This week we are finishing up the final sculpting inside the Under Hill’s ensuite. I finished off the last of the welding while Matt sculpted two heavy ‘wood’ beams. By the end of the week, we will be down to painting and tile inside the Under Hill — and next year we will start working inside the Copper Crown Suite.

We’ve been called the “Shrek” hotel.

Which, to be completely fair, we get. When people see our handcrafted timber doors, twisting pathways, and whimsical, organic architecture, their brains instantly head straight for Hollywood’s favourite swamp.

But let’s clear the air (and the onions): there are no fast-talking donkeys guarding our front gate, and we are strictly against harvesting earwax for our candles.

As much as we love our green friend, we aren’t a movie set. We built the Hazelnut Inn as a blank canvas — a fantasy world designed for you to co-author.

Whether you’re charting a course in the North Star, cozying up beneath the roots of the Under Hill, or discovering the Copper Crown’s hidden passage, you are the main character here. You write the script.

So no, you won’t find any ogres here. But you will find a magical, grown-up escape.

And honestly? That’ll do…

Our painters are adding more magic to the Under Hill Suite every day. The ‘dirt’ blends are now complete and the large stones are almost done. Next up are the final blends on the roots and then we will start in on the glazes which will darken and richen the colours; toeing everything together.

This photo shows the view our guests will enjoy as they soak in the suite’s giant tub for two.