Log Cabin Stay in Taunton, England
An Alternative Stay in Mill House Equestrian Centre
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In the age of Airbnb, Couchsurfing and house-sitting, people with the travel bug are leaving behind the days of hotels for alternative accommodation. Checking in and out at receptions has been swapped for combination key holds and the knocks from housekeeping is a distant memory.
There are so many quirky places to stay that suit the needs of all walks of life and the Shepherd’s Hut in Taunton is one of those places.
The Journey
About an hour and half away from South Wales, a little distance off the M5, lives this little estate heaven. You are directed through lanes until a sign notifies you as ‘Hele’ and you know you’re close to the alternative stay. Once you spot ‘Mill House’ and cross over the wooden bridge, you’ve arrived.
The quietness that encroaches near the main house is broken only by the neigh of the horses. For miles, you can only see green grass and over-arching trees and hear the narrow river’s trickle. In the distance, if you squint your eyes, you will see the Shepherd’s Hut. Although you drive through the mud (in wetter months like November), you are calmed to know the owners will get you out if your vehicle gets stuck.
First Impression of Taunton Log Cabin
Amongst the fresh field is a perfect spot of gravel to park and the same stones act as a path toward your night’s lodging. The wooden cabin sits charmingly on wheels in the midsts of mother nature. Up the small hut’s steps and through the double doors, you’re met with a cosy, rose-gold themed home inclusive of everything you need for the stay, without want of anything more.
The Welcomed Addition
Outside of the cabin are little benches on tree trunks encircling a fire pit, enhancing the alternative stay. This makes the whole stay. There are bags of wood behind that you can use for £5 a bag to create your own log-fire. The beginning of November was an apt time considering bonfire night. For a summer/spring stay, there is a space where you can bring disposable barbecues and again, the setting is perfect. The hut has a double bed but the large space outside can fit tents and for an extra fee, you could take friends/family along.
Night
As evening draws in, open a drink and some food and enjoy the log-fire. Through the window pane, you can see dog-walkers and hear the horses in the distance. Other than that, you are alone. It becomes pitch black and dead silent. The only light comes from the fire and porch light of the cabin. The wind whistles but you’re cosy next to the fire embers and later inside the warm hut. Staying in places like this brings you back to basics, with nature and surrounds you with a new sense of peace.
Reflection
After a comfortable sleep, the blinds block daylight and the quietness remains until for the ringing of the church bells. Before check out, stand on the balcony and enjoy the morning’s verdant view or go for a long walk in the area. The time spent in the modern hut surrounded by basic nature is worthwhile. The owners leave you to your own devices in order to enjoy this quaint, alternative stay, giving you a chance to leave the daily stress of life for a small time.
To Pack
Although the alternative stay provides you with essentials including fresh milk in the fridge and coffee, there are some things I’d advise to bring along, as follows.
Something to eat/cook for night and morning.
Drinks for around the fire.
A small speaker/device (we used this one to listen to Unobscured on Spotify, all about the Salem Witch Trials).
Clothes to keep warm.
Toothpaste.
Suitable footwear you don’t mind getting muddy and keeps you warm.
Board games / entertainment (there is a TV and some DVDS).
P.S. There isn’t any WIFI so you can either take your own or be digital-free for the stay!
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