An especially gorgeous shepherd's hut with outdoor bath and a wild-swimming pond (sleeps 2)
Space & setting.
A bone-white tree trunk ossified by lightning makes for a striking centrepiece here, overlooking a stretch of Essex’s countryside-on-the-coast. More specifically, it stands sentinel over this beautiful, bespoke hut, built on the land the owner was raised on. He and his partner designed and created the hut themselves, hand-sewing textiles, digging out the pond and sourcing preloved antiques from car boot sales and vintage fairs. Warm, reclaimed wood cladding gives way to a Yeabridge green bathroom, kitted out with natural toiletries, and the glass-fronted design frames the trajectory of the sun throughout the year.
Less than 1.5 hours from London on a direct train, it’s totally on-point for those who want a proper pause: the bed, with super-soft linens, has views over yellow rapeseed fields plus a shelf of paperbacks on foraging and rewilding. A glorious Swedish-style outdoor bath is heated by a log-burner – you’ll find yourself forgetting to check your phone and excitedly checking the temperature as it warms up, instead – and is soundtracked by the hum of crickets at nightfall. You can gather fruit and veg from the kitchen garden, and eggs in the breakfast basket are supplied by the rescue hens that rule the roost here.
Getting here: drive, or train to Thorpe le Soken direct from London then walk (20 mins)
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Sustainability.
A compost toilet and an organic garden on-site where the owners compost all food waste.
Surrounds.
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River Stour -
Frinton Beach -
Thorpe le Soken, Essex
- Swim in the pond and drive to sandy St Osyth for paddle-boarding and kite-surfing (10 mins).
- Walk to the village of Thorpe Le Soken, for a pint of local ale and homemade pizzas at the Rose & Crown or dinner at the Bell Inn Bistro, overlooking the village church.
- We love Frinton Beach (declared the UK’s second best beach by The Times) for paddling, picnics on the promenade and postcard-perfect beach huts.
- Rent a boat from Flatford Mill and row along the River Stour.
- Ask Ffion and Ollie to book a private fireside candlelit sound healing at their house, with crystal singing bowls.
Specifics.
- Shepherd’s hut secluded amidst 3 acres of private land
- Open-plan interior warmed by a woodburner
- Double cabin bed
- Ensuite shower bathroom plus a log-fired bath outside
- Bathrobes and toiletries provided
- Well-equipped kitchen including mini fridge and gas hob; basic supplies
- Outdoor seating and grill over firepit
- In school summer holidays, a bell tent is added for up to 2 kids
- Breakfast, brunch and meal platters on request
- Cards, dominoes, books and binoculars
- Wild-swimming pond
- One dog on request – please send enquiry to discuss; extra cost
- Walk to pubs, the train station and restaurants; drive to a farm shop and supermarket
- Phone reception but no WiFi
- The owners live in the main house, available by phone if you need them
- Booking conditions: a minimum 2-night stay
- Remember to pack: wellies, beach towels and swimmers for the pond or sea, bikes if you can
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30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations
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.
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FAQs.
Set in three acres of rolling fields and wildflower meadows, this bespoke shepherd’s hut makes a wonderful rural retreat for couples looking for a relaxing break. You’ll also have access to a lovely private pond, where you can try out wild swimming if you’re feeling adventurous.
We supply fire wood for the wood burner and outdoor fire pit for 1 night but if you wish to use it more than once please bring your own wood.
The nearest village Thorpe Le Soken, is within walking distance and has a good selection of traditional country pubs where you can grab a drink or a bite to eat.
Yes but with an additional £20 cleaning fee.
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