Pigscombe Piglet

Looking like they dropped into the meadow during a Wizard of Oz-style tornado, the cabin and the shepherds hut at Pigscombe make up a glamping site that's a true one-of-a-kind. Exclusively hired to one couple, family or group at a time, this pair of lovingly hand-crafted hidey holes are perfect for anyone looking to get close to nature but away from the crowds. Owners Philippa and Ian love this part of East Cornwall — the 'Forgotten Corner,' as it's sometimes known, with visitors eager to get to the more famous bits of the coast. But if you can be persuaded to take the plunge, there's so much here to enjoy in one of the most rural and historic parts of the county. To be fair, the Pigscombe Piglet cabin and shepherds hut do most of the persuading. Both are so charmingly put together. The octagonal, pixie-hatted cabin and beautiful self built shepherds hut sit on a slope of long grass and wildflowers. There's nothing to disturb you save the call of the birds and the occasional roar of a tractor. Both are neatly fashioned inside, with colour-coordinated bed frames and country-style furniture. The cabin sleeps two with plenty of space because the rustic kitchen and quirky bathroom are in a separate shack, put together using reclaimed materials, up-cycled furniture, and handmade tiles. The shepherds hut has a fine double brass bed and 2 bunks so is perfect for friends, kids or grandparents, making the whole camp sleep 6. So, couples can hire the octagonal Piglet Cabin on its own for romantic stays or the whole camp can be a more sociable spot. Outside, there's a fire pit that you can use as a barbecue — and nothing but clear nights, starry skies, and the hooting of owls to accompany whatever you manage to whip up in the kitchen or on the grill. If you run short of wood, you can take a saw down to the bottom of the field and gather your own from the fallen branches, and maybe stand still for long enough to catch a glimpse of the local deer. Ian makes fresh bread once a week, and there are courgettes, tomatoes, beans, and the like available from Philippa's garden when they have surplus available. Their house is just within view, but they are unobtrusive hosts — on arrival please go to the front door of the house and the owners will show you around and then leave you in peace.That said, you could do with a chat or two if you're to find the best places to visit from your magical little bolthole. There are plenty of country walks right off the property, and hideaway beaches such as Lantic Bay and Lansallos that are a bit more off the beaten track.  The immediate surroundings, too, are generally less busy than bucket-and-spade, fishing-harbour Cornwall, with riverside places like Lerryn and Lostwithiel being great targets for a lazy day doing nothing much at all. And when it's time to head back, you know what to do — just click your heels together to find your way home to the cutest camp in Cornwall.