The Hiddle Hut

“Most have to do a double take the first time they see it,” says Catherine Cape, founder and designer of The Hiddle Hut. Set in its own private paddock, the blackened timber structure complete with a domed corrugated roof, rises to an impressive height of 5.7 metres. “We like to call it ‘the shepherd’s hut on steroids’,” she laughs.

A city girl by birth, but always drawn to nature, Catherine and her husband James relocated their family to the South Tyne valley from Newcastle over 20 years ago. Although Catherine enjoyed a fulfilling career as a primary school teacher, it was always her dream to combine her passion for hospitality with her love for the place she is privileged to call home. In 2020, a previously undiagnosed health condition forced Catherine to give up her teaching profession. What could have been a devastating event for Catherine, instead became an opportunity for her to finally pursue her dreams. With a head full of ideas and the unwavering support of her family, Catherine set off on an artistic journey which has led to the creation of a remarkable two-story retreat like no other in the United Kingdom.

Whilst the exterior of this colossal cabin is indisputably impressive, it’s the personal touches and acute attention to detail in the interior that give The Hiddle Hut a truly special feel. From a reclaimed spiral staircase to a repurposed wedding dress box (utilised as a headboard for the comfy king-sized bed!), Catherine’s use of upcycling is commendable.

The name ‘Hiddle’ comes from Middle English, meaning ‘a hiding place’ or ‘sheltered spot’. For Catherine, this denotation fitted perfectly with her vision to create a cosy and romantic hideaway for couples where they could escape the trials and tribulations of day-to-day life. “Ultimately, I want my guests to feel free to rest, indulge and explore – three things I feel we could all benefit from doing a bit more often!” Surrounded by the rugged countryside that characterises Hadrian’s Wall, the structure has an undeniable agricultural aesthetic that beds The Hiddle Hut seamlessly into the landscape. It is made from reclaimed wood and insulated with sheep’s wool, but the building typifies a luxury experience and is kitted out with the highest-quality furnishings and appliances.

You enter the cabin into a cosy snug with a comfy leather sofa in front of a wood-burning stove and smart TV. In the corner of the snug is a bookshelf laden with useful literature on the local area. The adjoining kitchen is complete with granite countertops, an oak breakfast bar and everything you need to prepare and enjoy your meals. A reclaimed spiral staircase leads you to the second-floor bedroom mezzanine with your very own stargazing window set above a king-sized bed. Head across the bridge to the bathroom where you’ll find a huge monsoon shower and a double-ended roll-top bath, perfectly positioned for enjoying the uninterrupted views stretching down towards the South Tyne.

Step outside into a covered bar area with decking, ideal for al fresco dining. There’s also an outdoor firepit and grill to help you keep warm and toast marshmallows during the after-dark stargazing sessions. There’s also a lockable bike store and hose pipe to wash off muddy boots after a long day of exploring. Catherine really has thought of everything.

The hut backs onto a wonderful kitchen garden where Catherine grows a wide variety of food for her own cooking, but also to supply the bespoke welcome hampers she makes available for her guests. “The garden has been a real highlight for my guests, so much so that I have crafted a new experience which we’ve named ‘Gather and Grill’.” This involves a tour of the garden, giving guests the opportunity to pick their own vegetables before Catherine prepares a feast which is cooked over the open firepit. Next on the ideas list is making use of the couple's old Land Rover Defender to accommodate romantic picnics along a pre-planned walking route.

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