A cosy autumnal escape at The Potting Shed
Penned on the 31st October 2024
Staying in a romantic cabin in autumn has to be one of life’s cosiest experiences. Travelling to Staffordshire through verdant countryside, we made our way to our welcoming hideaway, The Potting Shed. Enveloped by dusk, we could feel an approaching storm in the autumnal air - the perfect atmosphere to get settled in our heavenly hideaway, by lighting the wood burner and preparing the hot chocolates the owner had kindly provided for our arrival. It wasn’t long until we found ourselves falling asleep to the sound of the crackling wood burner and rain gently pattering on the roof.
We woke to the relaxing sound of rain falling from the night before. Rolling over, we opened the blinds and watched the birds flying and sheep grazing across the farmland before us - it felt like we were in our own slow peaceful world, while the rest of the world outside rushed to work.
Eventually we pulled ourselves out of the cosiest bed we have ever slept in, and enjoyed breakfast under the veranda as the rain continued to softly fall from the sky. The veranda is fully covered, meaning you can enjoy the beautiful farmland views in all seasons. As the storm eased, the sun started to shine again, and we headed into the local town of Newport to spend the afternoon exploring independent eateries and shops.
The glorious golden autumnal sun was shining over our homely hideaway on our return. We were so fortunate to experience The Potting Shed in all weathers - it really is a cabin that shines no matter the season. Whilst watching the autumn sunset, we were greeted by the lovely Dorris and Gwen, the two Longwool sheep who roam just beyond the fence. Their calm presence during our stay made us slow down with them. You really are amongst the residents of the farm at The Potting Shed. We watched the young horse, Sovereign, playfully gallop around the surrounding fields amongst the sheep, and one morning we were greeted by two hens on the doorstep.
As evening drew in, we pulled out the selection of boardgames which kept us entertained until the early hours, with the roaring fire and our favourite Bon Iver album playing in the background.
Saturday morning, we were excited to make breakfast from the incredible hamper the owner provided.
Not wanting to drive anywhere, we took the bikes out that are provided at The Potting Shed and rode along the lanes surrounding the cabin. The autumn leaves fell around us and we felt like kids again, cycling around with nowhere in particular to go.
Returning to the cabin, we prepared an autumnal BBQ on the chiminea. The Potting Shed has its own veg patch, filled with a huge variety of produce. We picked fresh spring onions and herbs for the BBQ and raspberries for dessert. It was such a special touch, to be able to pick what we needed for dinner!
With Saturday being our final evening at The Potting Shed, we saved the best until last: the blissful outdoor bathtub. Situated on the veranda, this is the perfect place to unwind amongst nature - made all the more special by watching the sun set right from the bathtub.
On our final night, we fell asleep to the sound of tawny owls and the wind and rain once again. A stay at The Potting Shed felt like escaping into our favourite autumnal playlist for a weekend, and was everything we needed to reset and recharge.
It was so idyllic we are already making plans to come back. There are two other secluded hideaways onsite, Shepherd's View and The Woodsman. These spots offer plenty of privacy whilst also making it easy to gather your loved ones for a group getaway. Discover more about The Potting Shed here.