THE ACAI BLOG, JAN 14, 2025
ACAI on location: The Quist Treehouse
The ACAI team recently caught up with Harriet from The Quist Treehouse, a beautiful location in which we shot our latest Retreat Collection. Read on to learn more and check out their Instagram here!
Tell us a bit about The Quist:
"The Quist is located at the top of a 100-acre hill of ancient woodland in beautiful Herefordshire, a few miles from the Welsh border- between the city of Hereford and the famous small town of Hay-on-Wye.
The inspiration for the decor of The Quist was very much the beautiful nature that it sits in, within the estate of Brinsop. The sample board had natural materials like wood, wool, leather, tile, linen, cotton...and even woven rush, which we clad one of the bedroom ceilings in!
We really wanted to bring luxury to our treehouse and to make that a guiding principle. At every decision we asked ourselves what we'd love most if we were guests, and we aimed for that! We also felt this would help guests who were a little more nervous about an off-grid experience to take the plunge.
Ultimately, we needed to pick hardwearing finishes which felt in-keeping with the environment, so the huge oak floorboards running throughout the whole ground floor gave it such a natural and warm character, we started there. I researched a lot of images of American cabins and lodges and tried to make this feel like a working space; somewhere a person or couple might live off the land, very independently.
Warm and inviting lighting was crucial and I spent a lot of time devising the location and type of lighting for different scenarios. We used reclaimed items where possible and our kitchen and bathroom sinks were both FB Marketplace finds but made sure to mix this with newness and luxury with well-engineered taps and a glorious huge stone bath...which looks like a big chocolate egg!
Our outdoor shower is a little famous...and I now wonder why we don't use hot outdoor showers more?! A massive comfy sofa overlooking the far-reaching views across to the Malvern Hills was also a non-negotiable, naturally."
What are the eco-friendly features of the treehouse?
"We use solar power for electricity and the burner on the sitting area is Ethanol, which is renewable. Our hot tub is wood-fired, sourced from Brinsop Estate, which is sustainable. We used reclaimed items when possible; the kitchen and bathroom sink are reclaimed, and there are vintage and antique pieces dotted about through the treehouse. We use natural products to clean and aim for a high standard of finish and preparation before each booking. We are sticklers for the detail! We use wool pillows and duvets, (though we have alternatives if necessary.)"
Why is the perfect staycation for the Outdoorsy girls and those who love nature?
"We have a lot of group bookings for 4, as we have 2 superking size bedrooms (one of which converts to twin beds). These tend to be small families, or women coming together to reconnect. These groups are very special to me. When I pass them as they leave, they seem to be completely recharged and fulfilled from having a whole weekend of quality connection together. We always hear that they made endless plans and ended up staying in The Quist all weekend with walks on the estate. Once you arrive, it's difficult to leave! The views are so calming and centering and I think they give a really grounding feeling. Every window is like a frame onto a gorgeous perspective of the natural surroundings which are incredibly close on Merry Hill."
What are your recommended walks nearby?
"The choice for walks are pretty endless in Herefordshire- here's a few family friendly suggestions:
Are there any nearby brunch spots or pubs you’d recommend?
- " Best for coffee: Sensory & Rye in Hereford / The Bookshop in Hereford / The Old Electric Shop in Hay-on-Wye / Legges in Hereford (takeaway)
- Best for dinner: En Sushi in Hereford for Sushi & Korean BBQ / Ponte Vecchio in Hereford for Italian / The Bookshop in Hereford, especially for a Sunday Roast / Cotto in Hereford for pizza & pasta / Tomatitos in Hay-on-Wye for tapas / Off Grid Gourmet near Hay-on-Wye for a unique experience / Thai Gallery in Hereford.
- Best for lunch: Sensory & Rye in Hereford / La Madeleine in Hereford / The Malthouse in Ledbury / The Green Bean Weobley / Bao to the Broth in Hereford / The Yard in Hereford (amazing burgers, pizza and other).
- Best pubs for a Sunday Roast: The Bulls Head near Hay-on-Wye / The Bridge Inn near Hay-on-Wye / The Bell near Hereford
- Best for drinks: De Koffie Pot in Hereford / The Left Bank in Hereford / Green Dragon Hotel in Hereford / The Barrels in Hereford.
- Best for small children: Little JJ's in Hereford / Play Planet in Hereford / Life and Soul Cafe in Hereford / The Coop near Hereford
- Best for Splurging: Chapters in Hay-on-Wye / Castle House in Hereford. "
