Pod

 

 

Some strange objects are to be found behind the hedgerows in the East of Yorkshire.

 

They are within just a few feet of a very busy coastal road which ,at weekends ,even in the winter months still carries a lot of visitors doing the tourist and picturesque route that takes in the remoteness of Spurn Point, the wilderness that is Withernsea, the quiet retired demeanour of Hornsea and the brashness of Leeds on Sea (Bridlington).

 

This collection of three wooden pods, or tripods, is part of an enterprise by a local business to generate income from seasonal trade. They are as simple in format as they appear in structure, just one small compartment but sufficient to sleep 2 persons. Electric light and power is provided .

 

The pod resembling a travellers traditional covered horse drawn caravan does present an interesting internal dimension and its designers are giving further thought on how to maximise the curvy oval minimal space. 

 

The three examples of what can be built from ethically sourced timber and other renewable materials are available to book for short breaks or a longer period in situ for £45 a night. For those of you south of Watford this may seem extraordinarily cheap but in the immediate local area this tariff would be the equivalent of a better three star bed and breakfast establishment.

 

You have to bring all of your own bedding and, oh yes, a bed.

 

There is no catering. It cannot therefore be called a gastropod. Alternatively, the pods can be purchased outright and then transported to a location of your choice, whether used as a home office in the back garden or secreted away in the woods as an escapist refuge.

 

Some interest has been expressed by hobbyists and enthusiasts. Watertight characteristics, warm and insulated they would be ideal to keep valuable and perishable goods and collections. I could see some use for storing a cherished motorbike or memorabilia of , for example, motor sport, a bit of a Sennapod.

 

At a retail price of close to £6000 each there may be a sharp inhalation of breath but consider the building to be on an equal footing, less wheels, to a cheap and small touring caravan or a very expensive summerhouse or Loggia and the figures do make some sense.

The requirement to house an elderly relative or a fledgling independent teenager could be satisfied by one of these cosy buildings, a monopod.

The natural composition and organic appearance would compliment a lakeside setting as a fishing shelter , an Anglepod.

Set in dense undergrowth or the shade of a wooded copse the buildings would be able to assume a unique camouflage to permit hour upon hour of bird watching, an Ornithopod or aside a championship tennis court as a place of refreshment between games, a Seedpod.

On the theme of the approaching Festive Season I would be more than happy to visit a snow covered grotto with one of these structures centre stage. Yes, a Santapod.

 

Bipod? or not to Bipod. It is not really that difficult a choice given the charm and quality on offer. But beware of imitations. Hodgepodges.

 

There are some perceived limitations and a need for essential guidance for ease of habitation and use, however, such as no excessively tall persons or newly courting couples not yet really on familiar terms in such a confined space. Slim and trim occupants are encouraged, so no one podgy.

Of course there is no internal sanitation and any siting would have to be close to communal facilities.

I am assured that development is well under way to provide private facilities but this may be some years away. Cross your fingers and anything else in the meantime in anticipation of the Peapod.