The Summerhouse, Northern Pennines, England

Managed by award-winning agency Under the Thatch, this large shepherd's hut is privately situated in the orchard of a traditional millhouse in the beautiful Eden Valley. This stunning area of the Northern Pennines is sandwiched between the Lake District National Park and the Yorkshire Dales so there are endless great days out.

The waggon contains a kitchen/ sitting area and double bedroom, and you also get a small shower-room in the converted drying room of the mill. You can walk from the door onto the Northern Pennines, the village pub serving food is just a half mile walk along a footpath, and the quaint market town of Appleby is under two miles.

Sheep graze around the waggon on this lovely smallholding (managed organically) and you have direct access to acres of common land, and a lovely clean river with stepping stones where you can splash about in summer. Rediscover the best of England!

Why is this a greener holiday?

First, to truly minimise the environmental impact, guests are encouraged to arrive by public transport: take the train to Appleby-upon-Westmorland, 2 miles from The Summerhouse. Local pickup may be possible by prior arrangement or taxi or walk/ cycle. Onsite the owners have implemented a number of green initiatives when has been constructed as a low impact dwelling from a recycled structure on former WW1 chassis. The timber clad inside and out is wood from a sustainable source or has been recycled. They have extensively used salvage material including a Victorian sink, brass vents and recycled timber. Onsite there is a compost bin and recycling collection. On the property there is an organic smallholding, so there is opportunity to purchase eggs, vegetables and salad in season.