[category]
[title]
Tucked away in peak dreamy Somerset countryside, this painstakingly handbuilt cabin is the perfect semi-off grid getaway. You’d never know you were essentially down the back of someone’s garden (well, down the back of someone’s orchard) when ensconced in this surprisingly spacious and ultra romantic two bedroom retreat. Douglas fir cladding, hand-woven hazel panels, an oak and maple kitchen and a locally-fabricated fire pit all add to the artisan energy pulsing through this homely retreat in the village of Kingsbury Episcopi on the Somerset Levels.
What’s it like inside Craftsman’s Cabin?
This handbuilt cabin is surprisingly sturdy. It comes complete with a wraparound deck and an outdoor table for al fresco dining during the warmer months as well as a rocking chair, where you can live out your Little House of the Prairie fantasy. The best bit though, is the outdoor bath tub, which you simply must use whatever the season (don’t worry, the water is piping hot).
There are two bedrooms, both with sizable beds and soft linen sheets, as well as a shower and bathroom, and the most charming and fully stocked kitchen; there’s an oven, induction hob, fridge, sink, kettle and all the crockery and cutlery you’d ever need. The living area features a cosy seating area, as well as an indoor dining table. All mod cons and then some. On arrival you’ll find tea and coffee, salt and pepper, olive oil, milk, bread, butter, eggs and jam waiting for you. There are also towels and robes, so you don’t need to bring any from home. It’s basically a hotel, but a little more rustic.
What is there to do at Craftsman’s Cabin?
A stay at Craftsman’s Cabin isn’t a full digital detox – there are places in the cabin where you can get the internet if you wiggle your phone about high enough – but switching off is definitely the recommended approach. There isn’t a television but there is a digital radio, so now’s the time to get really stuck into Radio 4 (and bring a book). There’s also a selection of classic board games (chess, backgammon, Scrabble and, er, Bananagrams), which provide a perfect old school evening’s entertainment. If you fancy an evening out, the charming Wyndham Arms is a two minute walk away, so you don’t need to worry about driving back home (though you might need to make sure your wellies are to hand if it’s been a soggy day). There’s also a handbook with a number of local walks that range from 45 minutes to over an hour, if you’re feeling intrepid.
Where is Craftsman’s Cabin?
Craftsman’s Cabin is at the bottom of an orchard in the small village of Kingsbury Episcopi in Somerset. The nearest town is the ancient market town of Langport, which is about a ten minute drive away. In Langport you can hire bikes (electric and analogue) from Parrett Trail Bikes, which makes for a more adventurous way to see the local area – if you can make it up the long incline to Burrow Hill Cider Farm, you’ve more than earned your pint on arrival.
What to do nearby
Rose and Crown (Eli’s): a pub with two names and no bar (drinks are served via handpumps on the wall). This traditional boozer dates back to the 17th century, and there’s regular live music and classic car meet-ups.
Burrow Hill Cider Farm: this is where the Glastonbury Festival cider bus calls home. You can visit throughout the week to buy apple brandy, juice and various ciders direct from the barrel, but it’s most fun on Saturdays during the summer, when the orchard opens up and there’s live music and a food truck.
Muchelney Pottery: a pottery studio and shop set up in 1965 by John Leach, grandson of leading British studio potter Bernard Leach. The Leach family still work there today.
Prices for Craftsman’s Cabin start at £170 a night.