I stayed in a Cabin for New Year’s Eve
You can also check out my video of my stay on my YouTube Channel.
As the curtains closed on 2023, marking the end of wonderful but busy year, I found myself yearning for a get-away. Eager to end my year in a meaningful way, I set my sights on not one but two cherished items on my bucket list.
The allure of woodland cabin and the idea of an outdoor bath had beckoned to me for far too long. Determined to make 2023 the year of fulfillment, I decided to check these long-awaited experiences off my list. I settled on a dog-friendly cabin nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Shropshire to serve as the backdrop for my much-anticipated adventure.
Meet McLaughlin’s, a beautiful cabin on a working farm in Shropshire. McLaughlin’s has been built from scratch using predominantly recycled and repurposed materials by the artisan craftsmanship and skill of Shropshire joiner Andy McLaughlin.
On first arrival the cabin was breathtaking. Following a lit up path through the woodlands, you step out of an opening with views of fields and trees, and meet this beautiful cabin. It’s a wonderful looking piece of a thing, with curved edges, light wood and pastel coloured doors. Once inside, I was greeted by an already lit fire, lots of open space, a neat little kitchen with everything you need, a huge bathroom with a hot shower and luxury towels and products, and even some home-made bakes from the wonderful host Johanna.
The cabin is also dog friendly, welcoming well-behaved pups and has a fenced garden so you know your fury friend will be safe. My dog Gwen loved the cabin, and would enjoy snoozing by the fire, the lovely local walks, exploring her very own garden and watching the world do by, taking in the scenic views. Johanna herself loves dogs, and showed Gwen a lot of love when she very kindly delivered us some more wood for the fire during a downpour of rain!
I was particularly excited about this cabin stay, as it has a gorgeous outdoor woodfired Hikki bath! The ritual of preparing this unique bathing experience added an element of charming rusticity to the adventure.
To get the bath going, I carefully arranged logs within the chimney element. The flames required occasional attention, with logs needing replenishment every 20 minutes. After a patient 3-4 hours, the bath reached temperature, and it was time for a soak. Keeping a bag of logs at arm’s reach, I was able to top up the wood at my leisure, without even leaving the warmth of the bath.
Prepared for the ultimate relaxation, I poured a little tipple of rum and pineapple juice, grabbed a towel, and took the plunge. Immersed in the warmth, a delightful concoction of nature’s serenity and the comforting crackle of the fire, I relished the luxury of the moment. As the sun gracefully descended over the hills, I sat with my ice-cold drink, snug in my bobble hat (a necessity in the December chill), experiencing a rare and exquisite moment of unadulterated bliss. And there I stayed for the next couple of hours or so.
Back inside the cabin, my lamb stew was slow cooking on the woodburning range cooker. I’d made my lamb stew earlier in the day using the pots and pans provided, and it has been gently stewing for 8 hours. After tucking into the delicious stew (if I do say so myself) and opening some wine, reading my book and snoozing with the dog, 2023 drew to an end peacefully.
With the dawn of the new year, I poured myself a hot cuppa tea and ventured into the somewhat grey but fresh January morning. In that serene moment, with the promise of a new beginning and the warmth of my morning cuppa, I welcomed the dawn and the possibilities that the year ahead held.
I had a truly beautiful time at Mclaughlin’s, staying there for 3 nights. I did a local walk called Maer Hill Grand Circular which I’ve linked here if you would like to check out the route. I enjoyed cooking scrambled eggs in the morning with the eggs gifted from the farm, sleeping in the treehouse bed, making coffee on the fire-stove and soaking in some of the natural wonders of the woodlands. It was a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of my usual world, where I got to reflect on the past year and look ahead to the future one.
In 2024, I hope to do more of what makes me happy, to carry on connecting with nature and staying in some wild and beautiful spaces, to live in the moment and aim to only please myself. Hopefully I can make more time for relaxation and time for me, and I wish you an absolutely wonderful 2024.
A huge thanks to Johanna for a welcoming and beautiful stay, I couldn’t have asked for a lovelier host.
