Get Away Hide Away

• Sleeps: 4 per lorry
• Bedrooms: 1 per lorry
• Bathrooms: 1 per lorry
• Minimum stay: 2 nights

A true labour of love, the two vintage horsebox retreats you’ll discover at Get Away Hide Away were created by friendly owners Tori and Ciaran themselves, with a little help from local artists and craftspeople.

Named Douglas and Dixie, both are secluded amongst nature on an entirely off-grid, family-run site in Elsing, an ancient Norfolk hamlet that feels dreamily far away from the rest of the fast-paced world.

Each rescued retreat comes complete with its very own odour-free composting toilet and shower (you’ll get to choose which scent of locally-made soap you’d like when you book!), a generous deck, and plenty of wide open space to savour, filled to the brim with nature’s endless joys.

You just never know just whom you might meet on any given day… perhaps a red kite swooping high overhead, a shy roe deer, or a vibrant butterfly exploring the wildflower meadow. On a quiet evening you may even catch sight of a hunting owl, or hear the resident badger clan as they scuttle through the undergrowth.

Douglas, a former 1967 Bedford lorry with a restored driver’s cab, is gloriously secluded amongst a half-acre of wildflowers. Festooned with quirky features and intricate wood-carvings, there’s also a toasty wood-burner and a rustic, well-equipped kitchen with everything you’ll need to rustle up delicious country feasts.

Head through the French doors for an al fresco supper on the repurposed loading-ramp decking, with boat-sail awning to shade you from the sun, or simply open them to extend the floor space inside. Later, why not head down the steps to light the firepit… just in time to catch the arrival of the stars?

Sleeping up to four guests, you’ll get to snuggle up in the cosy superking bed, with a small child’s bed underneath. An extra guest can be accomodated on the sofa bench seat (please bring your own bedding if using the bench).

At a glance

• Two beautifully hand-crafted retreats created from rescued horse-lorries, dreamily secluded on an entirely off-grid site in rural Norfolk, completely surrounded by wildlife.
• Each retreat is secluded in its own half-acre wildflower meadow, and boasts full kitchen facilities, as well as a private shower and odour-free composting toilet.
• Ideal for small families, 3-4 guests can be accommodated in each retreat. For larger groups, entire site-hire is available, with up to four additional tents allowed to accommodate up to 14 guests in total.
• The ancient hamlet of Elsing is a fascinating place to visit, with an abundance of historic sites, and there are plenty of country walks and cycle routes to be taken close by (your welcome pack contains a list of routes.)
• There are many family-friendly attractions nearby, with the coast and Norfolk Broads also in easy reach.

Features

• Family Friendly
• Large Groups
• Off-Grid

Accommodation Options

More information

Dixie, meanwhile, is a multi-level lorry that sleeps up to four guests. Filled with character and more than a few surprises, there’s a ‘secret’ fairytale door with colourful stained-glass, and an oak library ladder that leads to the downy kingsize bed.

You’ll also have a large and luxurious shower room – with a gorgeous sink crafted from a slab of yew – on one side, and a magical tractor-rim firepit area on the other, with ambient lighting and plenty of seating.

Climb to Dixie’s viewing platform at the top, which boasts a tin roof for privacy and towers four metres above the ground… so there’s no better spot from which to cast your gaze over the surrounding wildlife!

What to do once you’ve settled in? If you’ve brought your walking boots or bikes, you’ll find plenty of scope to test them out in the surrounding area, and there are many ancient sites in Elsing to captivate the most ardent of history-buffs.

Otherwise, you could choose to let the kids run wild at the many theme parks, spend a breezy day at the coast, or even hire a boat and explore the shimmering Broads, before heading back to your Get Away Hide Away retreat just in time for sunset.

Things to note

Regrettably, due to the need to protect and preserve the surrounding wildlife, pets are not permitted to stay. Douglas can accommodate an extra guest on the sofa bench seat, please bring bedding if using this option. Site closed January and February.