Hello, we are Rachel and Matt Cracknell.

We moved to The Goytree in September 2021 with our two daughters, after more than six years searching for a place where we could put our roots down properly. When we arrived, it immediately felt like home. The land had already been deeply loved by Bryony and Tim Longden, who poured so much care, creativity and heart into this place. We feel incredibly grateful to be the next stewards and now it is our turn. 

From the beginning, Goytree was never meant to be just a place to stay. For us, it is a living landscape. Somewhere people can slow down, reconnect with nature, and leave feeling restored, grounded and inspired.

Our Vision:

Our vision is to create a place where people, wildlife and productive landscapes thrive together.

The Goytree sits in the foothills of the Black Mountains, and we see it as a platform for positive change. A working example of how land can be cared for regeneratively while still offering beauty, comfort and deep rest. The land is managed organically and with a strong focus on biodiversity, soil health and long-term resilience.

We are shaping Goytree as a productive, nature-rich place. One that supports land-based enterprises alongside eco-tourism. In parallel, we continue to enhance space for nature through tree planting, wildflower meadows and allowing parts of the land to re-wild.

Looking ahead, we hope to host small gatherings, wellness retreats and spaces that strengthen connections between people working on environmental and social change. Goytree is growing into a place where ideas can be shared, energy restored and networks strengthened.

At its heart, Goytree exists as a response to the climate and ecological emergency. Not through fear or guilt, but through hope, rejuvenation and practical action.

Why we host:

We believe that rest is not a luxury. It is essential.

Time spent here is intentionally slower. Whether it is soaking in a copper bath, lighting the wood-fired hot tub, walking the land, or simply sitting with a cup of tea and the birds for company, we want guests to experience the casual therapy of nature.

Deep rest has a way of shifting perspective. This is a place to reset the nervous system, connect with what matters, and return to everyday life feeling more resourced, steady and energised.

About us:

Matt is the builder, land steward and creative force behind much of what you see here. Growing up in Africa shaped his outlook early on and led him into a career focused on using agriculture and land management to support communities, regenerate landscapes and create lasting social impact. Before moving to Goytree, Matt set up and ran Grow Wilder for Avon Wildlife Trust for 8 years. A six-acre inner-city farm and internationally recognised centre of excellence demonstrating how nature can thrive in productive settings. His passion lies in regenerative land design, building community, strengthening networks and creating places that feel both practical and soulful.

Rachel shapes the voice, philosophy and direction of Goytree. With nearly 20 years’ experience working on climate and ecological issues, including sustainable consumption and international development across Africa and Asia for organisations such as the Ethical Tea Partnership, and WWF, she is now focused on unlocking positive change closer to home.  She was also one of the founding members of Street Goat, a goat milking cooperative in Bristol and is keen to see how cooperative land management can work in a rural setting. Rachel brings a nurturing, grounded approach to hosting and believes deeply in the power of rest, food, conversation and shared spaces to build connection and resilience.

Together, we run Goytree full-time, side by side. Hosting for us is about warmth, openness and immediate friendship. Welcoming people not just onto the land, but into the story of it.

A stay at Goytree is not just a break.

It is an invitation to rest deeply, reconnect gently, and be part of something hopeful.