As much as I love living in a city, I often find myself craving a few days in the countryside, totally immersed in nature. It’s a chance to slow down, breathe more deeply and switch off from the daily grind, and I always come back feeling clear-headed and refreshed.
That said, I’ve never particularly enjoyed camping. Airbeds, damp sleeping bags and communal shower blocks? No thanks. But a wilderness retreat with all the comforts of home? Now that I can handle. On previous adventures I’ve stayed in yurts, eco domes and cabins on stilts, but I’d never before tried a shepherd’s hut. So, when Chris and I were invited to experience a night in one of the beautiful huts crafted by Dorset-based company Plankbridge, we jumped at the chance.
And so it was on a Friday afternoon in May that we found ourselves winding along a narrow lane in Dorset’s Blackmore Vale, past banks of wild garlic rippling in the breeze. Our destination was working dairy farm Colber Farm, which is home to two Plankbridge huts: the Pleasant Pheasant and the Happy Hare, set a few hundred metres apart from each other in a wildflower meadow and available to rent for short breaks.
Our base for the night was the Happy Hare, and what a base it was: small, yes, but very comfortable and so ingeniously designed that we barely noticed the lack of space. From the outside, it looks a bit like a wagon from the Wild West thanks to its black tin cladding and handmade wooden windows; inside, there’s a full double bed, a kitchen with a sink and gas hob, benches with hidden storage, and a wood-burner to keep things cosy even on the chilliest of nights. There’s even a bathroom with a proper loo, a shower and plenty of hot water. The only thing missing is a full electrical supply, but solar panels create enough power for LED lights and a USB charging point, and there’s a cool box to keep food fresh.
The whole place has been beautifully decorated by owner Hannah in a suitably rustic style, with lots of lovely details: fresh flowers and scones on arrival, Neal’s Yard toiletries in the bathroom, a jar of marshmallows to toast over the firepit. But perhaps the biggest indulgence was the wood-fired hot tub waiting outside.
While Chris set about lighting it (it takes a couple of hours to heat up), I headed off to explore our surroundings. I could feel any lingering stress evaporate as I wandered. No traffic noise, no fumes, no bulging inbox… Just chirruping birds, occasional moos from the surrounding fields, and the scent of cow parsley wafting up from the hedgerows.
I got back a while later to discover steam already rising from the tub, and we couldn’t resist cracking open a bottle of Prosecco to enjoy as we soaked. Then it was time for dinner (halloumi and sausages grilled over the firepit), before wrapping up in blankets to finish off the last of the wine as the stars emerged overhead.
After a deep and blissful slumber (the hut stayed toasty all night), we woke the next day to find sunshine burning off the last traces of early-morning mist. I quickly headed outside with my camera to grab a few snaps, before snuggling back under the duvet with a cafetiere of coffee. Breakfast was a treat, too: Hannah had left a hamper of local goodies, so we tucked into bacon, fresh farm eggs and sourdough bread before reluctantly pulling ourselves away and heading back to Bristol.
Our first shepherd’s hut stay turned out to be unexpectedly luxurious, and I wouldn’t hesitate to book another. They also make wonderful garden dens, guest bedrooms and offices (especially as you don’t need planning permission for them), and once back home we couldn’t help eyeing up our little patch of lawn to work out if it could accommodate a hut of its own one day. Sadly the answer is no, but we can always dream…
For more information on Plankbridge Shepherd’s Huts, its traditional and contemporary designs and where else to find them, visit plankbridge.co.uk. And to book a stay at Colber Farm, see farmsteadglamping.com.
Plankbridge Shepherd’s Huts kindly arranged a free stay at Colber Farm for the purpose of this review, but as always all words and opinions are my own.
All photography by Abi Dare
The shepherd’s hut is interesting! We’re thinking about a garden studio as a hobbies room, but never considered one of these. However, something that is ready made, doesn’t need a foundation raft, and that could go with us when (sometime) we move house could be just the thing. And the huts look really nice as well.
It’s a nice idea isn’t it? A very handy option if you need extra space and don’t want to go through all the hassle of planning permission and building etc.
This place is stunning! Definitely on my to-stay list now!
It’s so much fun to stay in, and so comfy! Definitely the way to do camping…
It looks blissful. I know where I’m heading next time I need a break!
It is blissful! I’d definitely recommend it.
I need a garden room, but the glass boxes I’ve seen so far wouldn’t look right in our garden. This would, though. What a great idea!
It’s a good option isn’t it? They do slightly more contemporary versions too, if that’s the kind of home you have.