About Us

Our Story

In 1989, the Heayns family purchased the land on which Mill Meadow now sits, and the family moved onto the site in 1993.

Up until 2006, the land was used as a plant and tree nursery for the family landscaping business. The Lake was established in 1990 to provide irrigation for the nursery.

The vision for developing a sustainable eco lodge community came from a passion for the
surrounding landscapes and countryside of the Quantock Hills, the first “area of outstanding natural beauty” in England, now referred to as a National Landscape. Construction on the first lodge, Kingfisher, began in Spring 2006 and Woodpecker followed in 2008.

Since then, the Mill Meadow “family” has grown to 8 eco-lodges and 2 semi-detached cottages coming together as collection of privately owned accommodation in a gated community sharing common aspirations to provide a high quality experience in secure surroundings.

Meet the Team

Chris Heayns

General Manager

Building a community of eco-friendly log homes was Chris and his parent’s idea, sparked by a keen imagination and desire to share the beautiful area in which we live with guests. A Cornishman, who enjoys talking about the origins of the “Pasty,” you’ll find him helping guests, walking Mia (the family dog), and dreaming up new ways to create memorable stays at Mill Meadow. Chris is also well known as the “the hot tub guy” and for his very colourful crocs!!!

Joe Heayns

Estates Manager

Growing up at Mill Meadow, Joe has always had a passion for helping the landscape grow into what you see today. Since his teenage years, he’s been building the lodges alongside his family, and now leads the construction of new projects. When he’s not fine-tuning the landscape and lodges, he enjoys volunteering with the local gardening club, village flower show, playing disc golf and taking ski holidays with friends.

Suzanne Heayns

Guest Liaison & Housekeeping

Originally from Manchester, Suzanne settled in Somerset with Chris more than 33 years ago. As guest liaison, she spends her days working with the team to ensure guests have the best experience possible and is tireless on her new passion, our social media.

Lewis Heayns

Bookings Manager

Lewis spent his childhood exploring Kingston St. Mary and working to build Mill Meadow to what it is today, alongside his grandparents, parents and brother. Lewis made the leap across the pond and now works remotely from Pennsylvania, where he lives with his wife, two young daughters and two Scottish Terriers. You might not get the chance to meet him, but he spends his days working behind the scenes to manage bookings, the website and social media.

Francis Mork

Site Maintenance

Francis has worked with the Heayns family for more than 32 years. He’s a valuable member of the Mill Meadow team and supports Chris and Joe in keeping the grounds in order. When he’s not helping guests, he’ll happily have a detailed conversation with you about all-things-football—especially Liverpool FC. Without Francis Mill Meadow would just not work!