Zoom and zzz-friendly cabin by the lake in East Sussex
What? Furnace Brook Lodge is a one-bedroom property near the South Downs National Park
How much? From £107 a night, sleeps two, canopyandstars.co.uk
Work If you’re dreaming of a calm and peaceful spot to get a stack of work done while also feeling like you’re on hols, this little open-plan cabin is the solution. Tucked away in the High Weald overlooking a lake, it’s remote but just a couple of hours’ drive from London. All WFH boxes are ticked: from decent wifi to a desk and small kitchen to whip up the freelance worker’s meal of choice (tea and toast). Best of all, though, are the huge bifold doors, which slide open to reveal a deck and private jetty.
Rest Lying on the comfy bed, looking out at the lake while listening to birdsong, is a tranquil way to start and end the day. The cabin is surrounded by nature, so when it’s time for a little work break, read or sunbathe (weather permitting) on the deck, keeping an eye out for the occasional blue flash of a kingfisher. A welcome hamper stocked with local goodies means you don’t need to worry about essentials like tea and coffee. And fresh eggs are left on your doorstep daily, too.
Play Get your endorphins going with a daily dip in the deliciously cold and private wild-swimming lake, or celebrate your working holiday with a bottle of local ale. Owners Di and Alistair run a microbrewery from an on-site barn and they leave bottles in the cabin for guests to sample; they’ll even organise a tasting session if you’re keen. Walk out from the cabin to The Merrie Harriers, a 16th-century coaching inn, which is just a mile away and serves Sunday roasts, fish and chips, and vegan burgers. Drive 15 minutes from Furnace Brook and you’re in the South Downs National Park, which has more than 3,000km of unspoilt countryside. And if rain stops play, the cabin has plenty of cards and board games.