A ‘wildcation’. Yes. It's a thing. And it awaits here, in West Cornwall, at Little Menherion’s log cabin, an extraordinary glamping space for two. This is a magical spot for those looking to reconnect with nature, nestled within a 12-acre smallholding of fledgling woodland, orchards, streams and ponds, and in close proximity to St. Ives and Falmouth. Perched atop a veranda overlooking a clearing in the woods, the log cabin pairs luxury with sustainability, all wrapped up in an eminently cosy rural retreat. Hosts, Bernice and Huw, describe their Cornish valley as “middle of everywhere”. But, frankly, you could be forgiven for not wanting to move a muscle once you're here.
The Log Jam, as the cabin is known, looks like somewhere an author might escape to in order to complete their masterwork. Perhaps this is why Huw and Bernice have left a typewriter for entertainment – just in case your natural surroundings inspire the next great piece of literature. They’ve coined the term 'wildcation' to encompass the site’s ethos, defining it as “an adventurous time spent getting close to and learning about nature”. That’s certainly the case here. You can admire the wildlife from out on the deck – there are owls, cuckoos, woodpeckers, and more – cook dinner around the firepit at night, or soak up your surroundings in the wild jacuzzi.
The site is eco-friendly yet doesn’t cut corners when it comes to your comfort. A secret door leads to the bedroom, and you’ll wake up in your kingsized cabin bed with views out onto the woodland. Flick on the DAB radio and then curl up with a book in the hammock made for two, before freshening up in the bathroom with its hot shower and luxurious composting toilet.
If you can pull yourself away from the cabin, the local pub is only a 10-minute walk away. From there you can also visit Stithians Lake, a favourite among watersports enthusiasts, with an adjacent five-mile walking route (bring your wellies!) and a cafe with yet more beautiful views out onto the water.
(Check in on Mondays and Fridays only) On arrival, you will be directed on an enchanted walk down the grassy lichen covered lane, where you’ll encounter your first buzz of the natural beauty of Little Menherion farm, with the butterflys, damsel & dragonflies and bumblebees fluttering about, and past you, as they cast their spell… but don’t fall asleep just yet as you still have to get past the trolls and cross the stream – via the ancient clapper bridge – to reach Log Jam, which is nestled in it’s own private piece of woodland. The magic of the piskies is sure to be drawing you ever closer and from the moment you clamber up onto the deck you will certainly feel like you are in a magical world all of your own. Log Jam has a secret, as all is not what it seems. Your first impression will be the overwhelming smell of wood and possibly wood smoke lingering in the air as you turn the key and open the door. You’ll be drawn to the comfy leather sofa and the urge to kick off your shoes and relax… but… the bed?… the bedroom?… it’s nowhere in sight. The unexpected panic as you suddenly need to snap back into the hear and now and focus, focus, focus… and then relief and pride when you finally discover the secret door. And breathe… Ahhh… relax….Log Jam has been built using raw materials such as wriggly-tin, locally sourced wood and lit romantically with old miners lamps. Little M has so much to offer, most importantly it’ll teach or just remind you to allow yourself to relax… slow down, enjoy the moment… and there’s so much choice in Log Jam: - Sit at the handmade breakfast bar and while away the hours writing at the old typewriter - Snuggle up on the sofa or perch on the window seat and gaze out through one of the huge picture windows to your own personal glade, the river and the wild life pond beyond - Take a dip in the wild jacuzzi, crafted in the stream by mother nature herself - Take a blanket and relax into the swing seat hidden in a cosy corner of the deck - Hook up the hammock, climb in and float above the grass allowing yourself to daydream as the trees sway above you – perfect! For cooking, you have a choice of creating a masterpiece on the induction hob provided in the hand crafted kitchen, or use the cute little oven incorporated into the wood burning stove – ideal for pizzas, jacket potatoes or that amazing Cornish pasty you came all this way to sample. If indoor cooking isn’t Bear Grylls enough for you, why not venture outside to your own private fire pit just off the deck and cook on the grill or Dutch oven and watch the sun go down. There's The Golden Lion pub, Wild Vibes Stithians cafe and Stithians Watersports Centre approx 15 minutes walk in one direction. A 360 deg view of countryside and ocean from a vantage point 15 minutes walk in the other. You can borrow bikes or take your car... the north, south and west coasts are all approx 10 miles away.Stithians Lake is around a 10-minute walk away, a reservoir with activities including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, and sailing. An on-site activities team will get you set up for the day, and fly-fishing permits are available to purchase, too. St. Ives is a 40-minute drive away, a picturesque harbour and seaside town that makes for a great day out at the beach. There are six beaches here, from the tropical vibes of Porthminster with its palm trees and tranquil waters, through to Harbour beach which looks out onto the nearby fishing boats. Falmouth is a 20-minute drive, home to one of the world's largest natural harbours. Here the water is so close that there are various spots along the high street from which you can see it, and it's also recommended that guests visit the award-winning National Maritime Museum in order to explore the region's interesting historical background.
The Golden Lion Inn is the closest pub to the site, only a 10-minute walk away and right next to Stithians Lake. Well-known for its gorgeous beer garden, food is served here from breakfast to dinner – pop in for a Full English in the morning then a Sunday roast in the afternoon. For a truly unique dining experience, it's a 15-minute drive to the Carn Brea Castle Restaurant, set inside the titular 18th-century castle with a Middle Eastern menu. It is highly recommended you book in advance (01209 218 358). Wild Vibes at Stithians Lake provides you with your local cafe, known for their love of plant-based food with a bunch of vegan-friendly and gluten-free options. With views out onto the reservoir, there's no better place to sit and enjoy a coffee – outside of your log cabin, of course!
