views over the valley spreading out below. It´s like living in a glass box. As wildlife conservationists and creatives, we wanted to fuse the creativity of Somerset with our passion for animals.”

From the owner

We bought The Ark as a new build, and worked hard to imbue it with a sense of texture and character. Given our background, it is an ode to nature: the idea of a sustainable home built with Passivhaus principles and renewable energy sources was incredibly important, and the animals in the grounds play to our concept of the house as a modern-day ark – representing the endangered species we’ve supported through our various conservation projects.

We love nothing more than spending time in the study and TV room, writing and looking out across the valley. Or snuggled down in the library, noses deep in a book. The views from the sauna and cold plunge in the garden, too, are spectacular. The house comes alive at night with the curtains drawn. It’s a time we love to throw dinner parties – with the atmospheric lighting, the house cocoons guests in an otherworldly way. We are delighted to welcome you here.

Mr and Mrs Ganesh

Owner recommendations

Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Wells with an insider's perspective.

Hauser & Wirth Somerset, Bruton

To See

Hauser & Wirth Somerset, Bruton

Occupying a former farmstead in Bruton, Hauser & Wirth Somerset is free to visit and home to a vibrant programme of exhibitions, events and artist residencies. There is also a beautiful garden to explore and an excellent café, restaurant and deli to be found amongst the art.

Wells Cathedral, Wells

To See

Wells Cathedral, Wells

Wells Cathedral is the earliest English cathedral to be built in the Gothic style. There is one of the oldest medieval clock faces in the world to gaze upon, along with the beautiful scissor arches and the picturesque medieval Vicar’s Close. Wells itself gifts visitors the happiest of potters.

The Newt in Somerset, Bruton

To Do

The Newt in Somerset, Bruton

A working country estate with magnificent gardens, cafés and restaurants. There is a Roman museum, a Beezantium (a scaled-up beehive), as well as horticultural workshops, tours and tastings and events throughout the year. And afternoon teas, always!

Osip Restaurant, Bruton

To Eat

Osip Restaurant, Bruton

Voted best restaurant in the UK in 2024, Michelin-starred chef Merlin Labron-Johnson turned Bruton into a gastronomic destination with this low-key, creative and utterly delicious restaurant. Book ahead! The best place for a special occasion or treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you're curious about pet policies, the nearest walkable pubs, or wild swimming spots, we have the answers to common property-specific queries here. For everything else, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Press

Below are a selection of features in which Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.

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Disclaimer: These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate, are set as a guideline so should not be relied upon as a statement of fact. The photographs show aspects of the property at the time they were taken and it should not be assumed that the property remains precisely as displayed. If there are points of particular importance that need clarifying before you book, please contact us.