Scraptoft Hill Farm: Enjoy An Airbnb Yurt Retreat In Leicester, England

Stay in beautiful accommodation for up to four guests

The Mongolian-style yurt has a comfortable double bed, plus a sofa that pulls down into a large double bed. Surprisingly comfortable for a sofa bed, you’ll have no problems drifting off to sleep! Freshly-laundered and sweet-smelling bedding and large towels are provided.

Deceptively spacious, the yurt is cosy without being cramped. A skylight and windows around the outer wall provide plenty of light during the daytime. Awaken to sunlight streaming in through the skylight and the sound of birds singing outside.

There is a further bed in the shepherds hut, with side benches and a table that fold down into a small double bed.

Enjoy off-grid semi-sustainable living

The yurt was originally used by the friendly owner, Will, as his home. Now rented out through Airbnb, members of the public are lucky enough to be able to experience this charming living space.

Largely constructed from reused and natural materials, such as wooden beams from an old barn and sheep’s wool, the yurt was inspired by the traditional moveable homes used by nomadic Mongolian communities.

Heating is by way of a wood-burning fire, and copper pipes run around the flue to provide hot water. There is a large ceramic basin directly in front of the yurt’s front door, with dish-washing supplies provided. Electricity is available by way of a car battery, which is regularly charged by the owner. Other appliances, such as a small refrigerator and two-ring stove, are powered by gas.

The fire keeps the yurt incredibly warm; even in the winter months (December to February) you’ll be lovely and toasty inside. In fact, you might want to let the fire burn down to embers before sleeping as you may find it a bit too warm to sleep otherwise.

There is also a wood fire and a gas stove in the shepherds hut.

Other amenities for a comfortable stay

There is a good selection of cooking utensils, crockery, and glassware, perfect for enjoying a self-catering break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Pack some easy-to-cook ingredients and have fun preparing your meals on the quaint stove. Get back to basics and use the old-style stove-top kettle to brew the water for your morning cuppa.

An old-fashioned but charming kitchen cupboard stands at one side of the room, the front folding down to provide a small work surface for food preparation. There is a dining table and chair, plus a further three chairs folded behind the kitchen cupboard. A small wooden cupboard adds to the olde-worlde feel, and twinkling fairy lights, candles, and lanterns help to create an inviting atmosphere. Colourful rugs add splashes of vibrancy, and you’ll have no problem feeling at home here!

The shepherds hut also features lovely touches, such as wall pictures and a bright rug, in addition to practical equipment like a kettle, pots and pans, and crockery. A fire extinguisher, smoke detector, and carbon monoxide detector add to your peace of mind.

Start your day in the unusual bathroom

The yurt and shepherds hut share a bathroom. Just a few steps from the front door of each sleeping space, the bathroom is housed within a large reconditioned diesel storage tank. There is a flushable toilet and a hot-water shower, as well as cleaning products such as bleach, a mop, and a toilet brush. The strong water pressure might be a pleasant surprise! Do note that there is no sink in the bathroom. There are hot and cold taps on the wall, or alternatively you can use the sink within the yurt.

Relax in the peaceful outdoors

The yurt, shepherds hut, and private bathroom are all located in a hedged-in field. There is plenty of secluded outdoor space, with colourful flowers in well-manicured flower beds. In the warmer months you can dine al fresco at the picnic table. There is also a smaller table and bench right next to the yurt, and benches around the fire-pit.

Light the outdoor fire in the evening and sit outside listening to the sounds of nature. Pay attention and you may hear the haunting calls of owls drifting across the night sky. Gaze skywards on a clear night and you will be rewarded with the sight of many twinkly stars. There is an old telescope inside the yurt, donated by a previous guest, that you can drag outside for an even better star-gazing experience.

In keeping with the eco-friendly theme, there is an interesting raised vegetable garden within the field. Old glass bottles have been carefully cemented in place to create a practical and eye-catching feature.

There are several marked walking trails in the vicinity, leading you through picturesque pastures and past an array of farm animals. Don’t worry about leaving your accommodation unsecured; not only is it in a really secluded location, but you can lock the doors to both the yurt and the shepherds hut.

You are also welcome to pay a visit to the farm should you wish, and the owners can arrange various outdoor activities with advance notice. Fancy riding a horse across the fields? How about learning more about the animals that live on the farm?

Luxuriate in the outdoor hot tub

Protected from the wind by coarse bushes and a purpose-erected fence woven from twigs, the small hot tub is a fabulous way to end your day. The water is heated by a log-burning fire – make sure you keep the fire lit to enjoy piping hot water! It takes around three hours for the water to be fully heated, but the host is happy to light the fire prior to your arrival. The water gets really hot and steamy, so much so that you may find yourself adding cold water from the hose.

Although it is designed for two people, with seating space at either end, it would be possible to fit all four guests in the hot tub at the same time – but be prepared for a bit of a tight squash!