Who we are

Icon of a mythical creature with the body of a human and the head of a lion, holding an ancient vase on a pedestal, set against a brown circular background.

Heritage-inspired learning in a Somerset home and garden.

Small-group workshops where you'll learn from experts, share good food and leave feeling more inspired, more capable and more connected than when you arrived.

Our values shape everything we do

  • Illustration of two hands shaking in a handshake

    Camaraderie

    We work well together, fostering warmth and the shared will to build up everyone around us.

  • A vintage-style illustration of a hand holding a paintbrush.

    Craftsmanship

    We admire people who know their craft and take pride in the detail and beauty that we each create.

  • Decorative acorn-shaped light fixture with a textured cap and vertically ribbed body, illuminated from within, against a black background.

    Regeneration

    We enrich the people and places we engage with, putting in the effort to ensure everything is better than when we found it.

  • Stylized illustration of a sun rising or setting over ocean waves, with radiating lines.

    Accomplishment

    We take pride in making progress and celebrate the shared satisfaction that comes with doing things well.

  • A wooden balance scale with two empty pans hanging from a central beam.

    Integrity

    We act with integrity, speak out when something isn’t right, and only work with those who treat people and the planet well.

A man with a beard wearing a navy cap, tan jacket, and black shirt, smiling in a greenhouse with plants and glass ceiling in the background.

A Letter from Neil

In 2021, I moved from London to Somerset in search of a different pace of life.

I put down roots at The Old Vicarage, a 16th-century farmhouse and former vicarage in the Mendip Hills, ten minutes from Frome.

Together with my head gardener, a builder experienced in heritage restoration and Chris Smith of Pennard Plants, the house and gardens have evolved season by season.

Chris first came to The Old Vicarage to deliver espalier fruit trees. Visits to his nursery followed, along with lessons in pruning and fruit growing, countless cups of tea and many conversations about gardening and life.

Out of that friendship came the kitchen garden and the realisation that learning, making and sharing are things best done together.

Asterion & Co. grew from that idea.

We host small-group workshops and experiences led by gardeners, artists, makers and specialists who believe knowledge is best shared generously and practically.

Good food, conversation and thoughtful hospitality matter just as much to us as the teaching itself.

Our approach is what we call Heritage-Inspired Learning™: taking the best ideas, skills and practices from the past and reimagining them for modern life.

I share much of the ongoing story on Instagram: the garden projects, experiments, occasional setbacks and the brilliant collaborators who help shape Asterion & Co. as it evolves.

The Branch, my weekly letter from Somerset, is our place to slow down. It's where I share what I'm learning from the people around me and celebrate the creativity, generosity and camaraderie that sit at the heart of Asterion & Co.

Everything we do is guided by five values: camaraderie, craftsmanship, regeneration, accomplishment and integrity.

In simple terms, we want people to leave feeling more inspired, more capable and more connected than when they arrived.

Neil Crump
Founder, Asterion & Co.

Read our profile interview with Neil in The Asterion Journal

Follow the Asterion & Co. journey on Instagram

Learn more about the garden or the house…

Sketch of an antique armillary sphere with a bow and arrow intersecting through it.
Sketch of an antique armillary sphere with a bow and arrow intersecting through it.
Take me to the garden
Line drawing of a three-story brick house with a front door, multiple windows, two chimneys, and trees on either side.
Line drawing of a three-story brick house with a front door, multiple windows, two chimneys, and trees on either side.
Take me to the house

However, Asterion is only half the story…

We’re looking for the ‘& Co.’ who see the world as we do.

Our five values below are central to everything we do at Asterion & Co. They shape the culture we’ve set out to build.

They influence who we hire, how we work, and which collaborators we partner with. They guide us in creating memorable and enriching days for our guests. Living these values isn’t a nice-to-have; it’s essential, and we’ve seen their impact play out in meaningful ways.

With that in mind, we’re looking for like-minded collaborators to help shape our upcoming programme.

Running from this winter through to early summer 2026. If you’re a skilled maker, grower, or creative with roots in heritage — whether in food, gardening, interiors, or the visual arts  — and you see the world through a similar lens — we should talk. We’ll host your existing workshop with an Asterion flourish. 

Collaborate with us
Decorative white ceramic sculptures of a foot, hand, and ankle on a wooden window sill with a small window in the background.

Create your course

We help talented people grow their brand through teaching — adding income, storytelling content, and new ways to connect deeply with customers. It’s not about giving your ideas away; it’s about elevating what you do and inviting people to appreciate the skill behind it.

We know that running a small business or honing a craft is demanding — often leaving little time to think beyond the day-to-day. But if the values behind Asterion resonate with you, this could be a chance to step back, share what you do best, and grow your practice in new ways.

We’ll support you in shaping a meaningful experience for guests

One that’s grounded in heritage, thoughtfully delivered, and true to your work. It’s something people will remember, and something you’ll be proud to put your name to.

So go on — get in touch, and let’s make something brilliant.

Join The Branch