The Shepherd’s Hut at Coombe Farm is only an hour or so from London and within easy reach of Goodwood, Cowdray and the south coast; yet once you’re here, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped through the back of the wardrobe. With its unimpeded views over the South Downs countryside and barely another soul to be seen, this is a magical place to hole up, step off the treadmill, dream, write, and recuperate. Access is via a private lane and there’s parking on-site. At the top, backing on to beautiful deciduous woodland, you’ll find the Hut itself –equipped with a super-comfortable bed, log burner and simple, pretty furniture, including a table/desk. There’s a mezzanine bunk to accommodate one child. Outside, there’s a table and two chairs for a sundowner, a firepit, and a picnic table. A few metres away, just beyond the wildflowers, you’ll find a well-equipped kitchen, shower and loo, all made using quirky reclaimed materials wherever possible, and with a selection of luxury toiletries. There’s hot water on demand, a gas stove and butler’s sink, there is one 12v socket in the hut for charging phones (please bring your car charger) solar-powered lighting.

The access to Coombe Farm is via a private lane, please drive carefully and consider our lovely neighbours. The lane is bumpy and goes into woodland. It is not recommended to bring a sports car or any low vehicle. Recommended pubs: The Deers Hut, Liphook, GU30 7NY; The Rising Sun, Milland, GU30 7NA; the Duke of Cumberland Arms, Henley, GU27 3HQ; Durleighmarsh Farmshop, Tea Barn and Pick Your Own, GU31 5AX Nearby: Goodwood (motor and equestrian sport and other activities); Cowdray (polo, farmshop and other activities); Chichester (Festival Theatre); Portsmouth; Beaulieu (Motor Museum); Selborne; Alton (Jane Austen Museum); Arundel; West Wittering and other south coast beaches; Uppark (National Trust house); Queen Elizabeth Country Park; Petersfield; Birdworld; Farnham; Haslemere; Petworth; Black Down and the Devil’s Punchbowl (beautiful country walks) – and more. This is a lovely corner of England.