ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY

WE ALL KNOW how lucky we are living in such a beautiful part of the UK. Here in Stamford, Rutland and the Welland Valley we have some wonderful market towns full of local independent shops, restaurants and cafés. The towns are surrounded by pretty villages, some sleepier than others, and swathes of lush, productive countryside. We can get on our bikes or put on our walking boots and we’re in the middle of the countryside in minutes ready to explore. But what’s it like staying there overnight, sleeping under canvas or in a shepherd’s hut knowing you can throw open the door or un ip your tent first thing in the morning and breathe in the fresh morning air Or dropping o to sleep ga ing out upon ancient woodland or cider orchards with a spectacular view of Rutland Water?

Whether you decide to retreat to the countryside on your own, as a couple, with your family or part of a large party there is something here for everyone. And if you struggle with accessibility issues, look no further, here we feature a truly luxurious house in the woods, fully designed for wheelchair users which allows guests to feel truly part of nature.

THE HIDE AT Manton Bay is set on a working agricultural site consisting of cider apple orchards, vineyards and a wholesale tree and shrub nursery. Hidden amongst mature hedging and greenery it is secluded whilst o ering stunning views of Rutland Water’s south west shore.

Part of the site has been recently taken over by the owner’s son Matt Douglas and his partner Natalia who are working hard to restore the vineyard and apple orchards, hoping to produce wine later this year. Alongside this they now o er eco, low impact glamping, with stunning stargazer tents and shepherd huts set in a semi-wilderness all with stunning views of the water.

Thousands of trees, shrubs and hedging were planted over 10 years ago which now provide a fantastic re-wilded habitat for the diverse local bird population. Matt and Natalia want to encourage people to come and enjoy this truly magical place as a way to detox, relax and unwind.

The Hide provides accommodation by the water that it is respectful and in keeping with the surrounding environment. Everything on site is of a ‘pop-up’ nature and cleverly designed with no imposing permanent structures. Its essence is natural and rustic but it feels so much more than that. This is a glamping site which retains the rustic charm of the great outdoors while giving the feeling of a high-end retreat.

The site is perfect for couples or friends wanting some down time surrounded by nature and water. It would also make the perfect venue for weddings and local events with a large plot available for tipis or marquees. It also works well for yoga and wellness retreats, foraging and cooking events, artist and writers’ retreats and activity weekends.

The Hide is mainly aimed at adults but it is possible to book all five otus Belle tents and bring the kids along. or group bookings, exclusive hire is the way to go as you’ll have the place to yourself.

If you stay in one of the stargazer tents you’ll be perched high in the cider apple orchard with amazing views, your own balcony, a hammock and your own private bathroom which is just a short walk away. If you choose a shepherd’s hut made by local manufacturer, Into the Wild UK, you’ll have your own outdoor seating area set amongst grape vines with fabulous views across the water.

The Hide at Manton Bay is just a stone’s throw from the main cycle path, o ering you a great way to e plore the area. There are miles of mostly tra c-free cycling around Rutland Water and its peninsular. You can pick up the cycle path in either direction right outside the gate of The Hide. Or bikes are available to hire at Normanton and Whitwell, ranging from mountain to hybrid and fully electric bikes.

TUCKED AWAY IN the charming village of Yarwell in East Northamptonshire, Berryfields o ers a retreat from everyday life. Owner Richard Berry has created a beautiful lakeside glamping spot complete with bespoke shepherd hut accommodation. Originally a farm with cattle gra ing by the River Nene, the family, having diversified, now share this beautiful oasis with guests.

Tucked out of sight the two shepherd huts nestled either end of the private lake give an opportunity to pause and enjoy the surroundings. Both huts o er lakeside views. One hut is hidden away out of sight in a very private corner, with its own cosy log burner. The second hut has views from every aspect over the length of the lake, the surrounding meadows and the river Nene.

The neighbours can be a talkative bunch in the adjacent meadows you will find gra ing sheep and dancing lambs come springtime. There are all kinds of waterfowl to be

Image: Dan Waters Creative

found such as swans, grey geese, ducks, moorhen and heron.

Berryfields provides a haven away from it all where you can truly switch o . Both huts are fully e uipped with kitchen amenities, an en-suite shower room and comfortable double bed.

The site is also perfectly located for cycling and walking. Yarwell is in the heart of the Nene alley, on the doorstep of great cycle routes. aths, including the Nene Way - less than two miles away which is over miles long, and bridleways too as well as lots of local history to discover. isitors will be spoilt for choice with wonderful local eateries, including the traditional Angel nn just a five-minute walk away.

Rutland Water is just minutes’ drive away where you can enjoy cycling, fishing, the A ua ark, rock climbing, sailing and the Rutland Belle boat trip. Stamford and Burghley House is just minutes away as is Tolethorpe for open air Shakespeare. The intriguing Eli abethan lodge and moated garden yveden which dates back to the th Century is close by, as is Oundle, and the site of otheringhay Castle, the birth place of Richard in and where Mary ueen of Scots was beheaded in .

COUNTRY BUMPKIN YURTS celebrates all the best things about UK staycations; adventures on your doorstep, hassle free holidays, and reconnecting with nature.

Country Bumpkin Yurts, owned by Jen and Lara, have three spacious yurts situated on an award-winning farm on the border of Northamptonshire and Leicestershire with a well stocked farm shop on site. Two yurts can sleep up to six people, ideal for families and groups. And one yurt can sleep just two - perfect if you’re escaping the family. Group bookings are also welcome with exclusive use of the glamping site. A variety of workshops and classes such as sausage making, yoga and ower arranging can be arranged on site for guests too.

A log burner, shabby chic furnishings and cosy beds are in each tent so guests can rest in comfort and style. With private bathrooms and outdoor kitchenettes, plus a communal indoor kitchen, you will have everything you need. The cherry on the top is the eco-friendly wood burning hot tub which makes it a yurt glamping experience for those looking for an extra special stay. f you decide to rouse yourselves and venture o site there’s plenty to visit locally including Kelmarsh Hall outside Market Harborough, award winning theatre at Kilworth Hall and Armourgeddon military museum.

PERFECT FOR A romantic get-away or simply just for a bit of ‘you time’ there is plenty of choice at New Lodge Farm Glamping and Camping site near Bulwick owned and run by Simon and Sarah Singlehurst. Choose either a luxury glamping pod or one of the new, lovely shepherd huts situated in the relaxing and tranquil glamping village on the adults only 5* campsite. Both the pods and huts are hand built and finished to a very high standard and will provide you with the opportunity to switch o , starga e on a clear night or while away the evening watching the ames from your fire pit.

The wildlife and Aberdeen Angus cattle provide the perfect backdrop to get away from the hustle and bustle of life on this working farm and the oodlit stream gives you a sense of calmness and quiet. Perfect for a getaway, the centrally heated pods and huts will help you to cosy up on the cooler evenings too. They are packed full of creature comforts and are fully furnished with double beds, TV, kitchenette (with fridge, electric hob, kettle, toaster, and microwave) and ensuite bathrooms. The huts even have a wood burner!

For this true glamping experience, you will need to bring your own bedding and towels but once you have arrived, using the festival carts to transport your bags, your holiday will start, and you will feel a million miles away from the humdrum of life. Although perfect for a self-catering stay you can also indulge yourself in the award-winning farm shop, where you can purchase essentials, treats and gifts and, of course, eat home cooked food in the café/restaurant.

The warmest of welcomes awaits and you can treat yourself by pre ordering a bottle of fi and bo of chocolates for that special person in your life ready for your arrival.

MISSY’S HOUSE IN the Woods is a ground-breaking five-bedroom, fully accessible holiday home on the Rutland and Northamptonshire border.

The house, inspired by Melissa (Missy , daughter of Tim and avina Conant, is designed for people with additional needs. ocal architectural practice Harris McCormack, avina and Rupert Conant (Missy’s half-brother and their team at the Bulwick Estate have created an elegant home with considered accessibility providing discreet and lu urious practicality.

Ancient woodland surrounds Missy’s House, which is on the site of a former wood mill. The oor-to-ceiling glass doors and windows draw the outside in, allowing guests to feel they are part of nature.

The house’s focal point is a double-height, open-plan kitchen and sitting room e plicitly designed for wheelchair users. The central island has a lowered section of worktop and an accessible sink. rom this room, guests can enjoy peace in the uiet room, with views through large bi-fold rench doors and double-height windows into the woods. There is also a large art room with plenty of space for those inspired to be creative. The bedrooms can all be made up as doubles or twins, making it e ible for any combination of families and friends. All fully accessible bathrooms are high spec with a clean, modern design.

The rusty weathered steel roof and burnt larch cladding blend sympathetically with the woodland and echo the old wood mill. athy Miller (Rupert’s wife , and her partners, Helene and Simone Bendi of Two by Two Creators, were responsible for the interior art and styling. They have created a wholeness’ for the space, authentically e pressing what Missy’s House stands for, honouring the building and its surroundings to make an attractive and harmonious home. The House is filled with art to inspire and invite conversation with lu urious te tiles and stylish and comfortable fabrics.

Should you ever want to leave the tran uillity of this peaceful holiday home, there are many beautiful walks around the estate with a wide variety of activities available in the local area.

The estate, which is part of Rockingham orest, has been in the ownership of the Tryon and Conant families since and comprises mi ed farming, acres of ancient woodland and commercial and residential properties.