Immerse yourself in nature with all the luxuries! Our shepherd's hut is set in ancient bluebell woods with a resident owl, badger set, and visiting wildlife. It's off-grid yet guests will benefit from a hot shower, composting festival-type toilet, kitchen, wood burner stove, outdoor dining and a wood-burning hot tub (training will be provided!). There is one principal double bed (converts into a dining area for 4) and a smaller bunk above (suitable for 2 very excited smaller kids).You have private use of the shepherd's hut and facilities attached to it eg hot tub/ fire pit.
On the estate in general (and shared with other guests on the estate), you will also have access to a pool house bar area with pool table and wood burning stove. There is also an indoor gym and an all weather tennis court.
The nearest pub the Rose and Crown in Stelling Minnis is a 30 min (2 mile) walk along country paths (although please be careful not to get lost on the way back if it is dark - use GPS on your phone - or - speak nicely to the landlady (Jackie) and she may arrange for someone to drive you back!
Staying in the shepherd's hut will immerse you in nature as you will be off-grid and in the middle of an ancient bluebell woods. The space accommodates 2 adults easily and a bunk above can sleep an additional relatively small 2 children. The place is not suitable for 4 adults. We are 12 miles from Folkestone and 6 miles from Canterbury.
Facilities provided include:
Personal greeting and handover, with all training provided! Our housekeeping staff will be on hand during your stay should you need them.
Double bed which converts into a 4 person dining area
Small double bed as a bunk above (ladder provided)
Bedding / pillows /duvets and blankets
2 Bath robes
Towels
Power (electrical sockets)
Gas (for the hob and hot water)
Wood-burning stove (it is v cosy inside!)
Wood/kindling/firelighters will be provided
Composting toilet (this does not flush) - think festival but without the odour or queues!
Overhead hot shower
Oven and hob
Fridge
Storage cupboards
Welcome pack
Dimmed atmospheric lighting
Outdoor lighting
Outdoor dining
Outdoor wood-burning hot tub (takes about 2 hours for the water to heat up)
Outdoor fire pit and BBQ (utensils provided)
There is no WIFI in the woods but using 02 and Vodafone I can download movies - I haven't tried other networks! As the above cannot be guaranteed perhaps download movies to your device before you come!
This will be a real adventure! The place would also make a great Writers or Artists retreat. It also offers a lovely romantic weekend setting.
This is an adventure in the woods and you must come prepared. Below is not an exhaustive list of things you will need for your trip but do please stock up:
At least 2 battery powered (or rechargeable) torches
GPS eg on your phone (in case you want to navigate through the countryside tot he local pub and especially, in the dark, navigate back home!)
Towels and bath robes will be provided but bring slippers/flip flops for getting in and out of the hot tub.
Wellington boots
Warm clothes
Waterproof clothes
(Downloaded movies to your device)
For your safety and reassurance, our housekeeping staff will tell you all you know which will include the following:
How to safely use the wood burner
How to safely use the wood-burning hot tub/heater
How to convert between dining table and bed
How to use the composting toilet facility / shower / oven and kitchen in general
