A pair of especially gorgeous huts in the Essex countryside, one lakeside and one overlooking fields, both with outdoor bath and a wild-swimming pond; perfect for solo escapes, romantic retreats and small groups (each sleeps 2)
Lakeside Hut
Shepherd's Hut
Space & setting.
Less than 1.5 hours from London on a direct train, these two hand-built huts hidden away in Essex’s countryside-on-the-coast are totally on-point for those who want a proper pause. In a true labour of love, the owners designed and created both huts from scratch, hand-sewing textiles, digging out the pond and sourcing preloved antiques from car boot sales and vintage fairs. A bone-white tree trunk ossified by lightning stands sentinel over the shepherd’s hut, where a Swedish-style wood-fired bath looks out over yellow rapeseed fields and glass-fronted design frames the trajectory of the sun throughout the year.
The gorgeous rustic-chic interiors and phenomenal attention to detail in their brand-new lakeside hut (2024) really blew us away: smooth cork panels set against up-cycled wood cladding; a bijou kitchen beautifully finished with locally-made ceramics; fold-away bedside tables (just the right size for a cup of tea) and a stunning floral headboard as the centrepiece. Mesmerising views set the scene for deliciously slow mornings of breakfast in bed, while the pond beckons the brave for a revitalising dip. Come alone or as a couple, or get some girlfriends together and book both huts for a weekend of beach walks, camp fires and wild swimming.
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. Eco-friendly toiletries.
Surrounds.
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Frinton Beach -
River Stour -
Thorpe le Soken, Essex
- Swim in the pond and drive to sandy St Osyth for paddle-boarding and kite-surfing (10 mins).
- Book a special wellness experience at the hut, from yoga, massage and breathwork to cold water immersion and candlelit sound healing with crystal singing bowls.
- 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.
- Treat yourself to a day at the Lifehouse Spa in Thorpe Le Soken, walkable from the hut.
- Spend an afternoon browsing the cool high street in Manningtree, filled with independent boutiques and cafés. Manningtree Arts, a creative space, book shop and café, does the best hot chocolate in town, while the owners recommend Maiz for Mexican dinners.
Specifics.
- 2 hand-built huts on 3 acres of private land
- Shepherd’s hut with field views:
- Open-plan interior warmed by a woodburner
- Double cabin bed
- Ensuite shower bathroom plus a log-fired bath outside
- Well-equipped kitchen including mini fridge and gas hob; basic supplies
- Family friendly during the school holidays, with the additional option of a bell tent outside for up to 2 kids
- Lakeside hut with pond views:
- Open-plan interior warmed by a woodburner; sleeping and kitchen areas divided by a wall
- Kingsize bed with 100% linen bedding
- Cinema screen and projector with preloaded classic films
- Ensuite shower bathroom plus a roll-top bath outside; bubble bath and epsom salts provided
- Well-equipped kitchen including mini fridge, oven, gas hob, coffee beans with grinder and filtered water; basic supplies
- Yoga mats provided
- Bathrobes and eco-friendly toiletries provided
- Outdoor seating and grill over firepit
- Breakfast, brunch and meal platters on request
- Welcome hamper of marshmallows (for toasting on the fire), fresh eggs from their rescue hens, tea selection and local wine or kombucha
- Cards, dominoes, books and binoculars
- Wild-swimming pond; paddle boards provided
- Private wellness experiences can be arranged (massage, reflexology, yoga, breathwork, meditation, sound healing, cold water therapy with Wim Hof trained instructor)
- Sauna opening July 2024
- One small – medium size dog allowed per hut; extra cost
- Walk to pubs, train station, restaurants and wellness spa; drive to a farm shop and supermarket
- Drive 10 mins to the beach
- Phone reception but no WiFi
- The owners live in the main house, available by phone if you need them
- 2 huts ideal for 4 friends/2 couples to book together
- Booking conditions: a minimum 2-night stay
- Discount for 3+ night stays (£600 instead of £630)
- 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.
To see our full terms and conditions relating to booking our hideaways please click here.
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.
Lakeside Hut: wood provided for logburner plus 1 box of wood for the firepit. Should guests wish to use the firepit more than once there is a charge of £10 per additional firepit.
Shepherd’s Hut – all wood provided for logburner plus enough wood for 1 x outdoor bath and 1 x firepit. Should guests wish to use the bath/firepit more than once there is a charge of £20 per additional bath and £10 per additional firepit. The wood supplied is kiln-dried.
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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