Last weekend, I escaped with my whole family to a magical little corner of Suffolk — The Lost Garden Retreat, a boutique glamping place so beautifully designed with sustainability at its heart. It has a spirit of warmth and authenticity that’s rare to find. You'll feel restored and inspired, whether you’re planning a wedding nearby, a weekend away, or a wellness break. I know we’ll be back. Especially loved sitting in the hammock egg chair sketching ideas for our new fashion range.
The Lost Garden Retreat
There are just four luxurious safari tents here, each one beautifully decorated with its own style and identity, and were made bespoke. They’re fully kitted out with kitchens and bathrooms, complete with spoiling details that make you feel instantly at home. We stayed in the Artist’s Retreat, set right next to a three-tiered lake — the views were breathtaking. At night, we heard owls hooting, birdsong by day, and even spotted deer wandering through the woodland. A curious little robin hopped straight into our cabin one morning, as if to welcome us in.
Every tent has its own hot tub, and there’s an honesty shop for essentials. Outside, a BBQ makes family dinners extra special. With space for up to 24 people across the site, it’s the perfect place to gather together with loved ones.
Where is it?
Tucked away in the heart of ancient woodland, where Victorians used to enjoy, nestled in the heart of the Suffolk wilderness. It really feels like another world entirely, a place where time slows down and you're surrounded by so much nature and wildlife.
Situated near the Suffolk Essex border which is home to many nearby beautiful and iconic chocolate box towns and villages. It may take a little while to find, down a little road that's so easy to miss, but that’s part of its charm — and once you’re there, you’ll never want to leave.
Sustainability at the heart
The Lost Garden Retreat has been lovingly created by Elisa and Richard Bostock, who poured years of thought and research into building a place that treads lightly on the earth. Sustainability runs through everything here, from the natural canvas tents to the reclaimed and reimagined furniture inside them.
It’s clear that every detail has been considered — the décor is stylish but mindful, the hot tubs are eco-friendly, and local makers and businesses have been carefully chosen to supply beautiful products like Plum & Ashby bath and body treats in the bathrooms.
For us, this is what makes The Lost Garden Retreat so special: it’s not just about luxury for the sake of it, but its beautiful design done thoughtfully and with purpose. Something that's the same as our own creative and design approach to how we create our dresses.
Nature and the arboretum
The retreat sits in Home Wood, an ancient arboretum first designed in the 18th century by the Lloyd sisters. Walking among its trees feels like stepping into living history. There are Wellingtonias, Sequoias, silver birches, and exotic pines — a true treasure trove for tree lovers. They collected seedlings for amazing trees from all around the world and planted them here.
And then there’s the wildlife: dragonflies skimming the lake, kingfishers darting across the water, woodpeckers echoing through the woods, and the quiet magic of deer appearing when you least expect it. We saw several darting about! There's also ducks, sparrowhawks, badgers, deer, squirrels and otters love a little walk through the woods.
And where there was once a swimming pool is now a three tiered beautiful lake. And when the owners dug up the area they found the original diving board and another lake.
Every season brings its own beauty, from golden autumn leaves to the rhododendrons of summer.
The cabins
The safari tent cabins blends rustic charm with understated luxury. Its private deck looks out across the three-tiered lake and comes with a Scandinavian wooden eco-tub, BBQ, picnic table, and a hearty fire pit with seating made from timber sourced right from the surrounding woodland. There are even meditation stumps placed by the water — the perfect spot to watch the sun rise or set in complete peace.
Inside, it’s all about comfort. There’s space for six, with a king-size bed in the master room, bunk beds, and a cabin bed that children (and adults) will love. Think soft linens, snuggly throws, cowhides, and enamelware that add to the nostalgic, homely feel.
For chilly evenings, the wood-burner and large sofa are just the thing, while the bathrooms offer serious spa vibes with underfloor heating, a clawfoot bath, walk-in shower, and Plum & Ashby toiletries. The kitchen is brilliantly equipped too — from wine cooler to dishwasher — so you’ll have everything you need for a feast.
If you're getting married...
While The Lost Garden Retreat isn’t a wedding venue in itself, it makes a wonderful place to stay if you’re getting married at nearby Hintlesham Hall. The historic manor, just a short stroll away, hosts beautiful weddings and has a spa, restaurant, and rolling grounds.
We loved the idea of bridal couple and their friends staying at The Lost Garden as their own peaceful sanctuary before and after the big day. With its space, privacy, and serenity, it’s a perfect complement to a Hintlesham Hall celebration.
The story behind it
Elisa and Richard Bostock dreamed up The Lost Garden as a way to revive the history of the land and create something restorative and meaningful. A place that Richard grew up and was a playground, this place is ten years in the making and a real labour of love.
This woodland was once the Pleasure Gardens of the Hintlesham Hall estate once painted by Gainsborough — a place where people strolled down sweeping avenues, where lanterns lit up summer evenings, and even where oysters were enjoyed on the lakeside by Victorians. The lake used to be a swimming pool. It originally belonged to the Lloyd sisters who lived at the hall in the 1700s and in pre-war times the gentry would come down to enjoy the privacy. There would have been a tearoom. Apparently the remains of which you can you can still see further up. According to my sister, this whole place used to be cornered off, a real secret garden closed off from the outside world.
By carefully restoring the land, they’ve given it a new life — one that blends history, sustainability, and simple beauty.
Things to do
There’s so much more than just relaxing in your tent (though you could happily do just that all weekend). Here are a few of our highlights:
Wellness & treatments – book a massage, yoga or Pilates class, or simply unwind in the eco hot tub.
Luxury hampers – order ahead and enjoy a breakfast, BBQ, or weekend hamper with the very best local produce.
Walks & pubs – wander through the woods, discover the local country pubs, or dip your toes in the lake.
Coastal day trips – visit the seaside towns of Aldeburgh and Southwold, just a short drive away, for fish and chips, sandy beaches, and sea air.
More beautiful design with beautiful ethics
We’ll keep sharing more beautifully designed pieces that spark joy and celebrate thoughtful design. That's at the heart of everything we do at Sabina Motasem ✨
This is what beautiful design should be all about. Bringing joy and making you feel good.
For more information:
Homewood, Hintlesham,
Suffolk, IP8 3JG
Email: info@thelostgardenretreat.com
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