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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:
The3Ls · 21/08/2023 15:38

I would if dog can come. Finding dog friendly places is tricky. Even if hotels allow them they are hard work. Defo covered outside area you could sit regardless of weather. Hot tub not overlooked would be a yes from me

Reggiebo · 21/08/2023 15:36

What about planning permission. Will you have to get approved from the council ?

YourApplePie · 21/08/2023 15:33

A shed with a sex pond in someone's back garden will be a hard sell!

FictionalCharacter · 21/08/2023 15:32

Probably not. It sounds claustrophobic- small, too close to the landlord’s house, enclosed courtyard not garden.
I’s stay in something like that as simple accommodation on a farm with lots of open space, in the Peak District, Lake District etc. Not close to the landlord’s house in a village.

Thosesummernights · 21/08/2023 15:30

Definitely @Tigger83 although initial costs are £££ if you want to dip a toe in, you can buy really decent bell or safari tents second hand. Decorate it really well, provide BBQ for cooking and sink etc. and enough room for four people (one double bed and two camp beds for kids). Have you considered toilet and shower options? Pods have these included so that’s all taken care of although getting them plumbed in can be a mission.

Original poster
Tigger83 · 21/08/2023 15:27

We will explore the pod idea.... a good excuse to go and stay in one for 'market research'

OP posts:
Thosesummernights · 21/08/2023 15:26
  • shed not she’d
Thosesummernights · 21/08/2023 15:26

Glamping properties with hot tubs book much better than those without, and those that take dogs see a 25% increase on bookings.

The price can be influenced by what’s around you, how easy it is to walk places etc. A simple she’d can book for £35 per night. Always go for two nights min to mitigate cleaning costs.

Pencilsaremylife · 21/08/2023 15:26

I’m one of the PP’s who said I wouldn’t stay in a Shepards Hut, it’s the Shepherd’s Hut part I wouldn’t like too cramped for space. We stayed in a pod last year it was lovely, previously stayed in lodges, caravans etc so really open to most things. Even have stayed in a gorgeous property (was separate though) next door to the owner without any problems and also converted farm building near to the owners again no problem.

Original poster
Tigger83 · 21/08/2023 15:25

Woohoo first booking lol

OP posts:
ReviewingTheSituation · 21/08/2023 15:25

I can't imagine most people staying more than a night or 2 in the set up you describe. Have you factored in cleaning/refilling the hot tub in between stays?

Actually, I'd knock the hot tub on the head. More hassle/faff than it's worth.

countdowntonap · 21/08/2023 15:24

Op, I like a shepherds hut and hot tub stay. I’d book if:
•not overlooked
•a list of interesting places to visit/walk on foot was provided on the website - enough to fill a rainy day
•there were decent places to eat/drink within walking distance. A good quality country pub for example. This should also be listed on the website.
•you offers two night stays. Lots are three nights minimum but in some locations two nights is often enough.

Price? £130-£170 per night depending on season/day of week.

Can I book in for NYE? Grin

StampOnTheGround · 21/08/2023 15:22

I wouldn't stay in a shepherds hut personally, but the hot tub and enclosed garden would be fine with me - not bothered about views at the accommodation if there is loads around 😊

Original poster
Tigger83 · 21/08/2023 15:22

Hot tub would be optionally potentially (charge or reduction for using it/not maybe!)

OP posts:
Yfory · 21/08/2023 15:21

Yes if if was affordable. It sounds lovely to me. Walks nearby and close to a station for visits to Cambridge and London. Im baffled why so many on this thread are saying no.
The hot tub is for sure a no for me though.

Original poster
Tigger83 · 21/08/2023 15:20

We could look at a pod....

OP posts:
Original poster
Tigger83 · 21/08/2023 15:19

Stayed in a shepherds hut and enjoyed it!

What would you consider as good value?!

OP posts:
Original poster
Tigger83 · 21/08/2023 15:18

Not in the back garden, to the side of our detached house, would have own entrance and be private. Our hope would be eventually to buy some more land and expand into a more open site but that's not feasible atm.

I'm hoping we could make enough after tax for one of us to drop a day or 2 at work to be more available for our children....

OP posts:
Thosesummernights · 21/08/2023 15:18

Have you ever stayed in a Shepards hut? They are the worst form of glamping. Too hot and stuffy, and freezing in the winter. My industry experience is that they are the least popular glamping option. A pod or even a bell tent would be better.

cinnamonfrenchtoast · 21/08/2023 15:17

SliceOfCakeCupOfTea · 21/08/2023 15:15

It doesn't sound like it is going to be in the middle of someone's back garden though...

I think people are using that phrase to mean "right next door to the owner".

One of my favourite things about renting a holiday home is the privacy and seclusion - I wouldn't want to be right next door to the owner, it would ruin it.

telestrations · 21/08/2023 15:16

I would but it will come down to price.

People who stay in private rooms in people's homes or huts/cabins/RVs/airstreams in their gardens are usually doing so for a good deal.

Original poster
Tigger83 · 21/08/2023 15:15

Ok great feedback thank you all so much. Will definitely consider all you feedback.

OP posts:
SliceOfCakeCupOfTea · 21/08/2023 15:15

It doesn't sound like it is going to be in the middle of someone's back garden though...

SliceOfCakeCupOfTea · 21/08/2023 15:13

I've stayed in loads of converted 'things' over the years (double decker bus, huts, hobbit hole, train, airstream etc) and one of the main problems I have is a lack of proper drying space for wet clothes/swimming costumes/towels. Especially somewhere that has a hot tub. Often end up having to try and dry everything on the tiny heated towel rail in the bathroom but then have no where to put the bathroom towels. Also somewhere to keep wellies, boots and brollys that is outside but also covered.

Oh and don't over crowd bench space/shelves/windowsills etc with flowers, ornaments and bits and bobs.

LifeExperience · 21/08/2023 15:13

No, but I'll never use AirBNB again. One too many bad experiences. It's hotels for us from now on.