The verdict
Highly recommended
I’d highly recommend visiting this place if you’re looking for a peaceful getaway.
Phone-free
When you first walk in you will find a box on the table. This is where you lock your phones away for the weekend. Inside: a Polaroid camera, map, compass and an old-fashioned Nokia.
Properly off-grid
The fridge and lights are powered by solar panels on the roof. There’s one USB charging port near the bed, but nowhere to use a plug socket. The showers were so powerful, and the water always piping hot.
A field of your own
Marcel was tucked away in a secluded field, hidden from view. We saw wild deer, pheasants and rabbits in the early morning, and cooked at the fire pit under starry skies.
Are you in need of a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of life in the city? Then look no further than a weekend in an Unplugged Rest. Escape for a few short days in the countryside, to unplug and reconnect with nature.
We checked into Marcel, a luxury off-grid cabin near Finchingfield. Unplugged’s cabins are broken down into regions around London, all within a 1–2 hour drive from the city and fairly easy to get to by train. I wanted somewhere that wasn’t too far from the Midlands, and I’d bookmarked a few villages in Essex — in particular a small village called Finchingfield. This is where our lovely cabin called Marcel was located.
What’s inside
After a short walk, we arrived at the cabin which was clean and had everything we needed for a comfortable off-grid stay. In Marcel, you’ll find a fully equipped kitchenette with a fridge and stovetop, log burner, bathroom with towels and essential toiletries, and of course a bed with panoramic views out the window.
There are a few things you do need to bring which include: milk, sugar, conditioner, clothes and food for the weekend. There’s no oven or microwave so only bring food that you can cook on a stovetop.
The Polaroid camera was so great to have during our stay. It meant we could capture our favourite moments from the weekend and have a physical copy to remember them by.
What’s outside
Outside the cabin, you’ll find an outdoor fire pit ideal for toasting marshmallows under starry skies or cooking burgers. There’s a picnic bench for enjoying your breakfast and dinner outside (weather permitting).
We stayed in early May and were lucky to have warm weather. During our weekend here we made the most of the outdoor cooking and seating areas which was such a relaxing experience.
Packing & practicalities
Good to know
- The walk in The cabin is a 1–2 minute walk from your designated parking spot. There is a trolley to help you carry your belongings — it’s best to pack lightly. They provide wellies, but they might not have your size.
- Cooking There’s no oven or microwave, only two gas hobs. Cooking essentials are provided, including utensils, pots, pans and a stovetop kettle. You’ll also find oil, salt, pepper, teas and coffee in the kitchen.
- Toiletries Toilet paper, towels, handwash, shampoo and body wash are provided. Bring conditioner and toothpaste.
- Power One USB charging slot, and a basic Nokia if you need to make a call. There are no plug sockets, so hairdryers and straighteners are of no use here.
- Arriving after dark There’s only one small exterior light at the cabin. It’s best to bring a torch if you’re arriving in the evening. If you’re coming by train, book a taxi in advance.
Places to visit from the cabin
A short walk
Finchingfield
Just a short walk away from our Unplugged Rest was the picture-perfect village of Finchingfield. Colourful thatched cottages, a duck pond, a windmill, a humpback bridge and village green — one of the most photographed villages in England.
A 15-minute drive
Thaxted
This is a great village to stop off at when you’re arriving or leaving your stay at Marcel. About a 15-minute drive from the cabin, and worth visiting for its picturesque cobbled streets, 14th-century Guildhall and a beautifully restored windmill.
On the map
Marcel, near Finchingfield
Region
Essex, 1–2 hours from the city
The village
A short walk, or a 5-minute drive
Thaxted
About a 15-minute drive
Village postcode
CM7 4JS
The cabin sits in a secluded field, reached through two padlocked gates, with a designated parking spot and a trolley for the 1–2 minute walk across the grass. If you’re arriving by train, book a taxi in advance — rural taxis are harder to come by.
A note on this stay I stayed at Unplugged Rest as a guest. The notes in this guide are my own, written as I’d pass them to a friend heading to the same village.
