‘Everything you need, nothing you don’t.’
We are delighted to launch our latest Koto partnership project, Trees at Tughall; a series of exclusive cabins nestled within a small wood on the north Northumbrian coast.
Just launched, this retreat represents some of the highest quality prefab cabin stays in the UK. Developed around themes of emotional minimalism, distraction-free luxury, and environmental connection, the cabins engage their inhabitants with the external environment through a series of carefully curated moments.
‘Experience without distraction.’
Situated in a small wood on Tughall Grange Farm, the site is a short walk to Beadnell Beach and the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Scenic cycle routes and hiking trails are situated a stone’s throw away whilst a light easterly breeze carries with it the scent and sounds of the sea as the sunsets over the nearby Cheviots, creating an Alpenglow-like quality.
“The stretch of coastline from Lindisfarne down to Amble that we are lucky enough to call home has the most beautiful, secluded beaches and pristine wilderness in the country. Despite all these attractions, the area is still a bit of a hidden gem. Our cabins accentuate the beauty, drama, and intimacy of the area, whilst hopefully becoming a stand-alone destination for those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of their normal lives. Our cabins act as a series of curated moments with their surroundings, accentuating the beauty, drama, and intimacy of the area. In doing so, we believe we have created one of – if not the – finest cabin experiences in the country.”
Wim Stevenson, Trees at Tughall
The single bed, couples cabins, named after the tree species in the wood, provide everything people need and nothing they don’t, for a short or long-term stay, encouraging users to make the most of the great Northumbrian outdoors. Each cabin is equipped with a kitchen; a wood-burning stove; a luxurious yet minimal ensuite WC and shower, and a king-sized bed. Large window glazing with in-built seating, double doors, and covered porches allow for moments of calm reflection whilst embracing the Northumbrian elements.
The designs are simple and contemporary, almost bordering on elemental, inspired by the beach shacks and fisherman’s sheds that are dotted along the Northumbrian coast. A clean platform from which to enjoy nature unfettered from the clutter of everyday life.
Materiality is key to creating quality spaces. The interior walls and ceiling are clad in exquisitely detailed poplar ply, the floor is locally sourced solid Ash, and the exterior is black stained Welsh Spruce. This refined material palette accentuates the simple forms of the cabins, allowing for a cohesive spatial vocabulary of seamlessly connected – and connecting – volumes.
This limited palette not only creates a refined place to connect with your surroundings free from distraction, but it also beds the cabins in their vernacular efficiently and sensitively. The use of void and volume accentuates their connection to their environment, softening the line between inside and outside, as the simple lines compliment the verticality of the trees and the spaces they create. In doing so, the cabins offer year-round slow living in minimalist luxury.Reflecting Koto’s and Trees at Tughalls’ environmental values and passion for sustainable design, the cabins were built carbon neutral using Koto’s design-led modular construction methods. This multi-faceted building approach incorporates a blend of technologies and principles; from sustainably sourced timbers to high-performance envelopes, ensuring minimal energy usage and long-term carbon storage.
The magnificent three
Whilst structurally identical, each cabin has a different relationship with its surroundings, allowing for unique connections with their immediate vicinities:
ASH – Situated amongst ancient ash trees, Ash is bathed in the scattered light as the suns’ rays filter through the canopy.
HAWTHORN – Interposed between the banks of the Tughall Burn and flanked by Ash, Horse Chestnut, and Hawthorn. The highest peak in the Cheviots is in sight from the Hawthorn cabin. On a clear day, the sunsets are spectacular.
WILLOW – Opening out to a shaded stream-side glade covered by gently rustling willow, this cabin offers panoramic rural views across the fields. Predominantly south facing, the flooding light from the Willow cabin is consistently excellent whilst being shaded away from the wind.
“The cabin and its surroundings were amazing; simplicity at its very best (it even got me Googling Scandi flat pack self builds on the journey home!). Very impressive! Feeling recharged and refreshed after the perfect weekend break. Thank you!” - Leah Burns, Hawthorn Cabin
