Reviews

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

I cannot express how wonderful a stay I had here - just what was needed. Suddenly finding myself at a crossroads in my life, I booked just 24 hours before my arrival - yet the service was 5*. The attention to detail and inclusion of breakfast items, toiletries & towels/robe made my stay effortless and so relaxing.
Karen - you have created something truly magical here. Thank you
Connie - Feb/March 2025
Thank you for the best relaxing stay. We have truly had the most special time - just what we needed.
Thank you for everything we will definitely be back!
Alex & George - February 2025
Thank you for a lovely, relaxing stay. We have had the best time. 
We loved our full Englush breakfast and the food at the White Horse was amazing.
Thank you we will definitely be back!
Lois & Ben - February 2025
Valentine's weekend. 
Had a fabulous weekend stay. Exactly what we needed & at the very right time.
Thank you for everything it has been so relaxing & peaceful.
Highly recommend the White Horse pub just down the road, the sharing platters were amazing.
Kerry & Lewis - February 2025
I have looked through the amazing reviews on here and they are all from couples. There is one, possible two from me as I came many times with my husband.
Sadly he died very suddenly in June & my solo visit here has been part of my grief - my fist solo holiday somewhere I love.
I was greeted with lovely hugs & I have really enjoyed my time with the log fire & watching films & reading. I have recommended to all my "widow" friends as a place to "find yourself" again.
Thank you Simon & Karen.
Sue December 2024
Thank you for a lovely stay! Perfect getaway and much needed break from busy life.
Although we didn't use the hot tub and pizza oven because of the storm. we enjoyed a cosy weekend, playing card games, cooking a meal, cake as dessert and managed to get up the iPad to watch some films.
Would love to come back in the Summer! :)
Thank you for the birthday set up for my boyfriend, and the breakfast was delicious!!
Natalya & Jake - December 2024
Thank you so so much for an amazing stay!
A surprise from my husband to celebrate our new/1st grandson. The peace & quiet was exceptional, as was the Victoria sponge cake & the amazing Breakfast!
Karen & Simon you have established a little piece of Heaven on Earth.
Thank you
Damian & Laura - November 2024
We couldn't have enjoyed our stay more!!!
It completely exceeded our expectations. Karen and Simon - you made us feel so welcome and straight at home.
All of the small touches made such a special feel to the hut.
We will be back :)
Izzie and Jack - November 2024
Yet another relaxing time in Esme's. It is our second time here and it was as good as before. 
Thank you for the lovely cake which was delicious
lots of trips out and the views from Winyard Pub was stunning, we will be back again.
Elaine & Tony - October/November 2024
Thank you for an amazing stay!
you really made my birthday memorable.
We loved the hot tub & log fire.
The peace & quiet was just what we needed. We're looking forward to coming again.
Jaz & Nick - October 2024
Thank you so much for a lovely birthday weekend. 
You go above and beyond to make everything special & perfect. It's all as wonderful as we remember from our last time. Our little pooch Nala had an amazing 1st holiday running around the garden. 
We're all going home truly relaxed.
Thanks again for a magical stay
Aaron, Becky & pup Nala - October 2024
Karen & Simon, thank you so much for everything, you really have thought of every last detail.
It took us a while to figure out the pizza oven & hot tub but once we managed it was lovely!
the story of Esme & Fred is so sad yet so beautiful, we don't want to leave!  I absolutely love the postcards too, I have sent one back to my nan on the Isle of White! 
Ella & Kate - October 2024