Astonishingly Luxurious Pioneer Cabins – glamping in Dorset with Loose Reins
I think so many of us are yearning for something just a little more from our holidays – and of course, when I say ‘more’, I actually mean ‘less’.
Less tech, less stress, less time-sucking day-to-day routine.
How many of us dream of just getting away from all that, and sinking into the amazing pleasures to be had in the simple things in life? We want freedom, and for days full of possibilities to stretch out before us.
I know I certainly do. But getting ‘back to basics’ doesn’t mean that you necessarily want to be sleeping on the ground with a toilet half a field away, either, right?
Exactly.
So we were thrilled when we had the chance to go and poke our noses into the Pioneer Cabins at Loose Reins in Dorset. We were actually there for the Western Riding, but couldn’t resist peeking at the cabins.
And we all just instantly fell in love.
When Loose Reins say that these cabins are ‘rustic’, what they actually mean is the simple cabins are completed to the absolute highest levels of craftmanship, with every possible convenience and comfort.
Yes, they’re small – but they’re oh so very perfect. Stepping inside you really do leave the hassles of life behind for a while.
The living area inside Ranchers – compact but oh so very beautiful, and it has everything you’ll need.
There are three individually designed cabins; Ranchers, Gold Panners or Trappers – and each has a distinct personality, but all will provide the same level of luxurious comfort. Inside the beautifully furnished cabins you’ll find a gorgeously snug king size bed with top quality Hypnos mattress with luxury wool toppers, duvet and linen. The fully equipped kitchen, with storage units, gas hob, oven, fridge and wood burning stove, has a seating area that transforms into two single bunks. Each cabin also has a fully equipped private bathroom with shower, flushing loo and soft towels.
And this is the bedroom in my personal favourite, Trappers. I’m not absolutely sure I’d ever leave the cabin…
Outside each cabin is a covered front porch, complete with table and bespoke rocking chairs, unique to each cabin.
And don’t worry that, like many glamping sites, you’ll sit out on the front porch within elbowing distance of your neighbours – oh no. The site itself is a wide open curve in the bowl at the bottom of a valley. The cabins themselves are arranged wide apart, and angled to provide absolute privacy – you need never acknowledge another soul if you don’t wish to!
You can see two of the cabins in the background beyond the paddocks.
The cabins are arranged around the edge of the Western Riding stables – and I defy anyone not to wander down to say hello to the amazing American Quarter Horses, and you’ll soon be yearning to try a riding experience for yourself. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced rider Loose Reins will help you enjoy a ride – and it’ll make your stay an unforgettable experience.
Within the grounds of the cabins, benches sit around a fire bowl for outdoor cooking, and once a week there’s a communal cookout round a large fire.
The Pioneer Cabins are available all year round (yes, they have woodburning stoves to keep you toasty even in the coldest months), and can sleep a maximum of four people each. Prices start at just under £400 for a 3 night stay off-season – you can check availability and book your stay on the Loose Reins site here.
