AN 'OUT OF THIS WORLD' WEEKEND IN SOMERSET
At the beginning of September we were invited out to the beautiful woodlands of Somerset for a one of a kind weekend at Marston Park , staying in a very unique ‘Futuro House’.
“We’re staying in a flying saucer” we told our friends in the lead up to our trip out West. Because there is genuinely no better way of describing the Futuro House that has currently landed in a clearing just outside of Frome, Somerst.
Originally designed in the late 1960’s by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen, the Futuro House was meant to be the next best thing in holiday homes. Easy to transport and assemble, it was so light that it was possible to helicopter into places like ski resorts. During the 60s & 70s about 100 were made, but sadly the idea didn't quite catch on and now only 69 (and a half) survive. The Marston Park Futuro is currently one of the few you can actually stay in and has a quirky history to go along with it. After being found dilapidated in South Africa, it was bought to the UK by artist Craig Barnes to be restored . It's now happily nestled in the woodlands there in Somerset and makes for a pretty memorable experience.
Martson Park is essentially a glamping ground, with some communal areas and tents dotted around a picturesque lake. Dinner and breakfast are served from the food trucks located a short stroll away, where you can also catch live music sets and small art exhibitions. The bathrooms are outdoors (but done well) and there is also a bit of an outdoor ‘spa’ featuring a wood-burning hot tub and wild swimming pool (The overhanging mirror ball and DJ set up are indications of the frequent parties and festivals Marston Park holds).
Staying in the Futuro felt a bit like alien glamping. As if we’d zoomed down in our ship and landed in a spot that looked good, lit the fire and settled in for a night on Earth. Even ET would appreciate the delicious food truck pizza’s we had for dinner!
After our space escape we also stayed in a bell tent on the other side of the water. The tents turned out to be a lot more comfortable than the camping memories of our childhoods thankfully. Electricity, real mattresses and an indoor fireplace made our experience very cosy. Plus we really lucked out with the weather and got to enjoy the outdoor fire pit for a little late night stargazing. The whole weekend really was a perfect way to say farewell to Summer.
Breakfast is served
The path between the Futuro and the communal area
Roasting Marshmallows in front of our tent
The communal area with lots of friendly ducks
The outdoor bathrooms
The wood-fired hot tub and wild swimming pool
GETTING THERE
- Marston Park is about a 2.5hr drive from London. Or about 2hrs on the train via London Paddington to Frome, from there it is a 10minute taxi ride.
GOOD TO KNOW
- If you plan a trip similar to ours and want to stay in both a tent and the Futuro it might be worth planning to do something during the check-out/check-in gap. At the time of our visit the food trucks didn’t serve any lunch meals, just small snack and drinks. There also isn’t a lot to “do” on site, so make sure to bring some backup food or even better plan a day-trip to the nearby towns of either Frome or Bruton (Just make sure to pre-book your taxi.)
WHAT TO PACK
- Bring a set of swimmers and book ahead if you’d like to try out the communal wood-fired hot tub and wild swimming pool.
- A set of earplugs would come in handy for light sleepers to block out the otherworldly whir of the Futuro house or the music from the reception area which plays from the early morning into the night.
- Slide on shoes / flip flops for late night bathroom trips
- Don’t forget the marshmallows for toasting over your firepit!
** We were guests of Marston Park but as always our thoughts and opinions are our own.
