ABOUT US

Hi, we are Ronnie and Josephine, the owners of Hawthorn Hideaway. We would love to welcome you to our little slice of heaven, a couples retreat with luxury accommodation including 2 lodges and 1 unique narrowboat. We started planning this small family business, following Ronnie's diagnosis of cancer when our daughter Melody was just 1 month old in 2014. Our priorities changed and with Ronnie working in music as a Production Manager, a job he loved dearly but being away in London Monday to Friday was no longer viable. The focus for our little family became about spending more quality time together and Ronnie getting fitter and enjoying the outdoors more. So we decided initially to create a glamping site as this was all the rage at the time and to move closer to our family in Lincolnshire. However, we found a beautiful spot in the Nottinghamshire countryside and from there our ideas grew and developed and matured into what it is today. A unique retreat for couples, with definite features of glamping but taking things to the next level of comfort, luxury and style.

When we opened in August 2020 Ronnies health was good and the cancer in regression and despite covid the business thrived and as it turned out we were the perfect place to stay and isolate during the pandemic. Unfortunately in December 2021, not long after filming for the Channel 4 show, Four In A Bed , things took a turn for the worst and the cancer had spread and the treatment became palliative. But despite this and the worse few years of our lives we continued with Hawthorn Hideaway and I continued my other job as a GP and we have continued to receive 5 star reviews and glowing feedback from our guests on our website, Google, Facebook and Tripadvisor. Despite multiple hospital admissions, near death experiences and multiple surgeries Ronnie is still enjoying life and enjoying working on what we have created in our beautiful garden. We really believe the business has been a massive part in Ronnies recovery and has pushed him mentally and physically and also given him something to be proud of and to share with Melody. Our love of animals has led to special memories of hatching chicks and ducklings that now call Hawthorn Hideaway home, becoming friends with the local swans Sid and Nancy and hearing from guests the pleasure and enjoyment they get from all our feathered friends especially the chickens.

We have loved meeting the many couples that have come through our gates and there are some we would now call friends. We have created some special experiences by collaborating with other local businesses, who provide massage treatments, private fine dining experiences, boat trips, photo shoots, intimate weddings and celebration packages of flowers, balloons and locally handmade chocolates. We take each day as it comes and look forward to many more. Its been an exciting journey and we have loved where this has taken us and especially our time on Four In A Bed. We hopefully look forward to seeing you here one day.

Here is what to expect from the Hawthorn Hideaway experience...
 
Hawthorn Hideaway sits in a 2-acre area including a woodland adjacent to our home and the scenic Chesterfield Canal. You are free to call if there is anything you need.  Arrive through our gated and secure entrance, with car parking and bike storage provided for your use. The lodges and boat are only a short walk away. You have the use of your own personal garden trolley throughout your stay to transport your luggage up to your lodge, boat or your goodies to the BBQ cabin. 
 
For exclusivity there are only 2 lodges and 1 narrowboat on site, Owl Lodge, Swan Lodge and Kingfisher, all individually designed, uniquely styled and well-spaced apart. The lodges are insulated and also have double glazed windows and patio doors letting the outside in. Enjoy the view of the woodland and listen to the birdsong from your private raised deck. Listen out for the owls at night or maybe a woodpecker pecking away in the day. If you are lucky, you might catch the blue flash of a kingfisher flying across the pond or canal. The narrowboat is also insulated with a large deck to the back and a smaller one to the front.
 
All are made specifically for two, with Owl Lodge and Kingfisher having a feature king size bed and Swan Lodge a feature super-king-sized bed...truly glamorous. Each has its own private hot tub, fire bowl BBQ, en suite facilities and a small, well-equipped kitchen, with a dishwasher. Enjoy being close to nature but with all the luxuries of a top-quality hotel. Everything is provided for your enjoyment and convenience. Just bring clothing, food and drink. Or if you don't fancy cooking, why not try one of our meal options.

Why not surprise your loved one with a celebration package of flowers, balloons or both, loving prepared and presented in your accommodation ready for your arrival. Our florist can discuss your requirements with you for your special occasion. Or book an afternoon tea for 2 delivered to your accommodation at a time that suits you. 

Start off the day with your complimentary welcome breakfast hamper of delicious produce. Cook this indoors with your gas cooker, oven and grill or outside using your fire bowl BBQ. Then burn off those calories with a hike or bike ride down the canal towpath. 
 
On another day, why not relax with our woodland spa experience in your private hot tub and be rejuvenated by the wood burning sauna, while you take in the views of the duck pond beyond or enjoy the sensual aromatherapy of the steam cabin. Book a massage in the beautiful yurt to really feel pampered. Guests staying in Swan Lodge can at their leisure settle down in their glorious day bed that rotates to follow the sun. While in owl lodge you will have a unique log framed day bed. Kingfisher has a cosy wigwam day bed. Rest your eyes and drift into a peaceful sleep while listening to the birds high in the trees.

Fire up the BBQ cabin with a BBQ hamper of scrumptious produce. Be seduced by a romantic indoor BBQ for 2, especially great during those wet, windy, snowy winters. It's particularly amazing in there at Christmas, so cosy and magical. Another option is to enjoy a private fine dining experience with your own private chef and the yurt just for 2. A perfect way to celebrate any special occasion.

Relax by the canal, catch the canal boats slowly passing by, watch the swans, geese or ducks swim past and watch the beautiful sunsets with that special someone. Enjoy a spot of fishing in the canal but remember your rod license. Fishing is not available on site during closed season between 15th March and 15th June, for the protection of the wildlife, as our area on the Chesterfield Canal is a site of special scientific interest.

As evening draws near, why not light the fire bowl and toast marshmallows cuddled up to that special someone. At night relax in the cosiness of your lodge or boat with the warm and romantic glow of the wood burner but don't worry there is also central heating so you can sleep tight and forget about the fire going out. Talk and connect, watch a film or play a game but don't forget to listen out for those owls...Enjoy being in nature and features of glamping but in the ultimate luxury and comfort.

Or if you want to see the local area and try something new, why not fly a plane or helicopter, or see some amazing animals at the Uk's number 1 Walk-though Wildlife Adventure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. 

If you want to experience this romantic get-away and fancy a few days holiday, you are just a few clicks away.