RURAL BLISS

ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY AND LEAVE THE STRESSES OF URBAN LIFE BEHIND AT THESE RUSTIC RETREATS

- LINA DARTON

OLIVE, UNPLUGGED, EAST SUSSEX

Want to disconnect from the distractions of social media and reconnect with nature? We did just that at an off-grid Scandi-chic cabin nestled in a small forest near the village of Robertsbridge, East Sussex.

During a three-day digital detox, we swapped our modern tech for old-school alternatives, including a map and compass (to explore the gorgeous surroundings), an ancient but fully functional Nokia phone (to book taxis or contact the host) and an instant camera.

Olive, as our solar-powered cabin was called, featured a queen-size bed from which we could gaze out at the surrounding greenery, along with a wood burner, small fridge and gas hob and, in the compact bathroom, a compost toilet and a hot shower.

Brushing up on our orienteering skills, we explored the local forest, watched curiously by deer, rabbits and pheasants, before spying the resident horses and pigs.

At times it felt strange to be without our smartphones, but we very quickly eased into a slower, more meaningful, pace.

While cosying up by the wood burner with a glass of red and, later, roasting marshmallows over the outdoor firepit, we didn’t once hanker for a Netflix hit.