THE STRIPY BOTHY,

Monmouthshire, Wales

There’s nothing quite like the sound of rain drumming on a corrugated roof. Particularly when I’m toasty and warm beneath a duvet, the dawn light streaming into our colourful little shepherd’s hut, an expanse of lush green countryside beyond. After a hectic couple of months, a cosy weekend away at the Stripy Bothy is exactly what I needed. Here, the phone signal is weak and switching off is encouraged in every sense. And oh, how I do.

Just big enough for a queen-sized bed, the bothy is a wonderful retreat for couples. It offers privacy, comfort and a very homely feel. The walls are painted in vibrant greens and reds, with oriental silks, exposed wooden beams and hanging origami. The personality and passions of the owners shine through in the decor, from the beautiful flower arrangements (Craig is a florist) to the hand-thrown pots made by Charles, a city lawyer turned trainee potter.

Nature is all around us. The decking area is perfectly positioned for watching the sunset, and the back wall opens up completely, so you can lie in bed and watch sheep grazing in the distance.

But in the nearby barn, there’s also a fully equipped kitchen and modern bathroom for our exclusive use. For someone like me who shudders at the idea of camping, it’s the perfect balance.

While a car is encouraged when it comes to exploration and food, guests

are provided with a welcome hamper filled with home-made flapjacks, seasonal vegetables and fresh eggs from the farm’s hens, and the fridge is fully stocked with milk and sausages from the local butcher: all the ingredients you need for a lazy brunch. Even the mugs and plates are home-made by Charles: I’m particularly enamoured by a tiny hand-thrown butter bowl. Recently, Craig and Charles have started to offer their interests as workshops to guests. I’ve never used a pottery wheel before, but come away from the session feeling calm and energised. Something about concentrating on the task in hand aligns my thoughts and restores my inner peace.

My boyfriend and I spend our final night in the bothy sitting by the woodburning stove, flames crackling as we read, chat and sip a warming glass of red. Being here has reminded us both that quality time away from the everyday routine is achievable, necessary and restorative. When you open your heart to nature, peace and happiness are sure to follow. ELLA DOVE

TRIP NOTES The Stripy Bothy starts from £105 a night (sleeps two people). canopyandstars.co.uk/thestripybothy

Clockwise from top: inside-out living at the Stripy Bothy; the terrace is perfectly placed for admiring the sunset; the bothy’s colourful interior; a fully equipped kitchen is just a short walk away