Annie's Cabin, Shropshire, England

Annie's Cabin is a real log cabin, built from sizeable local Welsh Douglas Fir logs, hand-scribed to fit snugly together. It has been built with sustainability as a priority, so it's well insulated with sheepswool and recycled newspaper, heated by a woodpellet stove, has solar water-heating, low energy and LED bulbs throughout, and all electrical appliances have been chosen for their energy efficiency.

It's also designed to be as much fun to live in as possible at any time of year, and in any weather. Over the last year, since we built the cabin, I've tried to convey this a number of times in words and pictures, but most of our guests, within minutes of arrival, say 'The pictures don't do it justice'. All I can say is, a lot of time, thought, talk, and ideas from several imaginative people, went into the detail, and the result is a unique building that has a lovely, relaxed atmosphere, with the sight and smell of wood, and lots of light being major contributors.

The wood pellet stove produces up to 11KW of heat, so the cabin is cosy in the winter, and in summer you can open a large trifold door, so that the meadow and its wildlife become part of the living area. The cabin has a fully equipped kitchen, and is 2 miles from Ludlow, well-known for its restaurants, and its choice of local produce, so if you do get a bad weather day we recommend shopping locally, and having a cooking competition, or trying one of the places to eat. Within 10 miles there are several restaurants either mentioned or starred in Michelin, pubs with good fresh food, and lots in between.

There's also some fantastic scenery around the Shropshire Hills and the Welsh borders. It's a good area for outdoor activity, and we would particularly recommend walks around Ludlow and Church Stretton, walking or canoeing combined with a steam train trip on the Severn Valley Railway, canoeing on the Wye, and a look round Ludlow Castle.

Reviewed by Jeremy Smith:

"A genuine Finnish-style log cabin built of hulking great Douglas fir trunks from Wales. If it's authenticity you are after, Annie's Cabin is the real deal. George and Erica are engaging, well travelled hosts."

Read Jeremy Smith's full review of Annie's Cabin