Ideal for something both private and relaxing, make your next weekend escape a rustic one with The Wordrobe’s pick of the UK’s five best shepherd hut retreats.
1 The Shepherds Hut Retreat, Somerset
Head to Somerset to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy a much-needed escape with The Shepherds Hut Retreat.
Ideal for something romantic (grab your favourite bubble partner) these four shepherd huts are set between trees on the water’s edge, each with its own private decking and fire pit and complimentary use of the Lakeside Hot Tub and Woodland Sauna.
Inside each spacious abode, find a bathroom and fully-equipped kitchen, along with a quaint dining area and a comfy double bed. WiFi comes as standard – although with so much wildlife surrounding you, there’s plenty more to watch than just Netflix.
Where: Fords Croft Farm, Roundham, Crewkerne TA18 7TU
How: Taking bookings from 4 July 2020 onwards. Visit theshepherdshutretreat.co.uk for more
2 Alexander House’s Enchanted Glamping, Scotland
Pack your favourite kilt and head to Scotland for a stay on the Alexander House estate in Perthshire. Choose between one of two yurts, Bramble and Heather, or rest your head within a cosy cabin on wheels, the converted vintage horsebox, Juniper.
With contactless check-in, private bathrooms and a rural location this is the perfect location for a peaceful and private post lockdown escape.
The estate is set in Perthshire’s much underrated Ochil Hills, with the house itself offered as a self catering rental which has been accredited Gold in the Green Tourism Business Scheme and Visit Scotland 5* Exclusive Use. Each glamping accommodation is tucked away in a cosy sheltered corner, or amongst Scots Pines and enjoys magical views of the surrounding countryside.
Lavish touches feature including private bathrooms with roll tops, eco-friendly products and flushing loos, wood burners and wood-fired hot tubs. There’s also the opportunity to reconnect with nature and disconnect from the world with the absence of tech (sorry, not a shred of WiFi here).
For adventuring, make the most of nearby castles, distilleries, golf courses aplenty, spas, Michelin starred dining and endless opportunities for hiking, white water rafting, quad biking, kayaking, fishing and archery. There is even one of Scotland’s newest Gin Distilleries, the Gate House, offering tastings and tours location at the end of the drive.
Where: Alexander House, Auchterarder, PH3 1PW
How: Taking bookings from July onwards. Visit alexanderhousescotland.com for more.
3 Merry Harriers, Surrey
Nestled down a winding country lane in Hambledon, Surrey awaits The Merry Harriers, a traditional village inn dating back to the 16th century. Outstandingly picturesque, surrounded by rolling hills and swathes of thick Surrey forest, it’s a slice of country paradise from the offset.
Designed to offer guests a luxury take on the glamping experience, the Merry Harriers’ Shepherd Huts are brightly-coloured cabins with private parking spaces and beautiful views of the surrounding South Downs National Park.
Expect a colourful nest full of chic touches and quirky decor. Rainbow-striped cushions with patterned quilts, llama-themed decor scattered across the space and floral curtains create a cozy and inviting space.
Luxury touches complete the shepherd hut experience, with a welcoming bottle of Rosé wine, complimentary nibbles, mini toiletries and the all-time country life essential, a wood burning stove.
For something more traditional, four Inn Rooms and six Garden Rooms back at the main building offer a more classically rural stay.
Where: Hambledon Road, Godalming GU8 4DR
How: Visit themerryharriers.com or read our full Wordrobe review.
4 Dreamhuts Retreat, Devon
If it’s something dreamy you’re after, look no further than Dreamhuts Retreat in Devon. Positioned on the edge of the Blackdown Hills, Dreamhuts Luxury Shepherd Hut Retreat offers a fabulous back-to-nature experience.
Surrounded by 360 degree view of the stunning Devonshire countryside, these hand-built, luxury shepherds huts are romantic, spacious, warm, cosy and opulent all at the same time.
Each hut benefiting from a wood burning stove, underfloor heating, king size bed, LCD TV, luxurious shower room and kitchen area with full size oven hob & fridge, making it the perfect romantic short break destination.
Visitors benefit from their own private hot tub, as well as the fun of home made pizza with an individual Firepit BBQ with built-in pizza oven and private outdoor dining area.
Where: James Barn, Kerswell, Cullompton EX15 2ES
How: Visit dreamhuts.co.uk for more.
5 The Fish Huts, Cotswolds
Nestled into the hillside with beautiful Cotswolds views, these luxury huts are the ultimate in countryside living. Suitable for all year round stays, each hut is cosy and comfortable, and makes for the ideal rustic, woodland retreat.
Choose from either the Hilly or Hideaway huts for your rural break in paradise. The Hilly Huts have under floor heating, en suite bathrooms, and a lounge area with a sofa and wood burner to snuggle up in front of – as well as inviting private hot tubs.
The Hideaway Huts meanwhile, have under-floor heating throughout, a bedroom with double bed and roll top bath, as well as separate en suite bathroom with shower. They also have a lounge area with large L-shape sofa and wood burner to snuggle up in front of.
Where: Farncombe Estate, Broadway WR12 7LH
How: Availability from August 2020. Visit thefishhotel.co.uk for more.
