In situ examples of all weather structures for maximum luxury
Company: The English Shepherds Hut Company
Telephone: 01603 397777
Website: www.englishshepherdshut.co.uk
Glampsite: Coastdale Parks
Description: Based on the Jurassic Coast in Cornwall, Coastdale Park is a very popular family holiday site
Units: Two shepherd huts
Details: Coastdale Park was seeking a fresh accommodation addition that offered the same comfort and amenity as a lodge. Working with their team, we designed a huge 24ft x 9ft living hut, based on our popular “Poachers” model, complete with a bathroom, kitchen and living area. The two shepherd huts now sit in their own private area.
We’re finding that more and more caravan sites and holiday parks are seeking to modernise (by going vintage!) and one of the ways to do this is to replace caravans with shepherd huts. This is simple to do in terms of planning permission. Not only do our shepherd huts match, and surpass, the comforts and amenities offered by a caravan, chalet or pod, but they look much nicer!
Many campsites are looking for new ways to appeal to the UK staycation market, which is getting younger and less into “caravanning”. For camping businesses seeking to meet these growing demands, we design and build shepherd huts both for sale and also for long term rental at no capital cost – perfect for start up sites.
Feedback: “The English Shepherds Hut Company designed and created for us two gorgeous shepherd huts with a unique layout for our guests. They look absolutely fantastic and are already getting booked up for the coming season.”
Company: Cabinville
Telephone: 01379 687467
Website: www.cabinvilleshepherdhuts.co.uk
Glampsite: Undisclosed
Description: Expanding family run site
Units: Six shepherd huts (both the Original and Lookout models)
Details: We supplied our Original shepherds hut to this start up glampsite, the success of which led to the owners ordering a Lookout model. They have since ordered four more! The lookout benefits from lots of light with double glazed windows both in the door and either side of it, as well as windows on each end of the structure and in the back wall.
Starting at £3,626 the huts were supplied ready to assemble and the site made use of one of our recommended builders to complete the project to their own specifications.
Feedback: “We purchased two shepherd huts from Cabinville last spring and I must say it’s the best thing we have ever done. I needed to provide an additional income for my family and after must research I decided to look at shepherd huts. I found the Cabinville website and looked at the Trust Pilot reviews which were outstanding. The company is a family run business, which I prefer to deal with.
“We were shown three models which we could not decide on as they were all so lovely. We settled with the Original model, which has a super veranda where my paying guests can sit and drink their gin and tonics admiring the views. The second model we purchased was the Lookout, which has ample space inside. The quality of the shepherd huts is fantastic, and the double glazed windows with toughened glass stood out in our buying decisions.
“I have been running my glamping site for a year now and I must say I have never looked back. We are at 85% occupancy and have many returning guests. We highly recommend Cabinville for the customer service they offer and the amazing shepherd huts they sell. We have just ordered a further four for the 2018 season.”
Company: Plain Huts
Telephone: 07903 313922
Website: www.plainhuts.co.uk
Glampsite: Edyn, Rose Cottage, Nr Hayle, Cornwall
Description: A one off bijou setting
Units: One shepherds hut
Details: Plain Huts was contacted by Jules Robinson who said she, “wanted to do a Bed and Breakfast, but differently”. Our specification was to build a ‘bedroom’ with character.
Plain Huts kept in close contact with Jules throughout the build. She chose cedar cladding for the exterior and a contemporary cladding in cream for the interior. The hut had a long window placed to frame the view down the garden and a veranda with a wood burning stove to make the best of the sun in the evenings. Underfloor heating provided warmth and luxury.
The delivery was typically Cornish! It rained, there were overhanging branches, a narrow lane and a tricky spot for the final destination.
Working closely with our customers is important to us. Building bespoke requires an understanding of what the client has in mind, and in order to achieve that we have to listen carefully.
Feedback: “Plain Huts has delivered all they promised and more. The communication from proprietors Cath and Ian was very clear and honest throughout the design and build stages, and the i’s were dotted and t’s crossed in all details.
“On delivery they went above and beyond the call of duty on a rainy Cornish morning as we pushed and pulled ‘Edyn’ into place. It’s now hard to imagine her not being there! We cannot recommend Plain Huts too highly.”
Company: moduLog
Telephone: 01982 553022 / 07843 322175
Website: www.modulog.co.uk
Glampsite: Celtic Woodland Holidays
Description: Woodland glamping in the Heart of Wales with stunning views of the Wye Valley and the Cambrian Mountains
Units: Seven moduLog units, four family off-grid glamping pods, one off-grid glamping pod to sleep two, one moduLoo compost toilet block, and a moduLog micro site shop.
Details: Celtic Woodland Holidays wanted our cabins which blended into the woodland surroundings and allowed maximum glazing for their stunning mountain views. Because of the moduLog modular design we were able to create different designs for each of the cabins/pods which makes a unique experience for each guest but also a talking point for holiday makers. Some guests have returned for more stays in different cabins and plan on staying in each one in time.
Each cabin/pod is totally off-grid with solar for lighting and TV plus a log stove for heating. Cooking is catered for by a gas hob.
The woodland campsite already had an amenity block with toilets and showers but the owners wanted to add the woodland glamping experience and keep in with their eco-friendly theme, so together we came up with a moduLog compost toilet block design which we called the moduLoo. The next addition was the need for a site honesty shop for all glamping essentials. We supplied one of our small moduLog micro pods with electric for a fridge and lighting plus shelving and log store.
All cabins were delivered as flat pack and assembled on site as access was limited through the woodland. More moduLog glamping pods are planned for the future and we have just agreed on a moduLog woodland sauna pod design to be installed soon.
Feedback: “We highly recommend the guys from moduLog; bespoke designs, quality build and perfect unique holiday accommodation for our guests.”
Company: Wigwam Holidays
Telephone: 01314 507126
Website: www.wigwamholidays.com
Glampsite: Wigwam Holidays Brampton
Description: A picturesque site in seven acres centred around a corn mill and a short drive from Carlisle, Cumbria. Owned by James Goode, the site opened in 2015 and is part of the Wigwam Holidays Franchise
Units: Six Running Water Deluxe Wigwam Cabins
Details: This picturesque site is set in seven acres of countryside centred round a corn mill built in 1753, overlooking Quarry Beck stream and adjacent to New Mills Trout Fishing Park. Wigwam Holidays Brampton is a short drive from Carlisle, Cumbria, with the Lake District and Northumberland National Parks also within easy distance. The North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is close to the site, so the location is second to none.
While setting up the site, one of the main considerations was planning. Owner James Goode invited local planners to carry out a pre-planning visit, during which any concerns were discussed. This resulted in a planning application that directly targeted the planning requirements, and overcame most objections. A positive planning decision was reached in eight weeks, with minimal problems or inherent conditions.
Feedback: “The Wigwam Network includes like-minded individuals working together, with everyone happy to share their experiences and offer advice where necessary.
“When setting up a new site, there are a number of aspects to consider including location, ground works and infrastructure, and not forgetting the important planning process. The Wigwam Holidays team offered support with all these aspects, and going forward has supported us with marketing, PR, social media and a booking system. We have now added a wood fired hot tub to one of our cabins, offering an enhanced glamping experience.”
Company: Sam Atkinson
Telephone: 07872 012901
Website: www.sacarpentry.co.uk
Glampsite: Butt Farm Caravan and Camping Site
Description: Family run campsite on a working farm, located near Beverley, East Yorkshire. Currently in its third year it is proving a success in the area, winning the REYTA Best Newcomer 2017
Units: One bespoke ‘Three Little Pigs’ pod, with two more being designed with the owners
Details: We worked with the owners of Butt Farm to create a unique pod. They were really keen to offer a bespoke pod to appeal to those holiday makers who wanted luxury accommodation while being close to nature. We designed a spacious accommodation, which includes a double bed, table, large kitchen area, sofa bed and en-suite facilities including shower, toilet and basin. The pod is insulated with straw bales so it requires very little heating ensuring it is usable all year round and extremely cost efficient.
Feedback: “Sam and his team provided everything we needed for the glamping pod, designing a bespoke pod that was perfect for our campsite. The pod arrived fully finished and was installed and connected to the plumbing and electrics with very little disturbance to our guests. This meant that from the day it arrived we were able to start taking bookings.
“We love the high standard of the pod, and the fact it is insulated with our straw bales is a great link with our farm. We couldn’t have asked for anything more and are looking forward to working with Sam on the next pods.”
Company: Tithe Barn Shepherd Huts
Telephone: 01788 510507
Website: www.shepherd-huts.com
Glampsite: Springfield Luxury Shepherd Huts (opening May Bank Holiday)
Description: Luxury shepherd huts situated just inland from the A12 at Blythburgh and perfectly located for the beautiful east coast towns of Walberswick, Southwold, Dunwich, Minsmere, Aldeburgh and the historic Cathedral city of Norwich
Units: Two shepherd huts – 23’ x 10’ set on 40” cast iron wheels
Details: These luxury and extremely spacious shepherd huts were built by Adrian and Diane Church themselves after extensive consultation with Tithe Barn Shepherd Huts. Initially, they were uncertain as to whether they should ask Tithe Barn to build the huts for them or build them themselves. However, as a builder it was clear that Adrian had the necessary skills, so they discussed their required design at length and Tithe Barn were able to supply all the essential components.
Proportionally sized wheels and beautiful internal roof detail will give you a shepherd’s hut with the “wow” factor and Tithe Barn supplied a set of 40” cast iron wheels and a bespoke timber roof structure showing off the curved solid wood roof spars, together with all the joinery, stove etc.
Over the past year, Tithe Barn has developed a full set of structural plans and a comprehensive step by step guide, with both photographic and written instructions, which takes the builder through every step of their build and Adrian found both these extremely helpful. They also saved around 50% on the cost of buying two huts!
Feedback: Adrian Church, owner, said “Tithe Barn Shepherds Hut changed our minds from buying ready built huts, to feeling confident enough to self-build. They were able to supply great products, along with sound advice and their detailed self-build guide was invaluable. They made our choice very easy and were always on the phone or email for backup.”
