The Riverside

• Sleeps: 2 (+2)
• Bedroom: 1
• Bathroom: 1
• Minimum stay: 3 nights

A mere 25 miles away from the bright lights of central London, The Riverside occupies its own magical world of peace, beauty, and blissful tranquillity by the River Wey.

Back in the 1930s, the retreat was a simple haven for townsfolk who yearned to get away from the daily hustle and bustle. Current owner Andrea – a valuer of art and antiques, no less – has since transformed the cabin into a solar-powered, detail-rich sanctuary with exquisite stained-glass windows, creatively upcycled materials, and hand-sourced furnishings.

Ideal for a romantic couple or a small family with two children (dogs are also welcome to stay), there’s an abundance of wonder to be discovered inside and out.

Unwind in the lounge, surrounded by vintage curios, reclaimed wood, and shimmering river views from full-length windows and glass doors. One-off pieces include a 1970s coffee table, inlaid with leaf-impressed tiles crafted by the celebrated French ceramist Roger Capron – whose striking tiles also adorn the shower room.

If the weather turns chilly, light the wood-burning stove and break open a board game to feel ridiculously cosy. Balmy summer afternoons can be spent lazing outside, against a glorious backdrop of grazing cows and the occasional paddle-boarder on the river… with vintage blankets on hand to keep you warm as day morphs slowly into night.

There’s a well-equipped kitchen for feast preparation, together with a barbecue for sizzling al fresco suppers. When it’s finally time to turn in, a comfortable kingsize bed will be ready and waiting to aid sound nights of riverside slumber, peppered with soft owls’ hoots. Up to two children can be accommodated on a fold-out sofa bed and a single high bed, too.

What to do with your days? After a lazy morning of watching swans gliding across the river right from your bed, relax with a glass of wine and that book you never seem to find time for at home. You could also choose to indulge in a little fishing from the cabin’s bank, or explore the river, with a little help from the inflatable canoes, paddle board, and rowing dinghy gainfully provided.

At a glance

• A peaceful and detail-rich cabin for a couple or small family (2 adults and 2 children), beautifully secluded by the River Wey in Surrey.
• The cabin is solar-powered – ideal for digital detoxes and reconnecting with nature, leaving devices and hairdryers at home!
• Full self-contained facilities include a well-equipped kitchen and shower.
• Vessels are provided for exploring the river, and the village of Ripley is just 1.5 miles away for shopping and dining.
• Papercourt Meadows, part of a designated SSSI, is next to the cabin – perfect for wildlife enthusiasts.

Features

• Dog Friendly
• Family Friendly
• Off-Grid

More information

If you prefer an invigorating stroll, no problem. The ancient village of Ripley is under 40 minutes away on foot, where you can savour lunch in a traditional country pub or a Michelin-starred restaurant – your choice.

Meanwhile, the Surrey Wildlife Trust-protected Papercourt Meadows is right next to The Riverside, and ripe for exploring. Part of the wider Papercourt Site of Special Scientific Interest, here nature-lovers can savour views of open water and whispering trees, rare plants, and flourishing birdlife.

All of these are perfect ways to while away some precious holiday time, before unwinding over a well-deserved supper back at the Riverside. Though of course, you’ve always got the option of not leaving your sublime waterside sanctuary at all… and that would be perfectly understandable!

Things to note

Up to two pets and two children are welcome to stay, for a small additional fee per pet and per child (dog bowls and blankets are provided, but please bring dog bedding). One baby is welcome to stay free of charge, please bring your own travel cot and equipment. Please note that there is no fencing between the garden and the water’s edge. Parking is available within a 5-10-minute walk from the cabin.  Towels are provided.  Please also note that  due to the cabin being solar powered, there is no toaster, microwave nor the ability to accommodate baby bottle warmers or sterilisers.