The Newt

The Roman Villa at The Newt in Somerset

The Roman Villa at The Newt in Somerset is a remarkable historical reconstruction and immersive visitor experience, built on the site of an original villa rustica dating back to around 351 AD. Once a working farmstead in the Roman province of Britannia, it has been brought vividly back to life through expert craftsmanship and specialist techniques.

Our team of skilled artisans was integral in transforming the expansive open fields into a richly detailed Roman setting. This included the creation of intricate mosaics, stone mazes, cobbled flooring and walling, and architectural features such as the central pond, bread ovens, winepresses, triclinium, and carefully constructed walkways and walls.

The result is a beautifully realised representation of Roman life—a museum and landscape experience that offers a legacy for future generations.

Today, visitors can explore a faithfully reconstructed villa featuring period furnishings, formal gardens, and authentic elements such as underfloor heating (hypocaust), all informed by archaeological evidence. The site captures the essence of Roman domestic and agricultural life, combining historical accuracy with engaging interpretation in a thoughtfully landscaped setting.