THE JOURNAL
Scrubby Bay, Akaroa. Photographs courtesy of Annandale
MR PORTER’s edit of the outstanding, out-of-the-way retreats to treat yourself to this season.
We wouldn’t have 1984 if Mr George Orwell hadn’t hidden himself away in a farmhouse on the Outer Hebrides. Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas wouldn’t exist if Mr Hunter S Thompson hadn’t been able to secrete himself into his Colorado cabin hideaway for months on end. And we definitely wouldn’t have had any of Mr Roald Dahl’s short stories if he hadn’t taken the humbler route of constructing a writing hut in his own back garden.
But even for those of us without literary aspirations, there’s no time like deepest, darkest winter to escape to the cosiest nook possible to stack logs on the fire, pull up a lamb’s wool rug and pour another glass of something fulsome and red. Here are five of the best places to do it in the world right now.
Eagle Brae, Scotland
Eaglebrae, Scotland. Photograph by Mr Tim Winterburn. Courtesy of Eaglebrae
Hewn from giant Canadian red cedar logs, seven cabins make up this lofty retreat between Glen Affric and Glen Strathfarrar. Eagle Brae exudes effortless Highland dash; from the antler chandeliers and the lambswool rugs to the underfloor heating and the turf roofs, which are “mowed” by the resident goats. Sit on your mezzanine terrace at dusk safe in the knowledge that the only disturbance you might experience is the sound of a passing stag.
From £1,160 a week in a two-person cabin.
The Smith Cabin, Aspen
The Smith Cabin, Aspen. Photograph by Mr Ross Kribbs. Courtesy of The Smith Cabin
With fantastic views looking out over Castle Creek Valley, the Smith Cabin, nestled deep in verdant forest, is an eco-savvy retreat where, far away from the hordes, you can spend your days skiing or snowmobiling. Ease your aching muscles come sundown in the rainforest shower before spending the evening in the cabin’s huge living room space.
From £2,007 ($2,500) a night for up to 10 people.
Milk Barn, Upstate New York
Milk Barn, NY. Photograph courtesy of Milk Barn
Honeyed, rough-hewn wooden beams, colossal tea chests, slumber worthy sofas and, yes, a roaring fire so huge that it casts the entire room in an amber glow; this century old barn (no prizes for guessing its former use) is nestled deep in the Delaware River Valley. Stock up on craft ale and wine in nearby Callicoon and settle in for a weekend of bucolic quietude where the most taxing question you’ll have to debate is whether you should take just one more session in the sauna.
From £422 ($525) a night for up to 12 people.
Petite Marmotte, Courchevel, France
Petite Marmotte, Courchevel. Photograph courtesy of skiinluxury.com
This former hay store sleeps just two people, making it the ultimate in private seclusion, even in the heights of ski season. The cosiest of wooden nooks on the outskirts of a tiny hamlet, the cabin has ski-in, ski-out access, an outdoor tub, and champagne, canapes, after-ski tea and dinners prepared daily by a visiting chef who will allow you to help design the menu.
From £716 ($892) a week for two people. skiinluxury.com
Scrubby Bay, Akaroa, New Zealand
Scrubby Bay, Akaroa. Photograph courtesy of Annandale
Out in the farther reaches of the 4,000 acre Annandale Farm, this four-bedroom homestead exudes a Spartan air that blends in perfectly with the remote surroundings. Chef Mr Paul Jobim will prepare locally sourced lamb and beef dishes in the butler’s pantry while you take some time out in the hot tub with just the sound of the ocean for company.
From £2,863 ($3,563) a night for up to 14 people.