O U T O F A F R I C A in the heart of Leicestershire Escapism. That’s been the fodder of my day dreams recently. I honestly feel like I haven’t taken a deep breath in months - I’m sure we can all relate to those stretches where life feels like a hamster wheel. Well, if that’s you too, I think I have the perfect antidote. I was recently invited to stay at a glamping tent with a difference - an Out of Africa-themed safari tent, nestled lakeside in the glorious surrounds of Brook Meadows Farm Camp Site. This is no ordinary tent though - inside the khaki canvas of the Marabou Safari Glamping Lodge you’ll find a kitchen with a fridge <strong>and</strong> a hob, a full bathroom with a luxury roll top bath, two double beds (including one mosquito netdraped four-poster), two tented singles <strong>and</strong> the absolute jewel in the crown - a bespoke cabin bed festooned with fairy lights. This bed caused literal squeals of delight with our accompanying sixyear-old, who bundled herself into the space immediately, declaring she never wanted to leave. The interior has been so thoughtfully conceived, with layered details - antique furniture, vintage glassware, quirky lighting <strong>and</strong> a vast array of jungleprinted velvets <strong>and</strong> cane detailing. Owner Claire’s eye for design is evident, <strong>and</strong> all the elements are functional as well as beautiful. We don’t necessarily equate camping with a good night’s sleep, but this is glamping, so the beds were supremely comfortable <strong>and</strong> the bedding cosy. We awoke well rested, to the distant moos of the farm’s cattle <strong>and</strong> dappled sunlight on the canvas. lake - who knew that waiting for the whistle of a stove-top kettle would be the needed prompt to take a deep breath. There’s something luxuriant <strong>and</strong> lovely about the necessity of camping, glamping or otherwise, to slow things down; you’re more mindful in everything that you do - from rolling up the canvas covers on the windows to lighting a fire, things take more time <strong>and</strong> that’s perfectly lovely. As well as being the heat source of the tent, the wood-burning stove was also our oven - we loved the elemental nature of it, not to mention the amazing flavour it gave our sausages! There’s a fire pit with cooking grill outside too - ready to make the most of the summer months. The farm is a working one, <strong>and</strong> we were treated to a talk about the calving season - even getting to see a calf that was only a day old. The farm is also home to a flock of happy hens, <strong>and</strong> owner Mary will help little visitors to collect the day’s eggs, some still warm in the nest. This connection to nature, <strong>and</strong> to food production, is so vital for children to underst<strong>and</strong>, <strong>and</strong> the whole process is brought to life on the farm. Mary even discussed how the different chicken breeds produce varying colours of egg shells - something we were treated to in our own hamper. There’s lots to enjoy in <strong>and</strong> around the farm. Optional extras include a range of gorgeous h<strong>and</strong>made, locally sourced, hampers delivered fresh to the door; wood fired pizzas on site every Tuesday <strong>and</strong> Saturday <strong>and</strong> a coffee shop with artisan homemade coffee <strong>and</strong> cakes. As part of a working farm guests can take a 4x4 tour of farm or settle in on a straw bale for a Saturday night ‘moovie’ in the cowshed cinema. Brook Meadows have also partnered with local petting farm Mini Meadows to provide visitors to the lodges <strong>and</strong> tents with passes to enjoy. Many of us holiday with our four legged friends in tow - <strong>and</strong> your furry child will be well catered for with a little welcome pack of their own, featuring homebaked treats, rope toys <strong>and</strong> a natural nose <strong>and</strong> paw balm - you won’t be the only one feeling relaxed after a stay! If you are looking for a true retreat, in the most beautiful of surroundings, I’d implore you to book a stay at Brook Meadows - I know I’ll be back next time I need to take some time for myself. Katie Thomson <strong>and</strong> family stayed as a guest of Brook Meadow (01858 880886 www.brookmeadow.co.uk). A four-night self-catering midweek stay in Marabou costs from £145 per night based on two people sharing. Add £15 per night per additional person, up to eight people. Or a four-night midweek stay in a lakeside cabin costs from £120 per night based on two people sharing. Add £15 per night per additional person, up to four people. Nonelectric camping pitches cost from £24 midweek <strong>and</strong> £26 Friday to Sunday or Electric camping pitches from £34 midweek <strong>and</strong> £36 Friday to Sunday. Cost includes one vehicle for 2 people <strong>and</strong> the pitch. Based on a two-night minimum stay at weekends. Mornings were slower, with a coffee taken out on the deck overlooking the Brook Meadow, The Wrongs Farm, Welford Road, Sibbertoft, Market Harborough Leicestershire, LE16 9UJ 24 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
p e r f e c t g i f t s , c l o t h e s & a c c e s s o r i e s 1 0 % o f f o n l i n e a n d i n s t o r e u s i n g 1 0 H A U S L I F E 3 Abbeygate Steet, Bath | www.hauslife.co.uk
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