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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
Ahhhhhbisto · 21/08/2023 15:04

I would if it had it's own proper bathroom!

Original poster
Tigger83 · 21/08/2023 15:05

Not a commuter town. Small v tranquil village just happens to have good links. It's in the middle of the countryside down a very quiet lane.

OP posts:
Original poster
Tigger83 · 21/08/2023 15:06

Would 100% be done to highest spec with bathroom

OP posts:
Rob3bob · 21/08/2023 15:06

No. I stayed in one when money was tight after I’d just left uni. I didn’t enjoy the lack of space so wouldn’t book another one

cruffinsmuffin · 21/08/2023 15:06

No - I'd want beautiful views. I always book my holiday rooms with good views on purpose - I wouldn't want to be in an enclosed courtyard.

Original poster
Tigger83 · 21/08/2023 15:07

@SliceOfCakeCupOfTea interesting we could potentially do that!

OP posts:
Lastqueenofscotland2 · 21/08/2023 15:07

I would stay in a shepherds hut but not smack bang in someone’s back garden

OhmygodDont · 21/08/2023 15:08

If the setting it right you could make a killing.

Make sure the outside space is nice and open but also suitable for rubbish weather. So a covered seating area to sit in, fire pit etc

cinnamonfrenchtoast · 21/08/2023 15:09

Tigger83 · 21/08/2023 15:02

Of those saying no would you stay in a shepherds hut anyway or is it not your thing? Thanks so much for all your replies!

A Shepherd's hut is fine.
A Shepherd's hut in someone's garden - not fine, especially if that person is the landlord and always "there". It just feels like there's a total lack of privacy even if you're not directly overlooked.

Scottishskifun · 21/08/2023 15:09

I like staying in shepherd's hut but at the right price!
If it's over £100 then it's a no from me as I can get a hotel room for not much more. I would look at your area with current listings to set it at the right level.

MMAMPWGHAP · 21/08/2023 15:10

If you’re 10 mins from airport can you use the space for a parking rental instead?

PickAChew · 21/08/2023 15:11

It's just a glorified (and rather small) caravan so unlikely.

ErnestMilton · 21/08/2023 15:11

Of those saying no would you stay in a shepherds hut anyway or is it not your thing

No, they look claustrophobia inducing. And hot tubs don't appeal either.

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.

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.

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...

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

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

OP posts:
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.

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.

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.

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:
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 15:20

We could look at a pod....

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 15:22

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

OP posts:
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