Gemini Camp

Swaying grass, a camp kitchen with a wood-burning stove and the sight of animals grazing in the distance… On a sunny, summer’s day there’s something of the safari about Gemini Camp. But this sole-occupation site within a six-acre nature reserve, is not too far a journey. In fact, it’s almost unbeatably well-connected. Within an hour of London and Cambridge, it’s located on the Essex-Hertfordshire border where the kind of campsites we like are in relatively short supply. It’s also only three miles from the runway at Stansted Airport. There’s no denying that the sound of aircraft can drift in on the wind but it can’t take away from what you’ll hear from other flying things: the song of the thrush, the hoot of the owl, the cry of the buzzard and the tap tap tapping of woodpeckers in the trees.

Once a neatly-shorn horse pasture, the land at Gemini Camp has been left to re-wild and is now a savannah-like grassland that’s grazed only by visiting roe and muntjac deer. The nature reserve was established five years ago; the brainchild of Olly Clanford whose parents own the land and live on site. When the pasture fell out of use, Olly, who has a background in conservation, saw an opportunity to give something back to nature. It was his idea to share it too – but only with a lucky few.

Wildlife is the priority here so it remains a private place – accessed only by the family, their guests (they also have two holiday cottages) and whoever is staying in the field. It’s no dogs and no kids and, although the accommodation is spacious it’s set up only for two. The accommodation includes a made-up bed, comfy seating, and towels: total comfort for couples. The cabin bedroom is part of the field shelter which, in the summer months, is still the place for cooking, eating, and washing. Warmed by a log burner, it's a great place to hang out on rainy days and cool evenings at camp and doubles up as a wildlife hide.

A weekend right here, surrounded by nature, might be enough of a getaway for some but there are also country walks, country inns and country houses to explore. The magnificent Audley End House and Gardens are 30 minutes’ drive away and the nearest country pub, less than 30-minutes’ walk. While many people fly away from this area on their holidays, thanks to this new off-grid getaway, we think eco-conscious Cool Campers will soon be flocking to it.