It is the perfect holiday destination for those who can't help packing everything but the kitchen sink when they go away, clothes, books... and a horse.
A business in Thetford Forest has launched a new venture which allows guests to bring their horse with them while staying in a shepherd’s hut retreat.
Husband and wife Matt and Lucy Apthorp set up Forest Equine Escapes, a luxury staycation business last year, offering the perfect stay for horse lovers on five-acres of land at their home in Mundford.
The couple first advertised their shepherd’s hut and paddock in January 2023 and in just weeks it was fully booked for the rest of the year.
The demand was so high that they opened a second hut, with both now booked up for the remainder of this year and most of 2025.
“It’s a horse rider’s dream,” Mrs Anthorp said.
“We’ve lived here for 25 years and only ever used it for our own horses, but I thought it would be such a fantastic place to share with other riders.
“I started advertising within the local horse groups, but soon found there were people interested from all over the UK.
"We’ve had people stay from South Wales, Lancashire and Yorkshire. I couldn’t believe people would travel that far with their horses to come to Mundford.”
The shepherd’s huts overlook their own two-acre paddocks, complete with tack rooms filled with everything a horse rider could need.
Riding is just a step across the main driveway, with 47,000 acres of Thetford Forest to discover.
The huts are also only a short hack to Lynford Hall and a five-minute walk from the village.
The couple are now also welcoming well behaved dogs, which has seen more couples and families book to stay.
"We‘ve had so many repeat guests already – we’ve got someone coming this week for her seventh visit," Mrs Anthorp said.
"The most common comment I get is that people love waking up in the morning and being able to see their horses from the window, as the huts look out across the paddocks.
"I’ve always loved horses and to see the smiles on people's faces means everything.
"The amount of people who say they don’t want to leave and that they want to live here is really amazing."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel