We couldn’t write a blog post about cabin holidays without mentioning the ever-popular shepherd’s hut. The UK is awash with shepherd’s huts nestled in ancient woods, standing proud in picturesque meadows, or overlooking cragged coastlines. These repurposed, or sometimes purpose-built, dwellings offer a cosy and often quintessentially British holiday retreat.

With log burning stoves, compact and intimate interiors, and immediate access to the countryside, there’s a reason shepherd’s huts are so popular. These huts tend to feature private outdoor hangout space, which can include fire pits for nighttime stargazing, BBQs for alfresco grilling, and hot tubs for some rest and relaxation.

You may have to make a short walk to another spot to use a bathroom or shower and the kitchen may not be stocked up with all the amenities you need to whip up huge feasts, but it’s this outdoorsy, glamping vibe that often appeals to so many people.

Shepherd’s huts are for those of you who love the simple things in life. They’re for people who want to lose themself in a good book with a freshly brewed coffee, making the most of the peaceful natural surroundings, before enjoying a cosy night’s sleep. They’re for people who love to wander hiking trails and enjoy lunch in rural pubs followed by a quiet evening in front of a crackling fire. And here at Coolstays we have a vast array of shepherd’s huts for you to choose from.

Shepherd’s huts on Coolstays.

One of our favourite cabin types is the one that we’re simply referring to as ‘contemporary cabins’. These all differ greatly from one another, but share one thing, which is their sharp edges, giant windows, and deeply aesthetically pleasing characteristics.

Whether they’re on a rugged island in Scotland and are designed to frame the dramatic coastal views, or they’re tucked away in a forest and feature blackened wood and balconies hidden in the canopy, these cabins are all striking to look at and comfortable to live in.

Usually designed by architects, contemporary cabins tend to make use of modern, high-end amenities and often cost a little more than their more traditional counterparts. Think minimalist design, rainfall showers, and freestanding bathtubs nicely positioned next to large windows. Add to this outdoor baths or hot tubs, kitchens that budding chefs will love, and breathtaking surrounding countryside, and you’ve basically got the essential modern cabin.

Contemporary cabins on Coolstays

There are few structures that bring on such a calming, cosy vibe, than the traditional log cabin. Looking as if they’ve jumped from a history book, these are the cabins that most people picture when they’re asked about a cabin holiday. And with their rustic appeal, they can offer you and your loved ones a superb break wherever they’re located.

Handcrafted log cabins are usually made from natural logs. This means there will be a mixture of oddly shaped logs, of different shapes and sizes, all fitted together and hand joined. Each log will have a hand-cut groove in its underside to ensure it fits tightly into the log below it.

As more and more cabins tend to be made using machinery, the traditional, handcrafted cabin is becoming more rare, and therefore more sought after. Handcrafted log cabins are often unique and charming, with a higgledy-piggledy aesthetic that is pleasing on the eye.

Machine-profiled log cabins make use of logs that have been profiled using machines to create a set of uniform, identical logs. These logs will be rounded and turned to ensure they meet a certain shape that is mathematically precise. People use advanced tech to ensure that these logs are near perfect and fit together precisely.

No matter which type of log cabin you choose, we’re sure you’ll be delighted. So why not take a look at some of our favourite log cabin Coolstays below.

Log cabins on Coolstays

We’re now moving away from the organic beauty of wood and into the industrial, contemporary realm of metal. We’re seeing more and more metallic cabins popping up, many of which are repurposed shipping containers.

These cabins are commonly made using steel, which means they are super-durable and tough as they were originally built to withstand the most extreme weather conditions when out at sea.

When building these cabins, people can stack shipping containers on top of one another or attach them side-by-side. This leads to interesting and modern geometric designs.

Often, people remove huge slices of the walls to install giant windows or bifolding doors, which add to the contemporary feel. These cabins are also usually nicely insulated, allowing for a cosy dwelling no matter the weather.

Metal cabins on Coolstays

Timber frame cabins make use of a frame structure that is made mostly of large, solid posts and sturdy beams that are all joined together with wooden pegs. These cabins allow the beauty of wood to feature on the interior and exterior of the cabin, adding a warmth and cosiness.

Often, timber frame cabins feature large open spaces. This is because the frame itself is so hardy and strong that you simply don’t need any load bearing walls inside. What this creates is huge social areas, with striking high ceilings, that allow for big feature walls, giant windows framing lovely views, and lots of room to spread out and relax.

The lack of load-bearing walls also means that designers have a lot more freedom and flexibility when it comes to the layout of rooms, providing a lot of variety across cabins.

Timber frame cabins often make use of walling made from Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs). This consists of wafer board, plywood, gypsum board, or sheet metal. Between these walls is a core of insulation that’s made out of styrofoam, polystyrene, or polyurethane. This ensures these homes are nicely insulated and stay warm and toasty all year round.

Timber frame cabins on Coolstays