Shepherd's Hut at North Farm Cottages

If it’s high time for a digital detox, retreat to the secluded setting of Shepherd's Hut at North Farm Cottages, surrounded by rural fields 10 minutes’ drive from Aylsham.

The handmade electricity-free wooden hut is insulated with lambs’ wool to keep it cosy, and mounted on sturdy cast iron wheels from the local foundry. It’s flits between a couple of homes on site – in the summer months it’s housed on a secluded water meadow overlooking a stream, and between October and Easter it retreats nearer the farmhouse to keep tootsies dry, but still with pretty countryside views.

Inside, there’s a double bed with linen provided, chairs, table, woodburning stove and stove-top kettle. You’re in for a warm welcome – the owners provide an essentials box of tea, coffee, sugar, salt, pepper and cooking oil to get you started, as well as the first basket of wood for the stove (additional baskets are available for a small charge).

Head outside for a lungful of fresh air and pull up a chair by the firepit to keep things toasty – it doubles up as a barbecue, so that’s alfresco eats covered too (barbecue tools are provided). A kitchen area and bathroom are available for exclusive use of the hut in a converted outbuilding on the edge of the meadow. The kitchen area has a small fridge, a sink, a microwave, a single hob and an electric kettle, along with basic crockery and cutlery, while the bathroom has a basin, WC and an excellent shower.

When it’s time to stretch your legs, join the Bure Valley Path by walking across the fields to Oxnead (keep your eyes peeled for wildlife while you wander). Anglers can also stay put and try their luck in the small tributary of the River Bure, which runs through the property.