A Taste of Self Sufficiency: Home

We visited A Taste of Self Sufficiency last weekend and had a truly inspiring time. If this was just a B&B it would be very good but as a way of life it is extraordinary. Andrew and Yolande certainly provide an excellent welcome, accommodation, food and company and then they lead you across the lane to a small Garden of Eden tucked away a little off the A40 from Pontshill. Here is a tranquil corner where nature is allowed to blossom under Andrew and Yolandes clever and intuitive stewardship. We listened enthusiastically as they told us the story of their land journey, how they make the most of techniques including organics, permaculture and biodynamics, providing a bountiful supply of food. We walked the land and gazed in awe at the vibrant growth of amaranth, artichokes, beans, brussel sprouts, cabbages (the size of footballs), carrots, cavalo nero, chards, corn, flowers, quinoa, spinach, tomatoes (red and yellow) Ive not included the fruit gardens, and orchard, Im sure I missed some of the veg and this is despite our visit being well into Autumn. Everything looks delicious and vibrant. There are some layouts or structures, with rows and mixtures but it is not over orchestrated, the natural ebb and flow here is nurtured not controlled. Andrew and Yolande have a life that is not just sufficient but abundant, they grow, harvest, make, bake, brew, forage, store, share, reuse, recycle, upcycle and they do all this with a joy and a sense of their place in the world. Visit Andrew and Yolande at A Taste of Self Sufficiency with an enquiring and open mind and you will be inspired.
Apr 18th, 2020

Highly recommended. Yolande and Andrew are beautiful people with huge hearts. We felt so welcome and have come away feeling relaxed and revitalised. Their knowledge of healthy living and wholesome, nutritious food is inspirational. Caenwood is a peaceful, happy space and we look forward to returning in a different season so as to learn more about self-sufficiency.
Apr 29th, 2018

Just stayed here this weekend and can not recommend it enough! On arrival Andrew kindly baked my girlfriend a cake for her 30th which was a lovely gesture. Throughout the stay Andrew was a great host and made us feel at home. We will definitely visit again some time in the future!
Sep 11th, 2017

This is a lovely place to stay to relax. Yolande and Andrew really made me feel at ease and I left feeling like I'd known them for years. Having said this they only interact with guests as much as you want and I had plenty of time just relaxing in their garden. Lovely walks from the door or go off and explore this beautiful part of the country. I will definitely be back for a taste of self sufficiency. Thanks for a lovely stay.
Jun 7th, 2017

A wonderful experience. The Rooms are really spacious and finished to a really high standard. Yolande and Andrew do everything with love and care and it shows in their wonderful hospitality. We were served herb tea fresh picked from the herb garden! & also had a tour of the of the smallholding where they grow all their own vegetables. Unique. My two year old loved it and we will definitely visit again.
Mar 24th, 2017