The Nook
Set in 3 acres of its own farmland and woodland, all to yourself for your stay.
About The Nook
Our first hideaway, The Nook was designed and built by Pete, with a little bit of help from family and friends! It’s set on top of one of our Grandfather’s old trailer wheels, and the kitchen is made with wood sourced from the farm.
Rich wood tones and simple style blend this tiny house and its hot tub into several acres of carefully preserved land just an hour from London. Secluded next to your own private pond, and hidden away from the rest of the farm, you won’t be disturbed. The compact space features ladders at either end that take you up to mezzanine bunks whose height draws the heat from the wood burner into their cosy corners. A restful retreat for a couple or snug nest for a group of close friends.
The en-suite shower room has hot running water and a toilet, with the small kitchenette featuring an electric hob and mini-fridge for rustling up simple meals. Alternatively, you can light a fire in the fire bowl on the decking and cook under the open skies.
The Nook can sleep four comfortably, although our recommendation is to enjoy the space and stick to two. The beauty of The Nook is its location, overlooking the old scrape, which has now been filled with rainwater.
Useful Information
Covid-19 Information
Our sites are set in 200 acres of farmland and woodland. We provide a remote check-in/check-out service so that, other than sheep, you should not need to be in contact with anyone. We remain on hand if you need any practical help, although we ask that you respect social distancing.
The cleanliness of each site is important to us. During this pandemic we have adopted a deep cleaning protocol following each stay.
Check in / Check out
The key to The Nook will be in the door upon arrival. When checking out please leave the key in the door. The Nook is available from 3.00pm and should be vacated prior to 11.00am on your departure day.
Should you need any flexibility around these times please contact us and we will try our best to accommodate you.
Eat | Sleep | Wash
The Nook has a kitchen with sink, fridge with small freezer, an electric induction hob and stove top kettle. All kitchen utensils including pots, pans, cutlery, plates, tea pot and cafetiere are also provided. There is no dishwasher but washing-up gloves are available!
There are two mezzanine beds each accessed by a ladder (one double and one king size) each accessed by a ladder. We provide bed linen. Please let us know if you would like the second double bed made up and we will be happy to do this for you.
The bathroom includes a shower, WC and sink. Towels and handwash are provided.
Hot Tub
The hot tub by the decking is fired by a wood burner. See instructions under “Wood Burner” for how to get the wood burner going. Note that upon first lighting it may take between 2 to 2.5hrs to heat the tub. Following days will be quicker, so take care not to overheat the water!
Please note that for the hot tub wood burner you will need to build a big/roaring fire and keep this going strong before the water in the hot tub will get warm. It is important to stir the water in the hot tub with the wooden oar on the top of the tub to mix the warm water at the top with the colder water at the bottom.
Wood Burner
There are two wood burners at The Nook, one for heating the cabin and the other to heat the hot tub. There is a wood store next to The Nook, or you are welcome to bring firewood with you. Where you use wood from the store we charge a flat fee of £10 per night of your stay – we supply firelighters at no extra charge. Payment should be made prior to your departure.
The following YouTube video provides useful instructions on how to get the wood burner going: https://youtu.be/62VGn3fsEek. Please let us know if you are struggling to light any of the wood burners as we will be happy to help.
Food and Drink
We provide complimentary milk, coffee and tea as well as the boring cooking staples (salt, pepper, cooking oil) and bottled water. Each hideaway has a small fridge and cooking facilities. The Nook also has BBQ utensils, an outdoor grill and wood provided.
For buying-in, take-aways or eating out there is a country pub within walking distance, plus plenty of options for food shops, take-aways, pubs and restaurants within a short drive.
Things to do
Things to do
Most of our guests come to escape the noise and bustle of City life, and so typically while away their time enjoying nature in relaxed seclusion. For those feeling more active we have left at The Old Oak details of local walks, trails and cycle rides for you to experience during your time with us.
We are near to Epping Forest which has some lovely spots, and National Trust and other attractions, including the Gibberd Garden. Old fashioned Epping High Street is also worth an amble if you need to shop.
We also invite you to explore our farm, set over 200 acres of ancient farmland, including traditional hedgerows and notable trees and even a babbling brook. We ask that you do not walk across the fields though – we are still a working farm. There are details of tracks across the farm in The Old Oak.
Dogs
The Nook is dog friendly and the perimeter of the 3 acre setting is fenced. We would ask that you clean up after your dog, and be sensitive about other guests, as well as the animals that roam the farm.
If you bring your dog please make sure you keep the gate to the field closed.