Cabin Porn: Ditchling Cabin with Canopy & Stars

Cabins are the go-to for a wholesome in-nature weekend. As tiny houses go, Ditching Cabin in West Sussex is pretty much perfect. And not that tiny. The four-bed cabin is set on a private lake, down a hill, in the middle of South Downs National Park. You’re 20 minutes from Brighton but feel like you’re blissfully in the middle of nowhere. We were lucky enough to spend two cosy nights there in the depths of winter earlier this year, thanks to Canopy and Stars: the go-to for finding wonderful, whimsical outdoorsy stays.

Cabin life is simpler living, and leaves you with a real sense of reset, if only enjoyed for a weekend. You pack what you need, you live without what you don’t take. There’s phone signal, but no WiFi. And no TV, nor distractions.

Every bit the perfect log cabin on the outside, Ditchling Cabin is even more charming inside, with modern furnishings, bright pops of colour, and big doors that push back and let loads of light in. The open living space has a log burner and a bucket of kindling to keep fires burning round the clock; there’s comfy sofas, a dining table, and old fishing rods up on the walls. Upstairs (it’s a two-storey cabin!) an XXL bed overlooks the whimsically-blue lake, and a roll-top bath calls out for a mid-morning soak. There’s also a hot shower outside — a must after an invigorating cold swim in the lake — yep, we braved it in January.

Ditchling Cabin is no doubt very special in summer with long, late nights and BBQs by the lake, but our January stay served up serious hygge vibes, so don’t overlook the potential for a winter weekend. An invigorating cold dip followed by a bubble bath and a glass of wine in front of a roaring fire is my kind of winter weekend.

Ditchling Cabin — sleeps four from £320/night on Canopy & Stars

A bubble bath with a view.

On warmer days, row out to the middle of your own lake and swim back to dry off on the deck.