Shank Wood Log Cabin

A little house in the big woods that is the perfect solution for parents wanting to give their kids a taste of life without a touch-screen – or for couples seeking a romantic forest retreat. The cabin is gorgeous, and looks exactly like a Laura Ingalls Wilder illustration – though it could just as easily feature in a Scandinavian lifestyle book. Though there's no running water inside and just a minimal electricity supply, touches of luxury ensure that the cabin is good for the body as well as the soul – like the wood-burning stove, a hot tub and a supremely comfortable leather Chesterton on which to curl up and meditate on the art of chopping wood.

Built from a single tree trunk, the cabin is set in a gloriously secluded spot, within 140 acres of ancient woodland, close to the banks of the River Lyne. There's no phone reception, wifi or internet connection in the cabin, so bring books, art stuff and board games (and don't tell the kids there is internet at the main reception, and phone reception a 10-minute walk up the hill).

You sleep on two double beds parked back-to-back on the cabin's mezzanine floor. Cooking is fun, on a super BBQ that's semi-sheltered on the verandah, and the owners make things easy by providing wood and firelighters. There is an outdoor sink, so big-up the novelty of washing up outdoors, and get the kids to do the plates as they keep an eye out for a passing kingfisher. Lighting is solar-powered, and there are two electrical sockets which can take small items such as phone/laptop chargers but not hairdryers or larger electricals, and there is no fridge, microwave or television. If sun has been scarce, electricity may run out – but living by candlelight and torchlight only adds to the adventure.