Discover Fritton Lake, a sustainable escape in Norfolk where preservation and regeneration guide every aspect of your eco-friendly retreat.
Nestled within 5,000 acres of Norfolk and Suffolk countryside, Fritton Lake is a getaway that embodies the principles of sustainability, preservation, and regeneration. The visionaries behind this nature-centric retreat, Hugh and Lara Somerleyton, are committed to restoring the biodiversity lost to previous generations’ farming practices and ensuring that future generations inherit an environment that thrives.
For Fritton Lake, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword but a deeply embedded practice. Hugh and Lara’s journey began with their land, dedicating 1,000 acres to rewilding efforts where flora and fauna coexist to foster a balanced ecosystem. The rest of the estate operates as a regenerative agriculture farm, demonstrating that food production and environmental stewardship can coexist. The club itself is built to reflect a minimal impact on the surrounding environment, from ground-source heated pools to low-tech, eco-conscious gym equipment. Their design ethos ensures every detail, from eco-friendly paints to recyclable flooring, enhances the space while remaining true to their sustainability mission.
“We’ve carefully considered every choice, from avoiding concrete roads to sourcing local, seasonal food for our guests,” explains the Somerleytons. This careful balance of sustainability and luxury is visible throughout the resort, where nature safaris offer guests a firsthand glimpse of biodiversity restoration in action.
The creation of a heated outdoor pool that could be enjoyed year-round posed a challenge, but the use of ground source heating helped surmount this hurdle. “We wanted to offer luxury without compromising our values,” Hugh notes. Every aspect of Fritton Lake’s operations is evaluated for its environmental impact, including a strict no-waste policy and the exclusive use of eco-friendly cleaning products.
The estate goes further in reducing its carbon footprint, with solar panels powering much of the estate, and hot tubs and saunas heated with wood from the estate itself. “Guests are invited to embrace this ethos during their stay, and through simple practices, like limiting towel use, they can help reduce our environmental impact,” Lara adds.
At the heart of Fritton Lake’s sustainability mission lies a deep commitment to biodiversity. The Somerleytons have given over 20% of their land to rewilding and have created immersive guest experiences around it. Whether it’s a nature safari by boat, paddleboard, or on foot, guests can experience the results of the estate’s conservation efforts firsthand. This biodiversity restoration is mirrored in their partnership with WildEast, a movement that aims to create biodiversity corridors across the East of England.
Fritton Lake doesn’t just protect nature—it uplifts the local community. From sourcing vegetables from nearby Clinks Care Farm to offering kombucha brewed locally, the resort ensures that every meal at their Clubhouse supports local businesses. Regular food-focused events provide guests with an opportunity to learn about the estate’s sourcing philosophy and connect with the land.
For those seeking an eco-friendly retreat, Fritton Lake offers an array of wellness experiences designed to connect guests with nature. From wild swimming and yoga by the lake to foraging walks and outdoor meditation, every activity makes use of the estate’s natural beauty while minimizing its impact on the environment. “People come here for wellness, and our focus is on nature-based activities that leave a minimal footprint,” explains Hugh.
The estate’s approach to sustainability is also reflected in the spa treatments, where only organic products in sustainable packaging are used, ensuring that guests can relax knowing that even their wellness treatments are eco-conscious.
Fritton Lake’s commitment to sustainability is not static. As part of their ongoing journey, every department within the resort is tasked with finding new ways to reduce their environmental impact. “Sustainability isn’t a trend; it’s a necessity,” says Hugh. “We see the demand for more sustainable travel options, and our goal is to continually improve the way we work with the land.”
With their eyes set on creating a future where tourism coexists harmoniously with nature, Fritton Lake is not only a leader in the sustainable tourism space but a testament to what can be achieved when preservation and regeneration are placed at the heart of a business.
Whether you come for the wild swimming, the nature safaris, or simply to relax in the peaceful surroundings, Fritton Lake offers an authentic, eco-friendly retreat where sustainability and luxury are seamlessly intertwined.
From £130 per night
All bookings can be made through https://www.thehotelguru.com
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