Our favourite hideaways for cooking in nature
Penned on the 28th June 2023
The smell of barbecued goodness sizzles through the warm summer breeze and setting the table outdoors instead of in has become the new norm. Alfresco season is here and we couldn't be more delighted. Spending time in nature from dawn til dusk has to be one of the greatest simple pleasures that summer brings. Here’s a selection of our favourite hideaways with incredible outdoor cooking facilities. We’ve also included a few delicious seasonal salads to serve up alongside your outdoor feast as an extra treat!
Little Oak Treehouse | Treehouse | Sussex | Sleeps 2
This utterly lovely treehouse in West Sussex is the perfect hideaway for embracing life outdoors. From the multitude of places to sit and enjoy your morning cuppa to the quirky open-air kitchen and wonderful wood-fired pizza oven, the hideaway has been designed with nature in mind. Embrace a taste of Italy during your stay and give pizza making a go. Once the cheese has bubbled, take a seat on the decking, pour a glass of Italian fizz and soak up the peaceful ambience surrounding your hidden haven.
Hayley’s Hut | Shepherd’s Hut | Devon | Sleeps 2
Golden hour is made even more dreamy while staying at the heavenly Hayley’s Hut. On a balmy summer's eve light the fire pit, prep delicious local produce and enjoy sizzling something sumptuous over the flickering flames. There’s also a rustic outdoor kitchen with a wood-fired range, perfect for lighting on cooler evenings when you still wish to be outdoors. Four-legged friends will love this sweet shepherd’s hut just as much as you, with room to roam and space to play as you relax and unwind after a day of adventures.
The Crook | Shepherd’s Hut | Somerset | Sleeps 2
This large and luxurious hut is a rural idyll for those seeking a retreat with all the added extras! From the wood-fired hot tub to the DeliVita pizza oven, time spent outdoors is made all the more special at this dream-worthy getaway. Plan the perfect date night with the one you love most, making pizzas in the wood-fired oven. Why not pick up your toppings from a local farm shop to make them all the more delicious? By prior arrangement (and at an additional cost) the owners are happy to provide pizza dough or local barbecue packs during your stay (please note, 48 hours' notice is needed).
You'll also find The Whistle onsite. Both hideaways have the same outstanding facilities and promise plenty of privacy from one another.
Shepherd’s Rest | Shepherd’s Hut | Cornwall | Sleeps 2
The barbecue hut at Shepherd’s Rest is the perfect spot to sit back with a glass of your favourite and admire the sun as it disappears over the horizon. Just by the lake is where you will find this tranquil space. Light the fire and get ready to prepare the most delicious wood-fired feast. A truly dreamy hideaway for those seeking a dog-friendly retreat that’s idyllic for practising mindfulness in nature.
Tresahor Lodge | Cabin | Cornwall | Sleeps 4
The lovely barbecue hut at this enchanting retreat creates scenes out of a fairytale. Nestled within an ancient quarry, this bespoke hideaway is where dreams come true. After a day of exploring Cornwall's famous array of sandy beaches, why not return to cook a seafood feast over the fire? Or if a sweet treat is more your style, bubble up some indulgent hot chocolate and top with toasted marshmallows!
Posy | Shepherd’s Hut | Somerset | Sleeps 2
What makes Posy extra special is the quirky outdoor kitchen, cleverly designed to be practical for every season. The kitchen has a camping stove with two burners and a grill, perfect for prepping a scrumptious weekend brunch. There is also a fire pit barbecue with an oven compartment which can be used for cooking hearty jacket potatoes. Load them up with your favourite filling and hunker down around the dancing flames.
River Safari | Safari Tent | Herefordshire | Sleeps 4
Perfectly designed with families in mind, this rustic riverside safari tent is just the spot to immerse yourself in nature. Once the sun has risen, enjoy slow mornings with a coffee in hand while you tuck into breakfast at the picnic bench beside the hideaway. And, as dusk settles why not head down with a basket full of local delights to the riverside dining table and cook up a storm over the fire pit? Just peachy...
There are three other hideaways on site, all offering a different glamping experience. Head to The Hideout for a military-style getaway in the wilderness, retreat to Mrs Higgs for the ultimate forest escape or embrace peace and tranquillity at The Cider Camp.
Swallows Nest | Quirky House | Devon | Sleeps 2
Swallows Nest is our rustic quirky house nestled in the Devonshire countryside. This earthy retreat has a spectacular set-up for outdoor cooking. Not only is there a barbecue and ceramic smoker, but there is also a woodfired pizza oven. Delicious decisions are to be made every evening during your stay. This property truly transports you to a Mediterranean dreamland.
Our favourite side salads for alfresco dining
1. Peach and Mozzarella
Ingredients: ripe peaches, mozzarella, prosciutto ham, rocket, mint, toasted pine nuts, balsamic vinegar, honey and olive oil.
Cut the peaches, rip up the mozzarella and prosciutto, throw in the rocket, sprinkle on the mint and top with toasted pine nuts. Finish with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, sea salt and black pepper.
2. Pomegranate and Feta
Ingredients: pomegranate, feta, avocado, celery, cucumber, rocket, watercress, baby gem, toasted sunflower and pumpkin seeds, pomegranate molasses, olive oil.
Add the rocket, watercress, sliced baby gem, chopped avocado, celery and cucumber into a large salad bowl. Top with crumbled feta, toasted seeds, sea salt and black pepper. Pour over the pomegranate molasses and olive oil and finally sprinkle the pomegranate seeds on top, for a lovely pop of colour!
3. Tomato and mozzarella
Ingredients: High-quality buffalo mozzarella, large vine tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and balsamic glaze.
Slice the mozzarella and tomatoes and alternate on a decorative plate. Chop the basil and sprinkle on top. Drizzle with olive oil, balsamic glaze, sea salt and crushed black pepper. So simple, but so timelessly tasty!
Take a look at our full collection of heavenly hideaways here and start planning your escape to nature.