The Joy of a Wood-Fired Hot Tub: Why We Love Them
There are hot tubs, and then there are wood-fired hot tubs.
There’s something wonderfully different about climbing into a steaming hot tub when the air around you is cool and crisp, knowing that the heat has come from a fire rather than a switch. For this reason, we love our wood fired hot tubs at The Nest and Yonder View. They’re a little more rustic, a little more hands-on and, we think, all the better for it.
Here’s why we think a wood-fired hot tub makes an autumn or winter stay particularly special.
It starts with a fire
Unlike an electric hot tub, a wood-fired hot tub needs a little preparation. Starting with a small fire and gradually adding logs until it becomes a roaring fire means the water is heated gradually. You are involved in the whole process and that is really quite satisfying. It does require a little planning ahead but that just encourages you to slow down and enjoy the anticipation.
And once the water is hot, you can settle in and enjoy the warmth knowing you've created it yourself. The water also holds the heat so it won’t take as long to heat next time.
The perfect antidote to a chilly day
A wood-fired hot tub really comes into its own when the temperature drops. Imagine spending the day walking through the woods, exploring the farm or getting a little too enthusiastic with the wellies in Watery Lane. You come back cold, cheeks rosy and boots muddy, light the fire and let the water heat up. Then, as darkness falls, you climb into steaming water while the cool evening air surrounds you. It's hard to think of a better way to warm up. Add a hot chocolate to the mix and it’s perfect!
Look up
One of our favourite things about being here is how dark the night sky can be. Away from the bright lights of towns and cities, the skies around Kittisford Barton Farm can be wonderfully clear and we’re on the edge of Europe’s first Dark Skies Reserve. On a cloudless night, the stars seem to go on forever. And there's something particularly magical about experiencing them from a hot tub so climb in, lie back and look up.
Even the kids enjoy it 
The wood fired hot tubs aren’t just for adults - kids love them too! They are truly a whole family experience. Just get the water to bath temperature (using the handily provided thermometers) and watch them play around in the biggest bath! Keep an eye that the water doesn’t get too hot though.
A little bit of work makes it even better
A wood-fired hot tub isn't quite as effortless as an electric one but that’s where the charm lies.
There's something satisfying about the process. The fire, the anticipation, the warmth and finally that moment when you sink into the water and realise it was worth waiting for.
It's an experience rather than simply an amenity.