If you are the type of person that gasps at a sunset, who wakes early for a sunrise and feels energised by nature, then this is the self-catering staycation for you!
From the moment that you step of the car at the Mirror Houses Kirtlington you are met with outstanding natural beauty. The site is adjacent to a stunning lake designed by Capability Brown in the 1750’s, and I am sure it is as mesmerising today as it was then. The observatory deck it is a beautiful place in which to sit and contemplate. Little did I know this was just the start.
ÖÖD houses were developed in Estonia and have been taking Europe by storm over the past few years. Mirror houses offer a unique, immersive experience which is quite like no other and there are multiple sites across the UK in which you can escape from life and retreat in one of their luxurious cabins.
Despite appearances, you are not set in a deep, dark, spooky forest with no phone reception and eery noises! You are in a forest with accessible walkways, luggage trollies, Wi-Fi and a pre heated hot tub! This is essentially glamping on steroids and everything here is high end and maintained to a very high standard. It all feels brand new.
Despite being self-catering, you will find a cafetiere, fridge, hot plate, kitchen essentials, fresh sourdough, robes, bathroom products, hair dryer etc all ready and waiting for you on arrival. The site is so close to civilisation that you could be shopping in Bicester Village within 10 mins but it feels completely isolated once you are there. The houses are carefully positioned to ensure privacy and the most you will hear will be a whoop from a neighbour’s hot tub!
Once inside the mirrored walls are slighting tinted which creates a beautiful hue. I could, and did sit for hours watching the light change, a confused magpie pecking at the wall and just marvelling at how gorgeous, not to mention “Instagramable” the entire experience was.
Each lodge comes with either a hot tub, sauna or outdoor bath tub. They are wood fired and the hosts kindly pre heated ours for us. Despite staying there during a frosty snap, the hot tub was dreamy and the underfloor heating and efficient air/con heater warmed us up a treat after our dip.
Our visit was intended as a January reset break. A chance to rewild and feel energised for the New Year but I could not help but think how romantic the setting is. This is a perfect couples retreat. Private, very few distractions, hot tub, BBQ, long walks and a lovely comfortable bed in a cosy mirror house. Perfection!
Review and Images by Emmie Blower @emmiebhungry
Feature image courtesy of @mirrorhouseskirtlington.co.uk
