Nestled in what was once an orchard, though now resembling a more open, meadow space, The Old Apple Shed is exactly as the name suggests; a store for apples and cherries left over from the early 1970s. From outside the hut still has an obviously rustic feel, it’s asymmetrical roof giving it an oddly off-balance feel, but within owner, Kate, has converted it into a cosy glamping hideout.
The interior is surprisingly spacious. There’s a double-bed in the bedroom with en-suite facilities that include a hot, electric shower, and the living space has a deep, comfortable sofa, which, when the weather’s bad, makes for a comfy place to board yourself away and play games from the stash provided. There’s a well-stocked kitchen area and a casual dining space but its things like the quirky cabinets made out of old apple crates and a handmade chandelier using empty glass bottles, that really reflect the love that’s been put into the place. It has a wonderfully homemade feel that still doesn’t come at the cost of comfort. In fact, if anything, it makes the place all the more cosy, enhancing that ‘local’ feel you expect from such a low-key glamping site.
Outside there is a fenced, decking area, with a table and chairs, and if you stroll across the field your straight into the village of Bethersden. Centred around a 15th-century church, the charming little settlement has a real community feel and still boasts two pubs, both of which are excellent. If you really want to fit in you can even borrow one of Kate’s dogs and take them on a walk through the local woods, nodding to village folk as you go, picking up a newspaper from the village shop and a pork pie form the local butcher. Careful not to get to accustomed/ You can’t stay forever we’re afraid.
