A Thetford Forest business has launched a new initiative which allows customers to bring their horse with them while staying in a shepherd's hut.
Husband and wife Matt and Lucy Apthorp set up Forest Equine Escapes, a luxury stays business, last year, offering the perfect stay for horse lovers on five acres of land at their home in Mundford.
The couple first advertised their cabin and shepherd's enclosure in January 2023 and within just a few weeks it was complete for the rest of the year.
Demand was so high that they opened a second cabin, with both now booked for the rest of this year and most of 2025.
“It’s every rider’s dream,” Ms Anthorp said.
“We have lived here for 25 years and only use it for our own horses, but I thought it would be a fantastic place to share with other riders.
“I started advertising to local equestrian groups but soon discovered there were interested people all over the UK.
“We welcomed people from South Wales, Lancashire and Yorkshire. I couldn’t believe people would travel so far with their horses to come to Mundford.”
The shepherd's huts overlook their own two-acre paddocks, complete with tack rooms stocked with everything a rider could need.
Horse riding is just a stone's throw from the main driveway, with 47,000 acres of Thetford Forest to discover.
The cabins are also just minutes from Lynford Hall and a five-minute walk from the village.
The couple now also welcome well-behaved dogs, which has resulted in more couples and families booking their stay.
“We’ve had so many regular guests already – we have someone coming this week for their seventh visit,” Ms Anthorp said.
“The most common comment I get is that people love waking up in the morning and being able to see their horses from the window, while the cabins overlook the paddocks.
“I’ve always loved horses and seeing the smiles on people’s faces means everything.
“The number of people who say they don’t want to leave and want to live here is truly incredible.”
