LUXURY GLAMPING IN COLCHESTER, ESSEX
Get away from it all when you stay under the stars in our beautiful solid Oak clad Shepherd hut. Hand crafted on site by owner. Off grid, eco friendly, secluded site set within a gated paddock within a 20 acre farm. Surrounded by mature native hedges and trees planted by the owners. The Ryeland had a kitchen with two ring hob, oven and grill, a pull out king size bed, cozy log burning stove, en suite shower and waterless toilet. Walks on site. Farm stay with horses, goats and pet sheep.
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Ryeland
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.
From £115.00
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HOME COMFORTS
This beautiful oak-clad hut offers a unique glamping experience with 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.
From £115.00 -
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.
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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.
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ECO Friendly
The hut is semi off grid and electricity is provided via Solar panels on the roof. This allows for lighting and a small TV with Freeview so you can curl up in bed and watch a film on a rainy day. A battery pack is provided for phone and tablet charging. Solar and battery operated Tilly lamps and outside lights.
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
RYELAND
• 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.
Cooking Facilities
2 ring gas hob, log burning stove with hot plate, can be used for one-pot cooking meals. New Gas BBQ with a Pizza stone outside under cover of a wooded Gazebo.
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.
This beautiful oak-clad hut offers a unique glamping experience with 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.
The hut has a King size bed on trundles that slides back to create a cosy sofa with cushions and throws. There is an Ekol Apple Pie log burning stove for heating or authentic stove cooking. Rustle up a one pot meal on the hot plate or a tasty casserole in the stove itself. The hut also boasts a kitchenette with two ring gas hob and a baby Belfast sink plus a three day cool box (ice packs provided), there is an additional fridge in the office if required. All crockery, pans and cutlery provided plus outside we have a new gas BBQ with variable controls for quick heating of meals like a normal oven. It also has a pizza stone so you can warm bread toast over the flame or rustle up a pizza.
There is an en-suite shower room with vanity unit and basin with on demand hot water. The toilet is a eco friendly composting urine separating toilet with extractor fan.
Read MoreOutside you will find a wooden Gazebo with a picnic table and the gas BBQ. There are also two reclining, relaxing gravity chairs.
The site is a secluded fully fenced paddock with established hedges all round and native trees, a line of mature conifers screens the site from the larger farm, providing a good sense of privacy around Ryeland hut. The hut is well screened from our other accommodation the Shepherds Belle which is around 30 metres away and surrounded with native trees and shrubs. The Ryeland is the perfect getaway for couples. Currently the Shepherds Belle is not in use and our new log burning hot tub is located on the deck next to the Croft hut and can be booked as an add on.
The larger farm is mainly grassland paddocks where our horses and pet sheep graze. There is a grassy trail that goes past our Bee hives in The Horses View Memorial Wood. Here there are lovely views over the grazing paddocks where you can sit and watch the horses and sheep. Continue along the trail and through the wooden gate to a four acre rewilded field with woodland and a pond. There is a second larger pond in an adjacent field where guests can sit and take in the peace. Just through the gate at the lower end of the glamping field there is a little footbridge over a brook that leads along the footpath to the road leading to Messing village where there is the Old Crown Pub, a firm favourite with us and all of our visitors for fine food. To the right of the bridge you can follow a wooded trail which leads to a gravel track that passes the stables to the car park situated in the farm yard. In dry weather we do allow guests to drive down to the glamping field with a strict 5mph rule or your host can take you and your luggage down via a golf cart or we have trolley’s for guests use too.
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. We also have our home produced Honey available to purchase.
Check-in after 15:00
Checkout before 10:00
Cleaning products
Hot water
Essentials
Towels, bed sheets, soap and toilet paper
Bed linen
Cotton linen
Clothes storage
TV
Indoor fireplace: wood-burning
Smoke alarm
Carbon monoxide alarm
Fire extinguisher
First aid kit
Kitchen
Space where guests can cook their own meals
Cooking basics
Pots and pans, oil, salt and pepper
Dishes and silverware
Bowls, chopsticks, plates, cups, etc
Gas cooker
Gazebo, Picnic Table, Gravity chairs, Gas BBQ with Pizza oven
Kettle
Wine glasses
Coffee
Garden – Fully fenced
An open space on the property usually covered in grass
Outdoor furniture
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
Wifi
There is no wifi at the property but a good 4g signal
Washing machine
Air conditioning
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Private entrance
Heating
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The meadow and your very own arboretum are truly beautiful.
Comfort: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ 5 star
Cleanliness: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ 5 star
Equipment: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ 5 star
Location: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 star
Comfort: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ 5 star
Cleanliness: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ 5 star
Equipment: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ 5 star
Location: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 star
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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.
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READY TO BOOK?
* Booking any glamping accommodation includes a free membership to the WC Club.
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Ryeland Hut can be booked with Shepherds Belle & Croft Hut to accommodate up to 4 guests.
REVIEWS
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Absolutely loved our time here and will definitely be planning a return visit, a week just did not seem long enough.
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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.
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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
Shepherds Belle And Croft Hut
The Herdsman
