4 minute read
Sheer delight!
from aboutfram issue 25
by aboutmedia
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Sheer delight!
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Nestled in the Suffolk countryside, beneath the boughs of an ancient apple tree and with views across wildflower meadows, The Scrumpy Shepherd is an impossibly romantic hideaway. Owned by Daniel and Sarah Norman, this handcrafted shepherd’s hut is available to rent, so I pop over to peek inside before the next guests arrive.
Daniel and Sarah commissioned the hut three years ago from local firm, The Suffolk Hutmakers, after deciding that they wanted to share their beautiful slice of Suffolk with others. Daniel’s family have farmed this unspoilt stretch of the Deben Valley for five generations, and here you can still find small paddocks surrounded by thick hedges dotted with majestic oaks, luscious water meadows that dip down to the riverbanks and wooded copses where the tawny owls make their roosts. “We wanted to create something unique, a really special place where couples could come and escape the chaos of everyday life. We spent ages looking for the perfect location, randomly sitting in shady corners to check out the view or walking the dogs in the evening to hunt down the best sunset, but eventually we were both drawn to the orchard. It just felt right, a secret spot where you can tuck yourself away.”
To reach The Scrumpy Shepherd, Sarah and I head off along a cut path that weaves its way evocatively through the long grass to a wooden 5-bar gate. The hut sits squarely to one end of the orchard and Sarah explains
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that they had to thin out the old trees and clear back all the brambles and scrub, but it is lovely to see that they have also replanted a mix of apple and cherry trees so that future generations will still be able to enjoy the delights of the wonderful spring blossom. Once she knew where the hut was going, Sarah worked closely with The Suffolk Hutmakers to ensure every detail of the design was correct, from the height of the bed to the bespoke copper piping used in the bathroom. “They were brilliant, building everything to our exact requirements and helping us source high quality fixtures such as the tiny wood burning stove and the fabulous mason jar and faucet lights above the kitchen units.”
The corrugated exterior is painted a restful blue grey, and to both corners old milk churns, vintage watering cans and iron planters brim with cottage garden favourites. Wooden stairs lead up to a central stable door and inside the beautifully styled interior is surprisingly spacious. A double cabin bed is perfectly positioned to allow guests a morning view of the wildflower meadow and is dressed in crisp linen, plumped feather cushions and a woollen blanket for cosy evenings. To the centre there is an oak-topped kitchen unit, complete with butler sink, mini fridge and electric hob, and the bespoke dresser above is home to a pretty collection of Emma Bridgewater crockery. A fold-out table allows guests to eat in, warming themselves by the gorgeously compact woodburning stove, and hidden away to one end is the small en-suite shower room.
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Sarah and Daniel have created the most wonderful boutique space, a deliciously romantic retreat that is both authentic and luxurious. “We want guests to feel pampered so provide all the usual luxuries, but also welcome them with a home baked cherry and walnut cake, freshly laid eggs from the farm and local treats such as Pump Street chocolate or Stokes sauces.” Guests also have the use of a BBQ, a fire pit, and a table and bench that Daniel fashioned from the wheels of an old binder harvester and a huge slab of oak. Lights are strung through the trees and it is easy to imagine the wonder of guests as they cuddle up under Suffolk’s famous star-studded skies. And, if you can bear to drag yourself away, just a twenty-minute stroll will find you at either the Cretingham Bell or The Queen at Brandeston, where a refreshing pint awaits. Back at the farm we find Daniel busy in the barn, this time turning a pony trailer into an ingenious kitchen unit! Sarah smiles at my questioning look and takes me across to another meadow where we find a vintage Bowtop gypsy wagon that is all set to become their next romantic retreat. Commanding sweeping views across the cornfields to Monewden Church, it is very decorative, with beautifully engraved woodwork, gold leaf detailing and etched mirrors, and Sarah hopes that guests will cook on a tripod over an open fire. As we wander back, she chats excitedly about designing wooden platforms for sundowners and hidden riverside picnic spots, and I can totally understand why couples are flocking to this idyllic corner of Suffolk.
