Swim & Sauna at Scorrier House

I’m not sure where summer went this year. It’s been a while since the sun made a consistent appearance and I couldn’t tell you the last time I swam in the sea. But just when I thought I’d packed away my sandals for another year, a swim and sauna invitation from Scorrier House arrived in the Classic inbox.

Tucked away on the historic estate, in their blissfully secluded Pool Garden, is a swim and sauna experience unlike any other - think thermal wellness spa meets Brideshead Revisited. Amidst the ancient trees is a traditional dipping pool surrounded by verdant borders. And at the top of the garden sits the wood fired sauna, beautifully handcrafted using fallen timber from the estate. Combined they create a unique cold-to-hot therapy that we just couldn’t wait to try! 



On arrival we were greeted by Laura at the door to Scorrier House. Originally built in 1770, it’s still owned and run by the same family - now seven generations later! Like stepping back in time, she led us past the sweeping staircase, out through the orangery and into the idyllic Pool Garden. Here their charming, carnival-esque trailer provided a great makeshift changing room. And once swimsuit-ready, we had a quick rinse under the vines of their alfresco shower before making our way to the pool.

A good size for doing short laps and with both a shallow and deep end, it felt like the perfect size to gently float back and forth; chatting and laughing and just soaking up this serene setting. I think heading in, we were all expecting something at least as brisk as the sea. But the water was refreshing and we all acclimated to its temperature quickly. Still ten to twenty minutes in, we thought it was time to warm up. So after quickly rinsing again, we grabbed our towels and nipped into the wood fired sauna. 



Handcrafted by Wild Space Carpentry using fallen timber from the estate (which is also used to fuel it) it sits at the top of the garden and enjoys wonderful views down to the pool. Inside there was a sand hourglass that ran in 15 minute intervals (the recommended amount of time to spend in the heat) and there were also special sauna hats you could pop on your head should you find yourself overheating. 

Prior to this, I had no knowledge of all the benefits that can come from cold water swimming followed by sauna time. Research suggests it can help relax muscles, lower blood pressure, improve circulation and reduce stress; soothing the body physically and having a subsequent positive effect on the mind. 



After our sauna-session we repeated this cycle of swimming and sauna-ing and rinsing between each, till we felt thoroughly renewed and glowy with good health. Then heading back into Scorrier House we relaxed in the drawing room, with some cake and a pot of herbal tea by From Trees - who are also based on Scorrier Estate and create pure blends of organic tea. 

Chatting away we agreed that although we’d come on a grey August day - a truly British-summer kind of day - we found this weather to be perfect for the experience. The pool’s cool temperature cut through any mugginess and the sauna warmed our bones afterwards. Outdoor experiences aren’t known to work year-round in the UK, but this is certainly the exception! We could already see ourselves returning to get warm and sauna-toasty in the chilly winter months and enjoy some cold water dipping during summer’s sun-soaked days.

As well as being available for private hire, you can enjoy this experience as part of Scorrier’s Yoga, Swim and Sauna sessions which take place every Tuesday evening (booking is essential) or as part of one of their Spa Days, which include a guided sauna ritual, healing therapies, health food and more. For further details, visit their events page. 

The Scorrier House and Estate also host weddings, parties and conferences as well as the Great Estate Festival, which has workshops, feasts and five stages with a huge range of acts. With something for everyone, it’s not an event to be missed - why not, check out our cottages nearby.