There’s few things more romantic than being surrounded by the beauty of the natural world with the one you love. For the chance to experience a slower pace of life, why not indulge yourselves and take a break away at the award-winning The Shepherds Hut Retreat at Fordscroft Farm in Crewkerne, set in the rolling hills of Somerset. The Shepherds Huts here are like miniature luxury log cabins that have recently been refurbished to the highest standards, each with their own personality and style, not forgetting a bubbling hot tub too! The Shepherds Hut Retreat lies just two and a half hour drive from London, or you can get here with a direct train to Crewkerne, which takes about the same time, and it’s only a short 5-minute ride in a taxi to the retreat.
The Retreat
The Shepherds Hut Retreat comprises award-winning luxury lakeside huts with private hot tubs set in the lush, green countryside of Somerset. Beautifully refurbished, these magical little hideaways are ideal for a romantic escape and offer the real opportunity to experience nature and this beautiful part of the world in the ultimate of comfort. With private gardens, bubbling hot tubs, a woodland sauna, a gastro pub a short walk away, and the Jurassic coast just a short drive, the Shepherds Hut Retreat has everything you need for a luxury romantic escape.
The property boasts six 20ft by 8ft beautiful Shepherds Huts, a luxury barn conversion, and cottages, all with access to the Woodland Sauna and stunning Hillside Hot tub where you can watch ducks paddling on the lake, buzzards circling Castle Hill, and deer grazing in the fields around.
Each Shepherd Hut is unique and individually styled with a spacious interior, fully fitted kitchen, separate bathroom, and stunning views across the lake. Every hut has its own private landscaped garden overlooking the lake with outdoor cooking and seating areas and a private, bubbling hot tub. The décor is fabulous luxury, vintage chic, with so many beautiful home accessories you’ll feel like you’re in a lovely boutique shop! The huts have been designed and built to ensure no detail is overlooked, plus the huts are kind to the environment with fresh spring water from the well and electricity from the huge solar array and they have all been built using locally sourced timber. Each hut includes a beautiful bathroom, a comfortable double bed, and a fully equipped kitchen and dining area. No children or pets are allowed, but then they would rather interfere with your relaxation! The owners have thought of everything, and the huts are very well-equipped. They include a DVD player, DAB radio and Wi-Fi but it’s the little touches that stand out; some come with a gin bar, pizza oven, or star gazing telescope as well as complimentary cookies and marshmallows and even the sticks needed on which to roast them!
Guests can choose between the new HUT 1898 which is the grandest hut both in size and style with a stately home inspired interior and stunning lake views. The hut enjoys a private hot tub, pizza shed, luxury monsoon shower looking over the lake, and its very own gin bar! Shepherds Parlour and Shepherds Zen are premium Huts with large outdoor spaces and uniquely styled luxury interiors with private hot tub, pizza oven and gin bar. Shepherds Delight is a botanical styled hut with a large garden, private hot tub, gin bar, and star gazing telescope under the willow trees on the edge of the lake. The Scandi-chic Shepherds Keep with white-washed woods and cozy furs, overlooks the lake with an outdoor BBQ area, fire bowl and private hot tub. Finally, Shepherds Rest feels like a beautiful Hunting lodge with large garden running alongside the lake with a private hot tub, gin bar, stargazing telescope, and fire pit.
If a hut isn’t for you then book a stay in their boutique barn conversions and character cottages where contemporary interior design meets rustic charm. The barn conversion and cottages have been designed to be the ultimate relaxing and romantic retreat for couples, all with daily use of the stunning Hillside Hot Tub at no extra charge.
Facilities
The property also boasts the Woodland Sauna – a physiotherm infra-red sauna that has greater health benefits than a regular sauna and is more comfortable to use as it heats your body and not the air temperature. It’s situated on the edge of a beautiful, wooded area where you can watch the wildlife and listen to music while you recharge, then drench yourself under the outdoor shower, which can be hot or cold and is big enough for two! There is also a changing space, toilet, and filtered spring drinking water. Tip: the Sauna needs to be pre-booked on arrival.
Restaurants & Bars
The kitchens are very well kitted out so self-catering is a pleasure, supplies can be purchased in nearby Crewkerne, which has both a Waitrose and a Co-op. On sunny days, lighting the BBQ is a must. For nights off cooking, there are many options locally; there is an award-winning gastro pub, The Lord Poulett Arms in Hinton St George, which can be reached via a short stroll through the country lanes. The pub has won both Gastro pub of the year and National dining pub of the year more than once, so it would be rude not to sample it! A great selection of cafes, pubs, and even pizzerias are recommended by the owners, simply take your pick and work through them.
Activities
A fair amount of time should be assigned to simply sitting on your decking watching ducks paddling on the pond, buzzards circling Castle Hill, and deer grazing in the fields; taking a moment to pause and soak up the nature all around you is quite magical. When you want to do a bit more exploring you are spoilt for choice in this beautiful region. The market town of Crewkerne is on your doorstep, and the picturesque village of Hinton St George is only a mile away. The beautiful seaside town of Lyme Regis is 30 minutes away, with independent boutiques, cafes, and fossil shops to discover; there’s also nothing quite like a bag of chips sitting on the wall at Lyme, watching the world go by! The trendy town of Bridport is also 30 minutes away, its’ market is busy and great for antiques and vintage bargains, plus some real culinary gems can be found here. Neighboring West Bay is a beautiful beach with golden cliffs and lots of quaint fish and chip stalls lining the harbor.
Insider Info
For a real style treat, pick the new HUT 1898, the grandest hut – with roomy proportions and stately home styling, providing a truly opulent stay!
Take the opportunity to experience nature and relax in the peace and quiet of this beautiful part of the world in comfortable surroundings; The Shepherds Hut Retreat is the kind of place you’ll want to return to again and again.
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