LUXURY GLAMPING IN COLCHESTER, ESSEX
The semi off-grid glamping site offers guests a chance to escape the humdrum and busy pace of life, making time to enjoy a unique glamping experience, just one hour from London. The beautiful accommodation - including a glorious lotus belle and tent and your very own croft hut - offers all the facilities you need for a romantic break away. All electricity is supplied by Solar power, this beautiful site is the perfect place to escape.
-
The Shepherds Belle and Croft Hut
Inside Shepherds Belle you'll find an attractive black metal double bed with colourful bedding and solar lighting, creating a really cosy atmosphere. Think ethnic bohemian style with solid wood furniture and colourful soft furnishings.
From £110.00
-
HOME COMFORTS
In addition to the tent, guests have exclusive use of their own little green Croft which sits neatly beside the tent. The Croft hut is a utility and washing hut, with a 3-day cool box (ice packs and fridge available in site office, access arranged with the owner), large corner shower, waterless toilet, a large ceramic hand basin set on a painted oak sideboard.
From £110.00 -
PLACES OF INTEREST
Bourne Mill National Trust is close by, the mill was originally built as a fishing lodge in 1591 and features stepped “Dutch” gables. There is a millpond and some of the machinery, including the waterwheel which is intact and working and also Colchester Zoo.
-
SHOP
There is a small shop located on the farm with a range of gift items and our own branded food items such as preserves, BBQ relish, picnic pickles and chutneys, cereals, crisps, snacks, and Belvoir Presse bottled drinks, ECO Chic cool bags, picnic blankets, bamboo cups, BBQ coal and other items.
-
ECO Friendly
All electricity is supplied by Solar power, this beautiful site is the perfect place to escape.
SPEND THE DAY
Oaksbrook is a nature inspired, wellness retreat at Brook Farm in the North Essex countryside. Brook Farm is home to Steve and Jane Gilbey, their two Golden Retrievers Jack and Barley, Janes horses and pet sheep, chickens and cats. Our dog friendly, “Herdsman” self catering barn, boasts spacious open plan living with a separate king size bedroom and ensuite, its own
From £120.00
THE SHEPHERDS BELLE AND CROFT HUT
• 2 Guests • 1 Bedroom • 1 Bed • 1 BathroomCooking Facilities
2 ring gas hob, gas oven and grill, log burning stove with hot plate, can be used for one-pot cooking meals. BBQ outside.
Pets Policy
Bring your pets along for the stay.
Pets allowed
We will allow one small well behaved dog in the hut. We may consider two dogs or a larger breed at our discretion (please contact us first before booking if you have large or medium sized dogs).
For the most part you will likely have the whole Glamping area to yourself especially this season in 2024. Your dog can have the run of the Glamping area which is stock fenced all round with mature hedging, but they must be on lead near our livestock in the wider farm.
Should we have other guests staying in the Shepherds Belle and Croft Hut or our new Drover Hut ( planned for 2025) we ask that dogs must not be allowed to be a nuisance to other guests.
Garden – Fully fenced
An open space on the property usually covered in grass
Ryeland Shepherd Hut is an off-grid eco hut nestled in 20 acres of idyllic rural farmland. This beautiful oak-clad hut offers a unique glamping experience with a luxurious selection of home comforts including a cosy wood-burning stove, functional kitchen, en-suite hot shower and even your own tv, yet is completely self-contained.
Set within a secluded meadow of flourishing grassland and wildflowers, interspersed with mown paths and native trees, this is a place to get away from the humdrum of life and experience the tranquillity of nature.
A lightly used footpath runs nearby giving instant access to Tiptree or Messing village where there is a pub serving great food. There is a good sense of privacy around Ryeland hut, due to the natural screening and planting all around.
There are currently just two structures onsite which are well spread out from one another but could equally make a perfect getaway for friends wanting to be together but with their own private facilities.
Parking is in a secure gated farmyard. There is a short walk approximately 500m to the accommodation and Glamping area and carts are provided if needed.
There is a small shop located on the farm with a range of gift items and our own branded food items such as preserves, BBQ relish, picnic pickles and chutneys, cereals, crisps, snacks and Belvoir Presse bottled drinks, ECO Chic cool bags, picnic blankets, bamboo cups, BBQ coal and other items.
The semi off-grid glamping site offers guests a chance to escape the humdrum and busy pace of life, making time to enjoy a unique glamping experience, just one hour from London. The beautiful accommodation - including a glorious lotus belle and tent and your very own croft hut - offers all the facilities you need for a romantic break away. All electricity is supplied by Solar power, this beautiful site is the perfect place to escape.
Set within a secluded meadow of long grasses and wildflowers and plenty of native trees, you'll feel true nature all around you. A nearby footpath runs along the adjacent field so you can walk to the Messing village, (1 mile) where you'll find The Old Crown Pub which also has a Delicatessen shop out the back.
Inside Shepherds Belle you'll find an attractive black metal double bed with colourful bedding and solar lighting, creating a really cosy atmosphere. Think ethnic bohemian style with solid wood furniture and colourful soft furnishings.
Read MoreThe tent has a back and front door flap, windows with insect nets and a silky roof curtain, which when lowered reveals a clear ceiling enabling you to lay back and relax viewing the night sky and stars above from the comfort of your bed. Measuring 5m the tent is spacious and has excellent headroom due to the unique shape and high walls.
Have fun cooking outdoors on the Silver Fire Rocket stove; a wood-fired cooker for boiling kettles or knocking up single pan meals. It also has a skillet attachment and a large cooking pot. There is also a Mini BBQ supplied with cookware and kitchenware. All crockery is provided.
In addition to the tent, guests have exclusive use of their own little green Croft which sits neatly beside the tent. The Croft hut is a utility and washing hut, with a 3-day cool box (ice packs and fridge available in site office, access arranged with the owner), large corner shower, waterless toilet, a large ceramic hand basin set on a painted oak sideboard.
An additional hot and cold tap is situated outside on the back of the hut which is ideal for washing up after a BBQ. This is a great location for exploring the local towns and villages including Chelmsford and Colchester.
On the same glamping site is Ryeland Hut perfect for friends or couples, the hut is 40m away and well screened for privacy.
Check-in after 15:00
Checkout before 10:00
Cleaning products
Hot water
Essentials
Towels, bed sheets, soap and toilet paper
Bed linen
Portable fans
Smoke alarm
Carbon monoxide alarm
Fire extinguisher
First aid kit
Cooking basics
Pots and pans, oil, salt and pepper
Dishes and silverware
Bowls, chopsticks, plates, cups, etc
Kettle
Wine glasses
Garden – Fully fenced
An open space on the property usually covered in grass
Outdoor furniture
Outdoor dining area
BBQ grill
Free parking on premises
Pets allowed
Assistance animals are always allowed
Host greets you
Quiet hours
21:00 - 07:00
No parties or events
Commercial photography allowed
No smoking
Security cameras on property
Kitchen
Wifi
There is no wifi at the property but a good 4g signal
TV
Washing machine
Dryer
Air conditioning
Heating
SCROLL
SCROLL
Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Conservation centre run by the Essex Wildlife Trust, at a site of international importance for winter wildfowl. Nesting cormorants, common terns and nightingales. Nature trails and bird hides. Shop selling gifts, optics and wildlife books.
Aqua Springs
The ultimate health spa experience. Providing you with a complete environment of rest and relaxation, to soothe, revitalise and transform. Try the range of beauty & relaxation treatments.
Beth Chatto Gardens
Planning on visiting the amazing Beth Chatto Gardens?…If so, click here to get the latest information direct from the official Colchester tourism site!
Blackwater Boats
Blackwater Dawn’, a traditional Narrowboat, offering public trips on Sundays and Bank Holidays also private charters for that special occasion.
Blakes Wood
Bourne Mill
National Trust property, the mill was originally built as a fishing lodge in 1591 and features stepped “Dutch” gables. There is a millpond and some of the machinery, including the waterwheel which is intact and working.
SCROLL
BOOK NOW
Need Any Help?
01376 572976
Love this place? Tell everyone!
SHARE
Shepherds Belle & Croft Hut can be booked with Ryeland Hut to accommodate up to 4 guests.
REVIEWS
-
We had an amazing night at the Ryeland Shepherd Hut, tucked away in a quiet spot surrounded by trees and wildlife. We had the best night hanging out at the picnic table and fire pit – perfect for games and stargazing. They've got acres of beautiful land to explore. We took a lovely morning walk around the property seeing the horses, goats, and apple trees. The Hut has a King size bed on trundles that you can use as a sofa during the day as well as a fully equipped fitted kitchen with everything you would need! Jane was a wonderful host and made our stay incredibly enjoyable.
-
Perfect. Just what I needed. Secluded and quite. Hosts were helpful and friendly. If you need to get away from people this is the place.
-
Where to begin!! I absolutely adored my time at yours, it was true paradise, the most tranquil, beautiful place and I am so grateful to you for allowing me to experience it! Your hospitality and kindness throughout was second to none, so thank you so so much, it was very hard to leave.
-
Absolutely loved our time here and will definitely be planning a return visit, a week just did not seem long enough.
-
Great location for us. Lovely walks for the dog. Very helpful and friendly. Very relaxing break. Make sure you book if you want to eat at the Old Crown, dogs welcome in bar area.
-
One of the best trips I've taken, Jane's place is peaceful and cosy with lovely views. The hut was in a private space and my dog loved exploring and I didn't have to worry about him escaping. Jane was friendly and helpful and the cabin was all the amazing parts of camping with all of the home comforts of housing. I will definitely be recommending to friends and family! If I could give more than 5* I would!
THE FARM
Oaksbrook is a nature inspired, wellness retreat at Brook Farm in the North Essex countryside. Brook Farm is home to Steve and Jane Gilbey, their two Golden Retrievers Jack and Barley, Janes horses, pet sheep, chickens and cats. Our dog friendly, “Herdsman” self catering barn, boasts spacious open plan living with a separate king size bedroom and ensuite, its own enclosed small courtyard garden and on site walks on our beautiful 20 acre farm.
Woodland Champions Club CERTIFIED
Woodland Champions Club was established in 2017 to help landowners create and manage woodland and open them up for members of the pubic to use. Their commitment is to plant trees with the help of the woodland trust and site members.
Oaksbrook is a member of or listed with…
OUR STORY
Oaksbrook is a nature inspired, wellness retreat at Brook Farm in the North Essex countryside. Brook Farm is home to Steve and Jane Gilbey, their two Golden Retrievers Jack and Barley, Janes horses and pet sheep, chickens and cats. Our dog friendly, “Herdsman” self catering barn, boasts spacious open plan living with a separate king size bedroom and ensuite, its own enclosed small courtyard garden and on site walks on our beautiful 20 acre farm.
The horses at Brook Farm and the other animals are the centre of Jane and Steves lives. Our lifestyle and our business are inspired by them. Our love of nature has also shaped the way Brook Farm has evolved in the last 12 years since we have lived here. We have created so much habitat for wildlife and that has been so gratifying as we now are seeing so many species of Flora and Forna at the farm.
Jane Gilbey
Other Accommodation
The Ryeland
The Herdsman
Placeholder Title Test 1
THE FARM
The broader farm opens up to attractive grassland paddocks flanked with native trees and hedging, a walk along the boundary grassy track reveals a bee hive and there may be sheep or horses grazing in the summer months. Beyond the path at the far end is a 4 acre field, again this is rich meadow land with native trees dotted in amongst the grasses and a mowed track winding through it, a pond is nestled in the bottom corner, the mowed track continues through our sheep’s paddock which is next to a Brook. At the bottom of the field is a gate which leads to ether a short walk through a small wooded area next to the broom with a large Oak marking the entrance to the trail which takes you back to the pedestrian gate to the Glamp site or foot bridge a cross the broom to the public footpath or you can turn right up the gravelled track leading past the stables and equestrian facilities to the car park. A small shop is also on site adjacent our Herdsman Barn within the Courtyard by the car park. We have a range of gift items and our own branded food items such as preserves, BBQ relish, picnic pickles and chutneys, cereals, crisps, snacks and Belvoir Presse bottled drinks, BBQ coal and other items. We are constantly revising and adding to our range.
Anonymous –
Where to begin!! I absolutely adored my time at yours, it was true paradise, the most tranquil, beautiful place and I am so grateful to you for allowing me to experience it! Your hospitality and kindness throughout was second to none, so thank you so so much, it was very hard to leave.
Anonymous –
Absolutely loved our time here and will definitely be planning a return visit, a week just did not seem long enough
Anonymous –
Coming to the end of yet another perfect week at The Herdsman. Yet again it’s going to be a massive wrench to pack up and leave. Can’t wait until we’re back again.
Anonymous –
What a beautiful, comfortable holiday cottage. Just perfect for a couple looking for a place to escape. Private situation with the feel of being in the countryside but with shops a short drive away. Lovely hosts who give you all the privacy you need. Would certainly recommend.
Anonymous –
Great location for us. Lovely walks for the dog. Very helpful and friendly. Very relaxing break. Make sure you book if you want to eat at the Old Crown, dogs welcome in bar area.
Georgina Cannon –
This place was amazing! We had such a relaxing time, away from London for a long weekend. Jane is by far the most caring air BnB host we have dealt with, she really looked after us and went above and beyond. We will be coming back!
Williams Party –
Comfort: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐5 star
Cleanliness: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ 5 star
Equipment: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ 5 star
Location: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 star
The cottage facilities were excellent and beyond our expectations. Our dogs were made very welcome and there was a superb enclosed walking area. Highly recommend for a relaxing and comfortable break with friendly owners.
Grace Bridgewater –
One of the best trips I’ve taken, Jane’s place is peaceful and cosy with lovely views. The hut was in a private space and my dog loved exploring and I didn’t have to worry about him escaping. Jane was friendly and helpful and the cabin was all the amazing parts of camping with all of the home comforts of housing. I will definitely be recommending to friends and family! If I could give more than 5* I would!