A few weeks ago, we spent a night away in an ornate showman's travelling van on the edge of the North York Moors. It's hard to believe after the bonkers hail, sleet and snow of last week that we were sitting outside drinking our morning cups of tea, basking in the sun.
We were working with Canopy and Stars. They have some truly amazing glamping locations to stay in and explore. This shoot brought us to The Mollycroft. It's a restored 1940s showman's living van that used to be owned by the White family who toured around the fairgrounds in the Glasgow area.
It's so thoughtfully restored. The gorgeous wooden furniture and panelling in the lounge area, colourful and interesting ornaments, and homemade sloe gin laid out Alice in Wonderland drink me style!
I love building fires, and made one outside and inside. It was perfect just sitting and reading whilst the logs were glowing in the burner.
As well as restoring showman's vans, the owner of the site is passionate about bamboo, and has planted many species in the garden that surrounds The Mollycroft.
We just missed the 15,000 starlings that were making the bamboo garden their home. One day I will see a murmuration! But they did leave traces of their visit - one of the guys was busy jet washing the bamboo. In the low sun, the droplets were catching the light and it was really beautiful.
The light was magical..
The next morning, I listened to the world wake up from inside The Mollycroft. The whispers of the bamboo, the first songs of the dawn chorus, the crows nesting in the tall trees. My hair smelt of wood-smoke, I always find this comforting. I lit the fire and took a cup of tea outside. My breath hung on the air and mixed with the steam rising from my tea. I felt myself winding down, it's the perfect spot for this.
After breakfast (freshly laid eggs), we had a walk into the woods. The coppiced trees provide the logs for The Mollycroft fires. They make their own charcoal too.
Then all too soon it was time to leave. It's a perfect bolthole to have a little space for thinking, reading, walking. Cosy corners and campfires surrounded by beautiful bamboo. I know we'll be back - and next time I'll brave the outdoor shower!
If you would like a bit more info, or to book TheMollycroft, you can find it on the Canopy and Stars page here.