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Original poster

Shepherds Hut

163 replies

Tigger83 · 21/08/2023 14:47

We're thinking of setting up a shepherds hut as an air bnb next to our house, it won't have views but will have a hot tub and a beautiful enclosed sun trap courtyard garden. There are walks to open countryside all around us and we live in a beautiful village with a lovely pub. We're an hour from London and 30mins from Cambridge.... would you rent a shepherds hut with beautiful garden, fairly lights, hot tub but no view....

OP posts:
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JustAnotherDayWorkingAtHome · 22/08/2023 10:17

Is there a big rental market where you are? I think if you are somewhere that people want to visit then it wouldn't matter if there was no view as they would be coming to get out and about and see things. If not then I think to just have a tiny hut and small garden would put me off.

MillicentTrilbyHiggins · 22/08/2023 10:14

C1N1C · 21/08/2023 17:42

Did anyone else think this was a new, quirky shepherd's pie version of Pizza Hut???

I knew it wasn't, but secretly hoped it would be Grin

TheKeatingFive · 22/08/2023 10:12

If the price was right

Whataretheodds · 22/08/2023 10:03

That's good news. Do they have views or similar setup to yours?

Original poster
Tigger83 · 22/08/2023 09:57

Researched competition there's a bit around here but usually full.

OP posts:
Original poster
Tigger83 · 22/08/2023 09:56

Think I know who my target market is just very interested to hear others views.

OP posts:
asterdaisy · 22/08/2023 09:48

@Zonder sorry I missed the point you were making.

Op I would do nothing extra for now, rent it out cheap is hand ask people ideally what they would like to see. You have to know who your target market is or you will just waste money providing things that may be hardly used.

Original poster
Tigger83 · 22/08/2023 09:44

We can look at a drying option either within the hut space or separately (we have a utility room that could be used)

OP posts:
Zonder · 22/08/2023 08:44

asterdaisy · 22/08/2023 08:19

@Zonder shepherds huts are rarely the cheapest option. If you don't mind where you stay you will find cheaper options. Budget hotels are nearly always cheaper.

A shepherd hut and a budget hotel have very different target audiences. Not everyone wants the cheapest option.

My comment about not spending too much was to underline my next sentence about not bothering with a hot tub or pizza oven until you see how business goes. It was about saving the OP money not about guests wanting the cheapest option.

Whataretheodds · 22/08/2023 08:24

I suggest you research your competition

We live in London and don't have a car. Somewhere that was easy and quick to get out of the city without a long taxi ride at the end of the train journey would definitely appeal.

asterdaisy · 22/08/2023 08:23

The problem with the walkers sanctuary idea is nowhere to dry clothes. It's why youth hostels always have a drying room room for this. It would be fine for those just looking for small stroll type walks, but not serious walkers.

asterdaisy · 22/08/2023 08:19

@Zonder shepherds huts are rarely the cheapest option. If you don't mind where you stay you will find cheaper options. Budget hotels are nearly always cheaper.

greyhairnomore · 22/08/2023 08:07

I would with a bathroom. I wouldn't be bothered about the hot tub.

Vieve1325 · 21/08/2023 23:27

Overpriced garden sheds. I’ve spent my life sleeping where I fall in often small spaces - If I’m paying to sleep somewhere it better be as comfy / comfier than my bed at home, with better views and more space.

Zonder · 21/08/2023 23:15

Tigger83 · 21/08/2023 20:07

It's so interesting that people's views are so mixed about everything!

Yes. I think the location sounds great for people who want to visit the area, and they won't mind what kind of thing they stay in. So probably not worth anything too expensive.

I would start without the hot tub and pizza oven and see how much business you get. You can always add those as you go.

DigbyTheDigger · 21/08/2023 21:59

I’d be up for the novelty factor for a night or two but wouldn’t rent it if dogs were allowed, too likely that it would smell.

SnowWhiteAndTheTwoKids · 21/08/2023 21:41

Tigger83 · 21/08/2023 14:47

We're thinking of setting up a shepherds hut as an air bnb next to our house, it won't have views but will have a hot tub and a beautiful enclosed sun trap courtyard garden. There are walks to open countryside all around us and we live in a beautiful village with a lovely pub. We're an hour from London and 30mins from Cambridge.... would you rent a shepherds hut with beautiful garden, fairly lights, hot tub but no view....

Have you looked at the going rate for airbnb's in your area and checked out demand? If there's loads of availability then it's prob not a goer but if similar places a booked up then it's a good idea! Someone I know has recently done similar in their garden and they are fully booked every weekend for the next few months.

Diospyros · 21/08/2023 21:35

I would absolutely stay in the one in Chesterton that a PP posted for £81 a night for 2. In fact, I might actually book it next time I have to go to Cambridge!

Catwoman1985 · 21/08/2023 20:49

No to be honest, I wouldn't. I'd stay in a shepherd's hut in glorious countryside but not in your garden.

Original poster
Tigger83 · 21/08/2023 20:07

It's so interesting that people's views are so mixed about everything!

OP posts:
Zonder · 21/08/2023 19:47

Movinghouseatlast · 21/08/2023 18:05

Here is one 30 mins from Cambridge

https://air.tl/sEHoamk1

That's actually IN Cambridge!

Calmdown14 · 21/08/2023 19:45

Ditch the hot tub and make it more affordable. Hot tubs add ridiculous amounts.

Make it more of a walkers sanctuary.

If it is a reasonable cost per night then it's more appealing than a hotel (if you have outdoor gear) and you can self cater.

We just stayed in a lovely one which didn't really have a view but was in a walled garden. The appeal was it's proximity to an attraction.

Duckingella · 21/08/2023 19:17

Having the hot tub under a covered space would be an advantage;we couldn't use the hot tub on our last holiday as it rained every day;we could have used it if under cover.

mylittleprince · 21/08/2023 19:14

Can you draw us a diagram of where it would be in relation to your house/garden. Would it have its own separate entrance?

SummerWhisper · 21/08/2023 18:51

Would you consider a vintage caravan instead? You can decorate them romantically or in a retro style that would appeal to so many people (so many ideas on Pinterest for decor). You would obviously need planning for the utilities to be connected, but bad weather would not impede the enjoyment to be had. You could have a (HETAS installed) wood burner, a TV with all the packages, WiFi and a fab outdoor space with bbq, (optional pizza oven), fire pit, comfortable seating and eating area, fairy lights, quirky garden and maybe a glazed section with seats for star gazing. The lack of view would not be an issue. Add dog-friendly and it would be a winner.

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