Hesleyside Huts: An Interview with Creator, Anna Charlton
Inspired by time spent living in a shepherd’s hut in Argentina, coupled with a passion to share the raw beauty of her home surroundings, Anna Charlton has created a collection of rustic huts and cabins in the stunning grounds of the Hesleyside Estate. We talk to Anna about her passion, projects and plans for the future.
Anna, where in Northumberland are the Hesleyside huts located?
Hesleyside Huts is located in the heart of the Northumberland National Park and within the International Dark Sky Reserve. The huts, cabins and treehouse are nestled within the private woodland and parkland of the Hesleyside Estate.
What is the family history of this beautiful estate?
Hesleyside has been the ancestral home of the Border Reiver Charlton family since 1343. We are so very lucky to live in this beautiful valley and the surrounding ancient woodlands.
What makes the Hesleyside estate and its surroundings unique?
It is hard to describe in words. It’s that feeling you get when you hear curlews and cuckoos. When you happen upon a deer or a red squirrel. The sheer joy of walking within ancient woodland for an hour without seeing another soul. The mind-bending dark skies which allow you to see the milky way. I see Hesleyside as a place of tranquillity, a place to “switch off” and reconnect with nature.
“So many of our guests tells us about the joy of having that meaningful conversation, that time away from the modern stresses of life.”
How did you begin planning and starting the business?
The idea for the huts came from a visit to Argentina in 2004. My husband and I stayed on a large estancia (sheep farm) and during our stay we visited a remote shepherd’s hut on wheels which had given shelter to many cattle hands over the generations. This very simple wriggly tin hut, with its comfortable mattress and wood burner, was so romantic and comfortable. Its sheer simplicity and connection to the landscape made me realise that staying within the wilderness did not have to be uncomfortable. Why not experience the night sky, the campfire, the flora and fauna of the National Park but armed with the creature comforts of a 2000 spring mattress, a powerful hot shower and heating!
The interior design of all the huts is exquisite. When you are inside the huts you really feel the connection with the surroundings. How did you go about designing, and sourcing the furnishings for the huts?
I spend hours upon hours researching and designing the interiors of the huts. It is one of the parts I love the most as it’s the fun bit! It is important to me that I use natural and local materials that reflected the landscapes. I also like to create a fairy tale feeling inside the huts, but it is important to make them comfortable too. I try to use local craftsmen to create bespoke furniture and hence support local business.
There are lots of mass-produced glamping pods out there but for me, it is important that each of our huts is unique, utilises local craftsmanship, has seriously strong eco-credentials and most importantly make our guests feel they have stumbled across a bit of heaven.
We love the peacefulness and tranquillity at Hesleyside. Was the ambition from the start to create a relaxed environment for guests to unwind?
Absolutely. Our lives are just too busy, and we are constantly bombarded with information. We do not realise this until we find ourselves in a place without WiFi. So many of our guests tell us about the joy of having that meaningful conversation, that time away from the stresses of modern life.
For people coming to stay at one of your huts, what would you recommend to see or do nearby?
There is so much to see in the area. The magnificent Hadrian’s Wall is only twenty minutes away. The nearby Kielder Forest Park has so much to offer, from activities, watersports,walks and the world-famous Kielder Observatory. We have so many good restaurants in the area too. Many of our guests come armed with a long list of places to visit but having arrived simply enjoy relaxing here, exploring the estate walks, the river and their campfire.
Talk to us about your latest and most impressive project, Skylark.
Building Skylark was not for the faint hearted. It was an epic project and if I am honest, very stressful. I have learnt an awful lot about treehouse building and I am not sure I would repeat the experience, but hey, she is worth it! I poured my life and soul into the treehouse, and I hope that passion shines through.
What does the future look like for Hesleyside Huts? Are there any more projects in the pipeline?
Yes, we are currently planning the build of a four storey tower. This will be a modern take on the Border Reiver Pele tower. A nod to my family’s history. It will be dog friendly too. I do love to create and my husband fears this may never stop!
How can people book a stay at Hesleyside Huts?
To book please visit hesleysidehuts.co.uk. We have had a very busy year since reopening after being closed during the pandemic. We often get booked up quickly, so would recommend booking in advance!
Photography by Laura Woolley & Brandon Robson
