Stay at this off-grid Hansel and Gretel-inspired cottage
Peeking through woodland trees on the edge of a serene lake lies a small Gothic cottage, which looks like it’s plucked straight out of the pages of a storybook.
In fact, that’s exactly the intention of Hansa – a Victorian lair tucked away within 200 acres of wild woodland in Weston-under-Lizard, Shropshire.
Inspired by the Brother’s Grimm story of Hansel and Gretel (where siblings who are abandoned in a forest fall into the hands of a witch, who lives in a house made of bread, cake, and sugar) the off-grid, quirky cottage pays homage to the whimsical tale.
Inside, an ivy-entwined chandelier, vaulted windows and original 1856 panelled walls all help set the scene.
While the 19th-century lodge itself isn’t made out of confectionery (it’s made from gnarled wood and fringed thatching), as per the classic children’s story, it’s certainly bursting with unusual details – and many luxurious ones at that.
The main open-plan living and sleeping area is peppered with interesting touches at every turn, from the hidden TV and old children's books lining the mantle, to the antique bedwarmers hanging next to the robes and the Pooky lamp illuminating the dining table for two.
The well-stocked galley kitchen – equipped with creature comforts like a range gas oven, Nespresso machine and milk frother, as well as a generous welcome hamper of local goods – is sectioned off by a two-part internal stable door, adding to the cosy yet old-time feel.
The dog-friendly cottage may be off-grid (further cemented by the fact it runs on batteries, with a generator that will switch on to recharge them from time to time), but it does boast a modern bathroom, with a mossy-green-tiled walk-in shower.
Outside, the Big Green Egg barbecue, fire pit and wood-burning hot tub encourage visitors to soak up the surroundings and connect with the landscape – along with the rowboat, found at the end of the jetty, which invites guests to explore the 26-acre carp-stocked reservoir on Hansa’s (quite literal) doorstep.
As well as its literary connections, this eerie bolthole comes with a lot of history, too. The lodge was originally built to host the Earl of Bradford's luncheons and sits on a 12,000-acre estate that can be traced back to the Doomsday Book in 1086.
Hansa may be remote – but it is still accessible. A bumpy woodland track and gravel drive means you can travel here by car.
Two vintage-style bicycles are also parked up outside, for those who wish to venture further – although you can hardly be blamed for wanting to stay put.
Stays at Hansa on Unique Homestays start from £1,095 for a short break.
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