Escape the Noise: Slow Down and Recharge in This Secluded Cabin Immersed in Nature

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The spaces we inhabit shape us, often in ways we don’t immediately recognize. Om Creative is a slow travel creative studio on a mission to discover places designed with intention that invite stillness, calm, and a return to what matters. Through Heartspace, our new documentary series, we’re seeking out such spaces and the people behind them, exploring how they cultivate mindfulness and transformation on both a personal and business level. Our journey began in the far west of the UK at Kuro Cabins, where the rugged landscape conceals a cabin designed for slowing down.

Kuro is in the far reaches of Maxworthy, North Cornwall, tucked between dramatic cliffs and windswept moorlands. The cabin was built by the owners, Vicky and Adam, and is inspired by Japandi design — a minimalist style that brings together Japanese and Scandinavian influences. There are no signs pointing the way, and few modern distractions once you arrive. Finding it feels like part of the experience itself.

Vicky and Adam welcomed us when we arrived, and their passion for the land was immediately contagious. Kuro started with their shared dream to create a retreat space shaped by nature’s rhythm. As we wandered the grounds together, they shared the story from the beginning: planting trees and vegetable gardens, building the cabin and sauna from scratch. Along the way, intentionally building for simplicity, connection, and regeneration.

“We wanted to share this land with others,” Vicky explained. “There’s something special about being here. It’s peaceful. It’s a place to slow down and reconnect – with nature, with yourself, and with the people you’re with.”

Photo: OM Creative

Photo: OM Creative

Photo: OM Creative

The cabin is a reflection of Adam’s love for Japanese minimalism and practical design, with a focus on craftsmanship and durability that ensures it will stand the test of time. The name “Kuro” (which means “black” in Japanese) is a nod to the traditional shou sugi ban technique used to char and preserve the wood cladding — a process Vicky thoroughly enjoyed taking the lead on during construction. Not only does it protect the structure, but it also helps the cabin blend seamlessly into its surroundings.

Staying at Kuro is an immersive retreat. We spent evenings soaking in the wood-fired hot tub under a sky full of stars, listening to the freshwater stream gurgling nearby. After brisk December walks, we warmed ourselves by the fire, savoring the joy of being surrounded by nature. The open-plan cabin is designed to foster stillness and presence, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the landscape and low-impact lighting that lets local wildlife take center stage. A wood fire stove heats the space, and the kitchen and dining area are flooded with natural light during the day.

Photo: OM Creative

Photo: OM Creative

Photo: OM Creative

Photo: OM Creative

Photo: OM Creative

Photo: OM Creative

Photo: OM Creative

Photo: OM Creative

Photo: OM Creative

Photo: OM Creative

Every detail at Kuro reflects Vicky and Adam’s commitment to intentional living. The sauna they built is perched above a stream and designed to feel dark and moody inside in contrast to the vibrant green outside. During our stay, we ran up a sweat and then jumped in the open-air shower or took a cold dip in the stream — and endorphin-pumping experience we wanted to repeat over and over again. The design approach of having the hot and cold experiences in close proximity, we were told, was inspired by their fascination with longevity practices and blue zones, regions known for healthy, long-living populations.

Photo: OM Creative

Photo: OM Creative

Photo: OM Creative

Photo: OM Creative

“The world is speeding up,” Vicky said. “Here, we want to offer people a chance to slow down.”

It would be easy to never leave the property during a stay and instead fully immerse in Kuro’s tranquility, but those eager to explore have Cornwall’s rugged beauty just a short drive away. For us, being in this stunning part of southwest England added another layer to the experience. We spent our days walking the dramatic coastline and surfing the turquoise-blue bays — moments that connected us deeply with the wild, raw beauty of the region.

Photo: OM Creative

Photo: OM Creative

Photo: OM Creative

Photo: OM Creative

Photo: OM Creative

Photo: OM Creative

Photo: OM Creative

The nearest town, Bude, is 20 minutes away by car and has independent cafes, cozy pubs, and surf shops. Its sandy beaches are a hotspot for surfing, with spots like Crooklets and Summerleaze Beach offering consistent swells for beginners and seasoned surfers alike.

For a change of pace, we took a coastal walk along the South West Coast Path, where cliffs plunge into turquoise seas and hidden coves beckon. Another gem is heading inland for hikes through Bodmin Moor to watch the autumn spectacle of starling murmurations (the stunning synchronized patterns the birds make when flying in a group), as well as visiting the charming and historic fishing villages nearby.

Photo: OM Creative

Kuro Cabins is remote by design, so it takes some travel to get to. Travelers from London will need to take about a 5-hour drive west via the M4 and M5. From Plymouth, Kuro Cabins is about 35 miles, a little over and hour’s drive, north.

For those ready to escape the noise of modern life, Kuro is waiting. But don’t expect flashy amenities or curated luxury. Here, luxury is waking up to birdsong, warming your hands by the fire, and falling asleep to the sound of acorns on the roof. It’s a reminder that sometimes less really is more.