sidesOur in-house photographer, Tim, heads to Dorset for a very stylish sleep over with Kip Hideaways.
And breathe.
These are my first thoughts as my partner, Katie and I trundle our belongings up the path, through the great British countryside. As we look around the vast green landscape, speckled with flashes of black and white from our new Freisian neighbours grazing in the fields, we both begin to feel the pressures of everyday life, and city living slipping away. We approach the crest of the hill, the rust-red corrugated iron Architects’ hut comes into view. And what a view.
We step inside the modular space, which has been expertly designed by Architect couple Caroline and Scott to ensure no corner goes unused; the sleeping quarters on a mezzanine level allow an achingly simple living space below. Photographing stylish Bristol homes day in day out means I’m never short of inspiration, but the interior of the hut sits perfectly between inspiration and aspiration; clean, chic, and clever, without losing any of the cosy.
I want one.
One of the main attractions for both of us about this secluded spot was a little bit of peace. A slice of quiet in our hectic schedules to rest, reset and reconnect. The hut and its surroundings have this in spades. It was not until we stopped oogling at the views that we both finally had a chance to really take in our temporary abode. Taking inspiration from its surroundings, the hut was the ultimate lockdown project, built with sustainability at its heart. The picture window to the back of the hut and the almost floor-to-ceiling side pane allow in the most beautiful natural light, allowing you to gaze out from the comfort of the dining nook.
As daylight fades we take a brisk stroll to work up an appetite; much to my delight, Katie announces Spag Bol for supper. Our bovine neighbours seem completely unbothered by the news. The fields surrounding the hut are classic countryside; rolling Dorset hills playing the perfect backdrop to the setting sun hiding behind wisps of cloud. We head back to the hut, scored by a symphony of chirping birds. Spag Bol scoffed, we decide it really would be rude to not test out the woodfired hot tub.
With dusk well and truly setting in, the stars begin to slowly twinkle above, and it’s easy to forget such a beautiful spot isn’t somewhere abroad, but just an hour or so from Bristol. We dry off and gather around the fire pit, holding back the temptation to shout “I’ve got a text” (If you know, you know), and have a nightcap before retiring.
I’ve never been much of a camper, but camping, or glamping, just doesn’t do this experience justice. It has the style of a five-star country retreat, with the privacy and escapism you’d expect from camping out.
The clever thing about great design is that it goes unnoticed, slipping seamlessly into our experience of a space. Those details that someone somewhere has spent hours pondering so that we don’t notice, seem counterintuitive. Every inch of the Architects hut has been considered and is considerate to its surroundings. Although, I don’t think anyone could argue that it stands out in a field!
