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S TAYC AT I O N U K Images >> Top half Cedar Valley, Hampshire Bottom half - Romney Marsh Shepherds Huts (RMSH)
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t’s not surprising that after a challenging twelve months, many people are desperate to escape to the outdoors and experience the world around them again. With some opting to remain on UK shores, staycations will remain a popular choice for many, and with so many exciting venues, events and areas of the UK to explore, we thought we’d celebrate the staycation in style with some hidden favourites and gems that should be on your shortlist. Over the last few years, there’s been a noticeable rise in repurposing cabins and shepherd huts into chic places to stay. With two new cabins opening this spring, the Cedar Valley, Hampshire, provides a stylish collection of glamping escapes in the heart of the Meon Valley, Hampshire. The Woodland Kabin and Cedars Kabin make the most of two secluded spots on the edge of woodland with far-reaching views across the valley. Each has been finished with a contemporary luxury feel with rustic charm at its core. Built using environmentally conscious design and local materials, the bespoke accommodation is sustainable and fitting with the landscape. The interiors exude rustic charm, with the reclaimed timber cladding, and retro-chic with the exposed pendant lightbulbs in the open-plan kitchens and en-suite bathrooms, luxury soft furnishings and linen bedding. The en-suite bathrooms have a stylish waterfall shower, and the kitchen is fully equipped for self-catered holidays. West Meon is a Hampshire village that dates back to the Iron and Bronze Ages. Roman villas and Meonwara tribe remains have been discovered locally. Its beautiful surroundings are perfect for a base to explore the local landscape, and The Meon Valley Trail is a popular route for walkers and cyclists. Wine connoisseurs can take in a tipple or two at the Hattingley Valley Wines vineyard, famed for its range of English sparkling wines.
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SUMMER ISSUE
If you’re a lover of all things steam, then The Mid Hants Railway Watercress Line is nearby and will give you an alternative view of the surrounding countryside. Cedar Valley, Hampshire from £150 per night Those looking for a unique pad set with a rural and pastoral setting, then shepherds huts are the perfect way of embracing outdoor life. Romney Marsh Shepherds Huts (RMSH) are set on a family farm near Aldington on the Romney Marsh, a sparsely populated wetland area in Kent that’s designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Owned by the Boulden family, who have lived and farmed on the Marsh since 1882 and have over 130 years’ experience of the area, the huts were launched in 2018 as a way to diversify the farm’s business and build on the success of the family’s successful brand Romney Marsh Wools which is also run from the farm and has just won the ‘National Best Rural Creative or Artisan Business Award’ at The Rural Business Awards 2020/21. The company uses the fleeces and lanolin from the family’s flock of sheep to create artisan Best of British homewares, clothing and toiletries with samples of the products available for guests to use while staying in the huts. The two traditional shepherds’ huts - Rumwold and Lookerer were specially commissioned by the family and bespoke built by local craftsman Julian from Elham Valley Shepherds Huts using original 1900’s plans. Designed as rural retreats incorporating a touch of luxury, the cosy huts are the perfect romantic hideaway for couple’s post lockdown and come fully equipped with a double bed, kitchen including electric hob and outdoor fire pit, a built-in toilet and shower room. Visitors looking to try out something new can add on a diverse range of experiences to their stay, including a Marsh Jeep Safari, needle felting, photography sessions, art tutor classes with RMSH’s >>
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