When railways first came into general use in the late 19th century in England, they opened up not only transport for people, but also for goods. This was a great awakening for the farmers of the Somerset area because they were able, finally, to send their fresh produce to London.

Look at Room in a Productive Garden, also known as the gym or fitness centre at The Newt in Somerset. It shows how much care the estate’s owners, Koos Bekker and Karen Roos, put into everything.

Ultra luxury requires consistency, with elements of surprise, and the folks at The Newt in Somerset know that well. At the moment the kitchens are displaying, and serving, a ‘Krug x carrot’ starter.

The Newt in Somerset is not a hotel, it’s an estate, the Emily Estate, probably at least 800 acres, although some people say it’s more. It belongs to South Africa’s media-design couple, Koos Bekker, the Tencent and Napster genius, and his wife, Karen Roos.