Try Something New – Shepherd’s Huts
Shepherd’s huts are a unique glamping experience. Some are purpose built for glamping, while others have been refurbished to bring them up to date for use as accommodation. Shepherd’s huts were originally used during the lambing season, when the shepherd had to be with his flock day and night. They were mobile units and could be placed in any field designated for lambing, ensuring the shepherd could get some sleep, but also to prepare milk bottles for orphaned lambs and warm up any new arrivals who needed a bit of help. It was very basic, with no space for luxury items, just a bed, a little storage space and a small wood burning stove which allowed for warming milk and basic cooking, as well as keeping warm in the colder nights.
Nowadays you don’t have to share your shepherd’s hut with baby lambs, although that would be very cute! Modern shepherd’s huts tend to be a little bigger than their traditional size and this is usually to provide enough space for a decent sized bed, as well as somewhere to sit and somewhere to prepare food. The shepherd’s huts you can stay in at glamping sites may even have a small en-suite included, so you can be fully self-sufficient in your cosy hut at night.
Because of the compact size of a shepherd’s hut and it’s portability they can be placed in quiet corners of a glamping site or tucked into woodland, even on the edge of a fishing lake. In more open campsites, they may have a deck built around them to increase the footprint and provide somewhere to sit of an evening. Some sites even have hot tubs or saunas nearby for that extra touch of luxury.
Although a shepherd’s hut is the perfect romantic retreat, they’re also great for families – children just love the novelty factor and they’ll remember the holiday for years to come. The original working shepherd’s huts wouldn’t have been equipped with bunk beds and running water but the design lends itself perfectly to this adaptation and these custom built shepherd’s huts are amazing, you might want to move in permanently. Some sites have joined two smaller huts together, creating a relaxing romantic bed area with a separate space for cooking and dining, which we think is a splendid idea.
One of the joys of glamping is that each site and each hut, yurt or cabin is unique. Some shepherd’s huts have retained that Spartan sensibility and have pared back, minimalist interiors which invite you to really connect with the outside world, while others go for full on prettiness, with bunting, fairy lights and shabby chic style furnishings. This means whatever your style there will be a shepherd’s hut that’s perfect for you.
Why not take some time to plan a future holiday in a beautifully cosy shepherd’s hut, whether that’s one just outside the city, or somewhere more remote for a proper getaway. We can’t wait to get out there and try some of the gorgeous new huts that have come on to the market over the winter.
