The Coloured Ryeland Retreat

The shepherd’s hut is set in a Woodland Champions Club Members Site, overseen by Natural England. Their ethos matches that of the shepherd’s hut owners, who both work towards creating Woodland habitat and conservation projects.

When booking a stay, guests are given free membership. Set amongst acres of glorious rolling countryside, the farm on which the shepherd’s hut is located offers activities such as complementary therapies and classes.

Those wishing to explore scenic footpaths or cycle tracks can head to the local woods. A little further afield, take a short drive to Mersea Island (13 miles) with locally caught seafood, beaches and sailing, or take a boat charter from Maldon (9 miles).

Colchester, regarded as Britain’s oldest town, is 10 miles away, with quaint cobbled streets and a host of independent shops, as well as Colchester Zoo. The train station at Kelvedon (2.5 miles away) gives you direct access to London for a day's sightseeing.

As you arrive at the owner’s property, park up, and you will then be driven by electric buggy to your shepherd’s hut, where you can take in the tranquil and picturesque surroundings which you are free to explore. (Alternatively, if it is dry, you may prefer to drive to the site) When you arrive at your hut, you will instantly see the amazing craftsmanship that has gone into constructing this fabulous holiday home.

Heading inside, you have a (functional) kitchen with an integrated hob and microwave, along with a three-day cooling box; if you need further chilled storage space or indeed need a freezer, then the owner has provided one close to their property which guests are more than welcome to use. You have a slide-out king-size bed that has plenty of storage space underneath for any personal items, a wall-mounted TV, and there is a shower along with a waterless WC.