Reviews
Even though it was raining on arrival Karen was there for us with a big smile, showed us around and how things worked also a tablet to help us with other things 1.e. cooker etc, we had a lovely time staying in and out of the garden hot tub etc :)
Would go again
Nigel May 2026
Karen's place was amazing; the hot tub is a great feature.
Karen made us feel right at home and was a great host; the cake and breakfast supplied were amazing. Overall, I cannot fault this place at all.
Jackson February 2026
We had the most fantastic two night stay here & would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful getaway with beautiful surroundings. The minute we arrived at Esme's Escape, everything was perfect! The hut itself is just amazing - incredibly welcoming, super clean & tidy, & had a lovely feeling of cosiness about it that made us feel instantly at home. It had everything we needed for our stay. The location is spot on for some beautiful and peaceful walks, venture a little further (as we did) & you have the Jurassic Coast - we couldn't have wished for more.
Karen had recommended the local pub for its food, we took her advice and wow!!! We were NOT disappointed!!! We have to say, this was the best steak we've EVER had!!
From time of booking to time of checking out, Karen was highly responsive to every single message / query that we sent her; she is just the most lovely, friendly and accommodating lady. We would urge anyone to book here if looking to make some beautiful memories.
We had such a relaxing trip away, it was wonderful to send some time toghether out of the city. It was so cute and cosy, especially with the log burner. A highlight was spending time in the hot tub watching the stars ***
Madeleine November 2025
Our stay at Esme's Escape was amazing! Felt right at home from the offset and even though it rained all day and was 1c we still got good use out of the hot tub! Karen was super responsive to our emssages and privided everything we needed for a lovely stay. We also got a lovely cake on arrival and the food for breakfast was amazing!
11/10 - would stay again.
Phill November 2025
Had an amazing stay. Karen couldn't do enough for us. Lots of little extras aswell. We will be back.
Nikki November 2025
We had such a relaxing trip away, it was wonderful to send some time toghether out of the city. It was so cute and cosy, especially with the log burner. A highlight was spending time in the hot tub watching the stars ***
Madeleine November 2025
Our stay at Esme's Escape was amazing! Felt right at home from the offset and even though it rained all day and was 1c we still got good use out of the hot tub! Karen was super responsive to our emssages and privided everything we needed for a lovely stay. We also got a lovely cake on arrival and the food for breakfast was amazing!
11/10 - would stay again.
Phill November 2025
Had an amazing stay. Karen couldn't do enough for us. Lots of little extras aswell. We will be back.
Nikki November 2025
We had a lovely stay over a weekend in October. The shepherds hut is well presented, well appointed, clean and super cosy.
Made use of the hot tub even in the cooler evenings, which was private along with an outside dining/ seating area.
Many thanks to Karen and Simon for the welcome, the cake and breakfast! That added touch went over and above the 'norm'. Karen directed us to the best places locally to eat/drink (I highly recommend the pub opposite and the sharing platters) and helped us with directions with a walk into Crewkerne.
Overall a lovely place to stay and would recommend this to anyone.
Kathryn October 2025
My Girlfriend and I booked Esme's Escape for a weekend away and we had a lovely time. The Shepard's hut, hot tub, and pizza oven were great and everything worked exactly as it should. The local pub (the white horse) did some fantastic food, and there are plenty of fun days out in the area and along the Dorset coastline. Karen and Simon were a very kind and helpful hosts, we hope to be back next year. Many thanks.
James
October 2025
The hosts had though of everything. What a gorgeous and magical time we had. Karen and Simon were so friendly, quick response and the tablet with videos was so helpful. Couldn't recommend staying enough.
Louise
August 2025
This was our 3rd stay at Esme's and we loved it as usual!
It was lovely to visit during the summertime and we were treated to some fantastic weather.
We appreciated the recommendation of the cider barn, the food was insanely good!
As always we received a warm and genuine welcome from Karen and Simon, and everything in the hut was perfect.
We enjoyed sampling the apples from the trees and toasting marshmallows on one evening.
Karen + Simon Thank you for another wonderful stay!
Acacia + Olly
August 2025
Lovely weekend away, was very peaceful which is just what we needed.
Perfect stay for his birthday as he loves the outdoor so the fire pit, pizza oven and heat your own hot tub was amazing.
The cake was delicious and have said definitely coming back
Thank you so much for having us!
Sasha + Ed
August 2025
Perfect little break to celebrate our 41st anniversary.
We've had a perfect time with total relaxation which is what we'd hoped for.
Karen and Simon have thought of everything. All the little extra touches made it so special. The cake was very welcome - who doesn't love a victoria sponge?
As for the hot tub - Amazing! We thoroughly enjoyed it.
The whole experience was so peaceful and relaxing and I'm sure we'll be back!
Thank you so much
Jill + Kevin
August 2025
Dear Karen + Simon
Thank nyou for creating the most idyllic spot to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life - it was the perfect escape for us - we may only live 20 mins away, but we felt we were a world away!
We sat in the hot tub until late watching the bats swoop, having a glass of wine + putting the world to rights - we loved the enormous breakfast, kept us full until we ate at the White Horse in the evening - I've never eaten so much food!
The cake, well as my daughter in law (stayed 13-15th June) said WOW! What a welcome.
We walked and descovered places we've never been before - Chard reservoir - What a find!
Thank you again
We go home chilled and relaxed
Love Suzi + Paul
July 2025
Dear Karen + Simon
What a lovely relaxing weekend we had, peaceful and private with beautiful countryside views.
The local 'Cider Barn' was a great recommendation, we had a great time!
The hot tub was just perfect, nice and relaxing and the bed was super comfy - ideal for a cosy getaway.
Thank you
Much love
Steph + tom
July 2025
The perfect relaxing weekend we needed!
Esme's Escape has everything and more - there's nothing you haven't thought of.
Thank you for your recommendations in the area. We had a great time at the Cider Barn and we are looking forward to our Sunday Roast at the White Horse!
You have been fab hosts - we will be back again for sure!
Connie, Ross and Nellie (the dog)
August 2025
Thank you so much! Just a perfect place ... feel totally relaxed. Enjoyed the deckchairs, the hot tub, the birdsong and the super comfy bed! Wonderful meal at the pub (White Horse) too. Not forgetting the cake... yum!
Jackie and Ben
July 2025
Returned to Esme's for our 4th visit and our very first wedding anniversary! The peace and tranquility of Esme's was perfect for us to sit and reminisce :)
We visited the cider Farm on the Friday for some cider + live music (highly recommended!) and spent our anniversary at the most wholesome fete. Firepit + wine by the Stars was the perfect end!
This place really is special, and it holds a very special place in our hearts - thank you as always Karen + Simon - we'll be back!!
Polly + Jonathan x
July 2025
What a wonderful weekend away! Thank you.
Just what we needed, time to relax and unwind.
Loved the hot tub and beautiful garden to sit and relax whilst listening to the birds!
We will be back!
Amy & Dylan x
July 2025
Karen + Simon,
Thank you so much for making this stay available and special for us!! We have had such a beautiful and relaxing two days! The location is gorgeous and we really appreciated the local food recommendations and the beautiful victoria sponge. We will definitely be recommending to friends + family.
All the best,
Macie + Adam
June 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful hut wiht us. We had the most wonderful stay. The hut was absolutely cosy, peaceful and the perfect escape we were hoping for.
We especially loved the hot tub! Such a relaxing treat, and it made our time there feel extra special.
And can we talk about that welcome cake? Honestly, if that's how you greet all your guests, you deserve a michelin star! We briefly considered fighting over the last slice but decided t act like civilised people. Just!
Also, a speical shoutout to the fry-up ingredients, such great quality!
Thanks again for creating such a magical little hideaway! Warm wishes
Harry & Alicia
June 2025
A perfect stay at Esme's Escape.
Everything was amazing from the moment we arrived.
Thanks again for the welcome cake and the breakfast items.
We spent our time enjoying the garden with its log burner, jacuzzi and pizza oven.
Elliott and Lizzie
June 2025
Wow! What a beautiful place to stay for a special weekend. From the moment we arrrived we were welcomed by great hosts. This was a Birthday treat for my partner and we weren't let down - far from it. A 'Happy Birthday' message was waiting by the hot tub on arrival, a heart shaped cake (with candle) Apple juice + the a locally sourced breakfast. Even the sun was shining! We thoroughly enjoyed the evenings in the hot tub (drinking local cider - go to the Cider Barn it's great), made use of the pizza oven + went back to being kids again toasting marshmallows (provided by the owner) on the fire....
...continued....
To take time out of a busy life and relax, listening to the birds singing in the garden was a real treat. We have created wonderful memories.
Esme's story and the Shephards Hut were a perfect narrative and added an extra special touch.
I am definitely in the good book with my partner!
We would happily return.
Thank you for a wonderful weekend.
Cheryl + Trey - May/June 2025
Thank you Karen + Simon,
We have enjoyed another perfect stay!! We love every detail and will most definitely return next year. It's our favourite time of year coming to enjoy Esme's 'Perfect' escape
Karen + Mark
June 2025
Well what can we say...
A step back in time with all the comforts of home - an magical stay in a 1940's - themed stunning shepherd's hut... from the moment we arrived. We were swept into a beautifully curated 1940s dream. Esme's Escape is an absolute gem - lovingly created thoughtfully styled to transport you straight into Esme's bygone era, while still offering all the creature comforts you could wish for. Every detail told a story - from the photos to the wat hats to the coupons, pennys etc. The whole hut jus wrapped around us with warmth just like a cosy hug. It wasn't all about the aesthetics Esme's Escape feels like home. with a cure hearth shaped Victoria sponge cake and apple juice waiting for us. that cake tasted like it was made with love by a loving grandmother...
...continued to outside...
We spent most of the evenings under the thick dence cloud unfortunately covering the stars. But did not spoil our stunning beautiful stay. the evenings in the hot tub whilst cooking a Delicious Pizza in the woodfired oven looking out to the views of the countryside. Then sat back with a glass of wine listening to the blackbirds chirping away.
This place is a hidden treasure. A perfect Romantic retreat for anyone craving a little nostalgia.
Thank you!
Hayley and Andrew xx
May 2025
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. We really appreciated the quality of the Shepherd's hut and all the lovely extras.
This area is so beautiful and we had glorious weather. So all in all a perfect weekend away.
And the cake was absolutely delicious!!
Thank you
Simon + Ann - May 2025
Thank you for providing teh most beautiful location for a little trip away for a few days.
We have loved exploring the local area and it has provided a welcomed break from everyday life.
Lucy & Ben - May 2025
P.S. The cake and breakafast was delicious
We had the most magical stay at Esme's Escape! The Shepherd's hut was absolutely perfect - it had everything we needed and so many beautiful touches that made it feel really special. we were greeted witha delicious cake, and the coffee maching was stocked with plendy of pods, plus there were hot chocolate-making ingredients and marshmallows - such a treat!
The breakfast pack was incredible, full of delicious local goodies that we really enjoyed. The hot tub was the cherry on top - nothing better than relaxing under the stars after a day out.
Our hosts were fantastic - always on hand if we needed anything but we also felt like we had total privacy. It was the perfect balance. Their recommendation of The White Horse pub for dinner was spot on - the food absolutely delicious.
We can't wait to come back - it was the perfect escape!
May 2025
Such a lovely sunny relaxing weekend away ffor special birthday treat. The Shephard's Hut has lots of special touches and I loved listening to the birds and reading up about Esme & Fred.
Thank you for a beautiful stay, the MOST delicious cake and a hot tub of dreams to look at the stars.
May 2025
We were blown away by the attention to detail, you really have thought of everything.
We enjoyed some sunny days down at Lyme Regis & Charmouth, and the hut was perfect to come back to after a long day of fossil hunting.
Thank you for such a warm welcome and allowing us to enjoy the beautiful space you've created.
Sarah & Jacob - April 2025
Thank you for the most Relaxing enjoyable weekend.
We loved everything about it.
Great hospitality when we arrived, and we loved your fur baby!
We will defo be back!
Dan & Jayne - March 2025
Thank you for the most perfect relaxing weekend.
We have had the best weekend.
Thank you for the scrummy full English breakfast, that was Amazing!
Thank you for everything, we will definitely be back.
Darren & Sabrina - March 2025