Guest testimonials
We have had a lovely time in your amazing house. We especially enjoyed the wonderful view. Thank you for the welcome hamper and the lovely flowers. Our dogs loved the cosy bed!
What a beautiful house with the most amazing interior design. Loved it all — the classic chairs, the comfy beds, the ´wallpapers´, the library, the rugs, the furniture, the tiles, the view... everything! We want to move in!!
Thank you for such an amazing break in your stunning home. We really appreciated all the little touches, the welcome hamper was most welcome! Loved all the art and the books! Thank you - we will certainly return to this spectacular house.
The Ark is completely extraordinary and one of the most amazing homes we have ever stayed in. We were a party of nine celebrating my husband´s 60th birthday. There was plenty of room for all of us - we loved the floor-to-ceiling windows and the wraparound balcony, the grounds and the sauna. We had lunch at Hauser & Wirth and The Manor House Inn at Ditcheat. But mostly we just wanted to stay at the property. Couldn´t have hoped for a better birthday bash!
Thank you so much for hosting us in your beautiful home. The sweeping views are stunning and we had some lovely warm days and sunsets here. We also love your art! The Emilie Pugh in the entrance hall is lovely. All the little details like fresh flowers, delicious treats and extra loo roll all did not go unnoticed. Thank you again!
We had a perfect time in this lovely house. Enjoyed/appreciated the house, the welcome hamper/articles, the fresh flowers and all the art. Amazing! The master bedroom was so comfy and relaxing. The views are stunning. Our dog loved the dog bed and of course the garden, lovely to sniff around. Thanks for letting us stay.
We had a very relaxing stay in your comfortable and stylish home. The master bed was very comfy! We had lovely walks and trips out – Shepton Mallet prison and escape room was great! Cheddar Gorge beautiful. We ate several times at the George Inn in Croscombe which was great food and very friendly. Loved your art - especially the light box! So cool!
One of the very best Unique Homestays we have stayed in.
Thank you for such an amazing break in your stunning home. We loved just sitting and watching the hills and listening to the birds. We really appreciated all the little touches, the welcome hamper was most welcome! I loved all the art and the books! Thank you – we will certainly return to this spectacular house.
It was an amazing property and it allows dogs. We have stayed at about six Unique Homestays and this was the best so far. We are always very satisfied with the properties. They are always such high quality.
Thank you so much for hosting us in your beautiful home. We have some visiting family here from Melbourne to see their London children and grandson. The sweeping views are stunning and we had some lovely warm days and sunsets here. We also love your art! All the little details like fresh flowers, delicious treats and extra sundries did not go unnoticed. Thank you again!
Read more reviews on TrustPilot and Google or hear from the owner
The Ark
Wells, Somerset, UK
Up to 8 guests
Yes, two well behaved dogs are very welcome
Children and babies are welcome.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. Read more...
Allows babes in arms
Allows children
Two well behaved dogs welcome
Wi-Fi
Sauna
TV
Barbecue
Cold plunge
Pub within walking distance
Eco-friendly
Cot
Highchair
Garden games
Sound system- More
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.
There 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.
Bedroom One
Emperor-Size Bed
The principal bedroom with its vibrant wallpaper boasts extensive views over the garden. This bedroom benefits from an en suite bathroom with a bath, double sinks and a separate shower. Doors lead onto the garden.
Bedroom Two
King-Size Bed
The second bedroom has a king-size bed and an en suite shower room. This bedroom benefits from doors that lead out to the garden.
Bedroom Three
King-Size Bed
The third bedroom has a king-size bed and benefits from an en suite shower room.
Bedroom Four
Super King-Size Bed
This bedroom with its super king-size bed has sole use of the adjacent family shower room. Sliding doors lead straight onto the garden.
Family Shower Room
Bathroom
The family shower room sits on the ground floor and features a rainfall shower.
- PricingFrom £3,450 per week, £2,595 per short break for up to 8 guests
An alternative group size of up to 4 guests is available during selected periods at a reflective rate - FeaturesSauna and cold plunge
- PetsYes, two well behaved dogs are very welcome
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - FamilyChildren and babies are 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
- Private cateringWhether you're looking for a fully catered stay or a special meal to mark an occasion, you'll find private chef options in your house book, available once your booking is confirmed
- RetreatsFrom surf lessons to dawn yoga and adrenaline-fuelled adventures, we work with the most inspirational of experts to ensure a truly tailored stay. On confirmation of booking, these details will be shared within your house book
- Eco-friendlyAir source heat pump and solar panels
Arrivals & departures
Arrival time: 4pm
Departure time: 10am
Other information
Fresh produce
- A crusty loaf of bread made by our local chef
- A homemade cake also made by our chef
- Milk
- Free range eggs
- Butter
- A selection of local cheeses
- Savoury biscuits for cheese
- Local fruit jam
- Fresh fruit
- Two bottles of wine (one red, one white)
Please note - the owners strive to source the best produce for your welcome hamper, however, the contents may vary slightly depending on the season and amount of people comprising your party.
Those all-important little luxuries
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Freshly cut flowers
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Luxury handwash
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Luxury bed linen and towels
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A selection of breakfast and herbal teas
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Ground coffee
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Instant coffee
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Olive oil
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Bluetooth speaker
- Board games
- Croquet set
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Hairdryer x 2
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Condiments, dried herbs and spices
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Dog towels
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Dog bowls
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Recipe books
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An extensive collection of the owners books
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Crockery and cutlery for infants
- Children's books
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Highchair and travel cot
House book - your property and destination guide
Together with the owners, we've collated everything you'll need to make the most of your experience, from insider tips on local gems to practical property information, all in one digital house book, shared the moment you book.
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.
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.
“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.”
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
Discover the best destinations, experiences and restaurants to visit during your stay in Wells. A larger selection of recommendations will be available in the property's digital house book.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
There are no FAQs specific to this property yet. If you have a question not covered by our standard FAQs please reach out to our team who will be happy to help.
Below are a selection of features in which The Ark and 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.
complete an image bank request
Ease into autumn
Country Living
September 20267 dramatic castles for faithfuls and traitors alike
Country Living
September 202621 cosy cottage breaks for autumn
The Times
September 2026Yearncations are the travel trend set to take over this autumn
Condé Nast Traveller
September 2026The endless horizon
COAST
September 2026More characterful cottages in the UK
The Times
September 20268 lesser-known islands to explore around the UK
SheerLuxe
September 2026The secret UK getaways where you can escape Britain´s summer crowds
Daily Mail
August 2026
Related collections
Collections > Luxury staycations in the UK > UK > Somerset > Wells > The Ark
