Craftsman’s Cabin, Somerset

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Incredible hand-built cabin celebrating local makers, on the biodiverse Somerset Levels (sleeps 4 + 1 child)

2 Bedrooms

1 Bathroom

Alfresco tub

Child friendly

Dog friendly

Eco conscious

Parking

Walk to a pub

Walk to a shop

Woodburner

Space & setting.

*Brand new*

Celebrating local makers and traditional craftsmanship, this larch-clad cabin is a love letter to Somerset. Timber from top to toe, and sleeping 4 + a child in 2 bedrooms (or come as a couple and bask in extra space), it’s stuffed to the hand-hewn rafters with beautiful pieces by local artisans, from the willow lampshades and bespoke ceramics in the handcrafted kitchen to the sleek cast-iron firepit that sits in your secluded wildflower meadow — the setting for delicious feasts under starlit skies. Rustic yet refined, the pared-back decor of natural fabrics and earthy tones grounds you, while lovely touches such as wool duvets and organic toiletries spoil you.

When you’re ready to dip back into the modern world you won’t need to venture far to find things to do. There’s a pub at the end of the lane, Alice Temperley’s family cider farm is a mile away — host to Glastonbury’s iconic pop-up cider bus on summer evenings — and enough cycling and walking routes to keep your legs busy for days. Return to the cabin’s wraparound balcony to sink down under bubbles in the outdoor tub and watch the Somerset Levels bask in the evening glow.

Getting here: drive or train & taxi

Owner Decca and her family have been in the area, cider making and farming, for a few centuries. She herself is an interior designer (responsible for the 7 critically-acclaimed guest rooms at nearby HOLM), so combined her skills with husband Alex’s engineering expertise to create a cabin that captures the essence of this corner of Somerset. It’s thanks to her regional roots, her love of arts and crafts and her address book of talented artists and artisan friends that the cabin is full of such beautiful handmade things.

My Kip favourites

She loves
“Watching the sun set from the rocking chair on the veranda, with the swallows swooping and the Somerset Levels stretched out before you. It’s like the Somerset Serengeti.”

We love
The timeless interiors, which include paper-mâché pots hand-made in Amy Rhian’s studio down the road; lampshades using Somerset-grown withies (willow) by one of the few remaining master basket weavers; and oil paintings by France Watts, who brings local landscapes to life with her plein-air method.

You may not love
The odd dog walker crosses the field — but the outdoor bath has a privacy screen. The track to the cabin can get muddy in winter. No WiFi and patchy phone signal; revel in it.

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  • "The most relaxing and tranquil stay. Every detail is so well thought out and being surrounded by such lovely things is such a treat."

    Amy, Jan 2024

Sustainability.

Hand-built using local, sustainable materials wherever possible. The exterior larch cladding and chestnut poles of the veranda come from woodland on the Devon/Somerset border. The kitchen and shelving has been made from oak and field maple felled from Decca’s family farm decades ago. The hedging planted around the cabin is made up of traditional hedgerow species that will create a wonderful habitat for a variety of creatures. A wildflower bank has been sown with a traditional native mix from Decca’s family farm. This will be managed over the years to provide a rich habitat for pollinators. Bio-disc water treatment plant.

Surrounds.

  • A walking path through the Somerset countryside
  • Cider Bus
    Cider Bus
  • River Parrett
    River Parrett
  • East Lambrook Manor
    East Lambrook Manor
  • Barrington Court
    Barrington Court
  • Pip's Cafe
    Pip's Cafe
  • Murmurations
    Murmurations
  • Mucheleny Abbey
    Mucheleny Abbey
  • The Parrett Trail, a scenic 50-mile walking route that follows the River Parrett, passes close to the cabin. Or hike up Burrow Hill for stunning views of the surrounding Levels. Bring the binoculars for birding as you go.
  • With a 170-year history of cider making, the Somerset Cider Brandy Company, a mile away, offers tours through the apple orchards, and live music plus Glastonbury’s famous cider bus during the summer. All hail the scrumpy!
  • Kids can collect eggs and visit the Shetland ponies on the owners’ farm.
  • Hire SUPs from nearby Langport and spend a lazy day paddleboarding down the River Parrett, stopping for lunch at Kitchen at the Wharf en route.
  • For a dose of heritage, the gardens at East Lambrook Manor are an easy walk from the cabin. Visit in February for their snowdrop festival. Or head to National Trust properties Barrington Court or the beautiful Elizabethan Montacute House, both about 20 minutes away by car.
  • For something a bit quirky, book into Pip’s Cafe, housed in a repurposed 19thC railway carriage in South Petherton. Set on an organic farm, most of your lunch will be grown and reared on site.
  • If you’re visiting in autumn or winter, don’t miss the chance to see spectacular starling murmurations at Ham Wall or Shapwick Heath, 30 minutes away.
  • Keen potters (or shoppers) can visit the studio of Muchelney Pottery on the edge of the ancient village. A mile away you’ll find the ruins of Muchelney Abbey, an English Heritage site, with a fascinating Tudor house and richly decorated cloister.

Specifics.

  • Bespoke hand-built cabin in its own field
  • 2 bedrooms: 1 kingsize + 1 double
  • Space for travel cot in the kingsize room, plus a sofabed for 1 child in the double room
  • Bathroom with rainfall shower; Bramley toiletries, MAKE bubble bath and cotton robes
  • Well-equipped kitchen including induction hob, electric oven, stove-top coffee pot and kettle, fridge and small freezer; basic supplies
  • Open-plan living/dining area with board games, cards, books and binoculars
  • No WiFi and phone signal can be patchy
  • Deck with table, chairs and rocking chair
  • Outdoor bath with privacy screen
  • Firepit area
  • Vegetable garden with honesty box – help yourself
  • Breakfast and cheeseboard hampers, Somerset oysters and firepit kits on request
  • Private chefs/meals can be arranged in advance
  • 1 small/medium well-behaved dog welcome (not allowed on furniture)
  • The owners live next door and are available should you need anything
  • Park at their house in winter; next to the cabin in summer
  • Walk to a well-stocked village shop, café and pub (5 mins)
  • Drive to country pubs for food (5-15 mins)
  • Hire bikes locally
  • Booking conditions: 2-night minimum stay
  • Remember to pack: wellies or walking boots for the (sometimes muddy) fields; swimmers if you’re shy about using the outdoor bath; slippers for indoors (no outdoor shoes)

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Payment
30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellation
* 8+ weeks prior to stay: deposit refunded, minus a £30 processing fee
* 6-8 weeks prior to stay: deposit retained, 70% balance refunded, minus a £30 processing fee
* 4-6 weeks prior to stay: 50% of the total booking fee retained, 50% refunded, minus a £30 processing fee
No refunds if booking cancelled within 4 weeks of stay

 

FAQs.

Parking is at the hosts farmhouse in winter. It is short walk (200m) through the orchard down to the cabin. It can be muddy and wet so please wear appropriate footwear. If it’s dry you can drive the car up to the cabin and park next to it. Instructions will be sent upon booking.

Most guests arrive by car but collection from with Taunton (30 minutes)Castle Cary station (30 minutes) or Yeovil Junction (20 minutes) can be arranged. Directions will be sent upon booking.

Yes, absolutely. 2 children can share the double bed. 1 small child max height (1.3m) on bench sofa bed. There’s space for 1 travel cot.

2 nights minimum stay on weekday. 3 nights minimum stay weekend.

A welcome hamper is provided of milk, eggs, bread, and jam. The kitchen is stocked with the essentials of salt & pepper, olive oil, sugar, tea & coffee. A selection of hampers and extra treats can be bought. There is also a local community shop in the centre of the village that has everything you may need.

Outdoor shoes, slippers and not too much luggage as storage is limited. Linen, towels and robes provided.

Craftsman’s Cabin has electricity, hot and cold water and heating. There are electric radiators and a woodburner. There is no Wi-Fi. Please download all music and films.

No, but we reserve the right to charge for damage over expected wear and tear.

Yes, a maximum of one small/ medium dog per booking with a £25 for extra cleaning. We firmly ask that they are kept off the furniture and off the beds please!

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