AFTER an extended period at home, many people are now looking to get away from it all, even for just a few days.

But with restrictions on international travel, staycations in the British countryside are becoming even more desirable, and accommodation providers in the district are proving that local people needn’t look beyond the glorious Tyne Valley for that mini escape.

Tucked away in an idyllic location at Henshaw is Hideaway Huts, where a dedicated couple have transformed a derelict agricultural field into a designated wildflower meadow.

Helen and Damian Rudge diversified their existing accommodation business four years ago, with the creation of the meadow, and a secluded paddock where the two huts are located.

The luxury wooden structures, known as the Bothy and the Shieling, provide stunning views of the South Tyne Valley by day, and the area’s dark skies by night.

Like many businesses, the couple faced a considerable challenge in March when lockdown began, and they had to close their offering at the outset of the tourism season.

Now fully reopened, the Rudges have responded with a plan to see them through the Covid-19 period and beyond.

Planning permission has been granted for a third hut, which is set be ready for the 2021 season.

Helen said extra care taken to ensure the self-contained huts were Covid-secure, had slightly restricted the number of bookings, with the huts remaining empty for one night in-between guests.

She explained: “We’ve always been super clean, but in the current climate we have done everything possible in the interests of Covid-safety.

“We have an industrial steam cleaner, and there’s a deep clean between stays. The high temperature sanitises everything, but it needs time to air afterwards.”

Crockery and cutlery at the self-catering huts are also cleaned in an industrial dishwasher.

The units are designed to accommodate two adults only, and are ideal for couples. They complement the Rudge’s Stable Cottage, which they have run for the past 11 years, and is both child and pet friendly.

The couple’s work at the site, which is now a haven for wildlife with native trees and flowers, boosts other tourist attractions on the doorstep, such as Hadrian’s Wall.

“We’re very proud of what we’ve achieved,” said Helen, “and we work closely with other local businesses and organisations, such as the Vindolanda Trust.”

A video about the accommodation is now on the Hideaway Huts website, at https://www.hideawayhuts.com