Monocoque Cabin: a unique architect-designed cabin in Shropshire
The Monocoque Cabin is a one-of-a-kind, architect-designed cabin beside the Shropshire Union Canal near Market Drayton. I designed and built it in 2023, and its curved plywood shell takes its cue from the WW2 de Havilland Mosquito, where the outer skin carries the structure.
It suits walkers and anyone travelling with a dog. The towpath runs past the garden, so the first walk of the day starts at the door. Inside, ribbed timber walls and built-in furniture make a small space feel calm.
Whether you're planning a quiet weekend, a walking break or a unique cabin stay in the countryside, there is nothing else like it in Market Drayton or the wider West Midlands.
Check availability and book direct →
Essential Information
Key Facts
Sleeps: 2 adults
Bedrooms: 1 (double bed with linen provided)
Bathroom: walk-in shower and compost toilet
Kitchen: induction hob, air fryer, microwave, mini fridge and utensils
Heating: three smart electric heaters and a biofuel fire
Workspace: fold-down desk and fast Wi-Fi
Outdoor: private garden, fire pit and rural views
Parking: on-site parking for one car
Access: self check-in from 3pm via lockbox
Dogs: well-behaved dogs welcome (the garden isn't fully enclosed)
A dog-friendly cabin by Tyrley Locks, Market Drayton
The Monocoque Cabin sits beside Tyrley Locks on the Shropshire Union Canal, just outside Market Drayton on the border of Shropshire and Staffordshire. Market Drayton is two miles by road, or about 40 minutes on foot along the towpath.
Whether you're walking the towpath with your dog, kayaking the canal or sitting on the deck with a morning coffee, it's a quiet base, with Market Drayton, Eccleshall and the Shropshire and Staffordshire countryside within easy reach.
Guests mostly come for:
- Dog-friendly walks along the Shropshire Union Canal
- A different kind of weekend break
- The canal, the quiet, and the fire pit
- Somewhere within reach of the city that doesn't feel like it
Bringing a dog? Well-behaved dogs are welcome and can run in the garden, though it isn't fully enclosed, so a dog that needs a secure boundary may find it tricky. For routes from the door, from the 5km Tyrley Locks walk to woodland at Burnt Wood, see my guide to dog walks along the Shropshire Union Canal. For pubs and cafés that welcome dogs, see the 10 best restaurants and places to eat in Market Drayton.
Your host
I'm Pete, a RIBA Chartered Architect. I designed and built the Monocoque Cabin with friends in 2023, and when you book here you deal with me directly, not a booking agent. Ring or text me on 07455 148344 with any question before you book, or read the story behind the cabin.
Book direct in three steps
- Pick your dates in the calendar at the top of this page.
- Enter your details.
- Pay the 50% deposit through the secure checkout. The balance is due 7 days before you arrive.
Booking here costs at least 10% less than Airbnb because there's no platform commission or guest service fee. Longer stays cost less again: 5% off 2 nights, 10% off 3 nights and 15% off a week. Cancel for free up to 14 days before you arrive.
Check availability and book direct →
What guests say
“Enjoyed the cabin, description was exact, it was quirky but had everything we needed. Location was amazing.”
Sadie, stayed with her dog, March 2025
“The cabin was warm and cozy, with the radiators and Biofire keeping it comfortable. The location is lovely, with great views and easy access to the canals.”
Andrew, December 2024
Read all guest reviews (rated 4.9 out of 5) →
Questions guests ask before booking
Are dogs allowed?
Yes. Well-behaved dogs are welcome and can run in the garden. The garden isn't fully enclosed, so a dog that needs a secure boundary may find it tricky.
Why is it cheaper to book here than on Airbnb?
Booking direct means no platform commission and no guest service fee, so the same dates cost at least 10% less, and you deal with me rather than a call centre.
What's the toilet like?
It's an integrated compost toilet with a powered extraction fan, and it doesn't smell. There are simple instructions inside if you haven't used one before.
Is it warm in winter?
Yes. There are three electric heaters on smart plugs you control from your phone, plus a biofuel fire with a litre of fuel to start you off.
What time is check-in and check-out?
Self check-in from 3pm using a lockbox, and check-out by 11am. Arrival instructions come the day before.
Is there parking, and do I need a car?
There's parking for one car at the cabin. Public transport is limited, so a car is the best way to get here.
Can I get a taxi back from town?
Book one in advance. Guests tell us Uber doesn't cover the area and local taxis are hard to find at short notice. The towpath walk back from Market Drayton takes about 40 minutes and isn't lit.
Where can I find shops and places to eat?
Market Drayton is 2 miles by road, or about 40 minutes along the towpath, with food shops, a weekly market and pubs.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes, fast enough for streaming and video calls, and there's a fold-down desk.
How do payment and cancellation work?
You pay 50% at booking and the balance 7 days before arrival. Cancel up to 14 days before arrival for a full refund; after that, payments are non-refundable. There's no security deposit.
How many people does it sleep?
Two adults, in a double bed.