An outdoorsy weekend away at the Hawarden Estate near Chester has everything needed to reconnect with nature.

Sleeping under the stars conjures up an uplifting experience, but I have never been convinced. Decades ago, my partner and I went Interrailing with a small tent. We came back early, broke and with dented spirits. In our 40s, we tried glamping at a festival. It was fun, but fraught, mainly due to long queues to the loos.

Older and wiser, we’ve finally nailed our ‘outdoor’ holiday by taking the experience to a higher level. Home for the weekend was the Beekeeper’s Hut on the Hawarden Estate with its 3,500 acres of ancient woods and parkland. The former home of prime minister William Gladstone, the estate has been cleverly reimagined by his descendants. Their estate ‘castle’ is Downtown Abbey impressive, with its ‘West End’ apartment available to hire. Beyond their own garden boundaries, they have two other stylish properties – the Georgian Gardener’s House, and our cute abode.

In keeping with its name, it has a striking black and yellow exterior. Inside, tranquil cream décor is married with chic blue and cream Welsh cushions on the most comfortable, small double bed imaginable. It’s stylish, romantic and cosy.

Yes, the space is compact, but they’ve fitted in an Everhot electric heater, hanging space for clothes, bedside lights, record player and a selection of vinyl in case you fancy a mini disco for two. You may initially be disappointed by the lack of an en suite, but a smart block of well-appointed toilet and shower facilities (without the festival queues) compensates for that.

We appreciated the tranquility of the space. Behind our hut was an exclusive-use lawned area with a canopy strewn with lights above a dining table – the ideal spot for morning coffee or an evening apéritif. Pre-prepared bags of kindling and plenty of logs are on hand for the fire pit, and it was a beautiful spot to while away the evening.

And there was more. Our own spacious outdoor covered kitchen was minutes away. It had a Big Green Egg barbecue (beloved by all the top chefs) and another, larger gas barbecue, just in case you lack the confidence to cook over coals. Barbecue hampers can be pre-ordered (from £15). We opted for the ‘essentials pack’ (£30), which had milk, coffee, bread, jams and marshmallows for toasting – plenty for breakfast and teatime treats. You don’t need to cook, either. The estate’s farm shop has a deli, bakery and all-day café menu.

For those who like pampering you can brave a dip in your own private Swedish wood-fired hot tub, continue the Scandi theme in a sauna, or book a private yoga session. It’s easy to unwind or keep busy (foraging anyone?) here. We were happy to relax, read, walk, eat, drink and repeat! And it beat our previous ‘outdoor stays’ by a country mile.

THREE BEST BITES

1 SLICE AND A SIP

The tasty pizza supper – mushroom and margherita – from the outdoor oven at the farm shop, enjoyed with a bottle of red wine from their deli.

2 SUPER SUNDAY

The award-winning Glynne Arms in Hawarden Village is the estate-owned pub. Chef Adam Williams serves great food and the heartiest Sunday lunches: Welsh beef and all the trimmings, followed by local ice cream and a Welsh cheeseboard.

3 SWEET MOMENTS

Coffee made using the AeroPress in our hut, enjoyed with homemade saucer-sized chocolate chip cookies.