How a Historic Yorkshire Quarry Became a Blissful Adults-Only Escape Where You Can Truly Switch Off

We spoke to Hewn’s founders about the family history, the cabins and the joy of doing less.

A former limestone quarry might not be the first place you’d picture for a weekend break, but that’s exactly where you’ll find Hewn Yorkshire. It’s a distinction founders Ed and Anthony don’t shy away from – the name Hewn means “rough cut from rock or wood”, while the cabins take their names from people who once worked the quarry. Today, it’s a place guests go to get away from it all.

From limestone quarry to secluded retreat

Credit: Gasp Photo Co

First owned by the Forcett Limestone Company in 1850, Forcett Quarry was hewn by hand over the next 20 years. Quarrying ended around 1870, and the site became part of founder Ed’s family in 1930.

In the years that followed, the land was used for firewood production and as the UK import base for Finnish hot tub company Kirami, which Ed still heads up. But Ed had another plan – transform the quarry into a secluded place to stay. He and Anthony began building Hewn in 2019, opening to guests the following year.

For Anthony, Hewn eventually meant a much bigger change. He was working 60-hour weeks in healthcare recruitment in Darlington while helping to run the retreat. Doing both wasn’t sustainable, so he left recruitment to focus entirely on Hewn.

When you drive into the quarry you’ll soon see where the vision came from. Sheltered by the limestone walls, it feels like a safe space, one that’s completely removed from the outside world. “The quarry wall literally hugs you,” Anthony told us. “It really feels like a space time can’t touch. The whole world keeps turning just over the hill, but down here it’s all quiet.”

A place designed to slow you down

Credit: Gasp Photo Co

Ed and Anthony fully leant into the surroundings when designing the cabins. In The Quarry, the finishes and colours reflect the limestone walls. Over at The Foxwood, the inspiration came from golden sunlight that filters through the trees.

They spent months working on the interiors, particularly how each space would feel to move around in. “Obsessing over the layout, the flow of the space was really key – the way you move through the cabins is intentionally deliberate,” Anthony explained.

And then there’s the WiFi – or lack of it. What began as a budget constraint became part of what guests value about Hewn. With no notifications pulling you back into everyday life, you can breathe, put your phone down and enjoy being exactly where you are.

Why the quiet matters

Credit: Gasp Photo Co

It’s not just the lack of WiFi. Outdoor speakers and large groups aren’t allowed either. The quarry acts as a natural sound bowl, so keeping the noise down protects the peace for everyone staying there. Hewn is adults-only too, which means the tranquil atmosphere remains the same even during the school holidays.

What you do with that quiet is entirely up to you. You could start the day with a dip in the wood-fired hot tub, take the dog for a walk if you’re staying in a dog-friendly Foxwood cabin, then spend an hour in the woodland sauna. Come evening, there’s time for board games, s’mores and another dip under the stars.

Credit: Gasp Photo Co

It’s an experience that shifts with the seasons. In autumn, the colours change around the cabins and the darker evenings make the hot tubs even more inviting. As the founders say, the outdoors puts on a show they don’t need to plan.

For some guests, a stay is a break from a busy schedule. Anthony and Ed have also welcomed people going through bereavement, health problems or a job loss – reasons they hadn’t imagined would bring someone to Hewn when they first opened. Whatever brings them there, the founders want guests to have space to rest and spend time together.

Considering it? Here’s Anthony’s advice: “Don’t wait for the perfect gap in your diary, because there probably won’t be one.” You don’t need a full week away to step out of your routine either. Sometimes, one night is enough to slow down and return home feeling a bit more like yourself.