Far from the Madding Crowd
Fairmile, Blandford Forum, Dorset
Set in the heart of Thomas Hardy country, the shepherd's hut at Far From the Madding Crowd offers peace and tranquility for adults only. Ideal for couples, this traditional shepherd's hut is made to an old traditional design, yet equipped with mod cons. Secluded in a small meadow with access to five acres of open land.
Exclusive site hire in a peaceful Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Ideally located for exploring the Jurassic Coast, with Ludworth Cove just 40 minutes away
Stunning views across the Wessex Ridgeway
About Far from the Madding Crowd
Situated in the open countryside on an elevated site with stunning views over the surrounding AONB landscape, this hand-built shepherd's hut is situated in five acres of land. The Wessex Ridgeway with its beautiful views over unspoilt Dorset countryside is within easy reach. Built to a traditional design, the shepherd's hut is located in its own small meadow with all mod con facilities included within yards of the property. A real wood burner is provided (along with free logs) which makes for a very cosy atmosphere when nights are a bit chilly, especially in the early spring and late autumn. The facilities are for the exclusive use of guests and not shared with anyone else during your stay. All the usual modern facilities are provided including electricity with USB chargers. Outside your hut you'll find a BBQ perfect for campfire dinners. You also have easy access to five acres of space (excluding the private gardens). As the property is off the beaten track and is in an area that is a lot less busy than the tourist hot spots, it lends itself to a relaxing and tranquil environment to unwind in. Hand and bath towels provided. Bed linen also provided. Both hosts have extensive local knowledge and are more than happy to assist with any local information if required. As this is nestled in the middle of the countryside there is no WiFi or broadband connection here. However there is 4G signal available but not guaranteed. Perhaps just get away from it all and switch off devices and enjoy the peace of the countryside!
Open from 1 April to 31 October
Hut facilities include woodburner and logs, heaters, fan for hot days or nights, a laptop friendly workspace utilising a collapsible table. The toilet and shower are in separate garden room. Onsite is a kitchen area with microwave, fridge, oven, stove and a few breakfast items along with tea, coffee and basic cooking utensils. The hut also has a fire extinguisher and carbon monoxide detector (please test on arrival). The garden room has a fire extinguisher and fire blanket.
Outside is a BBQ grill and BBQ. Free parking on premises.
Adult only
Allow commercial vans
Allow pets
Bike hire
Café / restaurant
Communal BBQ
Disabled facilities
Drinking water
Electric hookups
Entertainment
Family friendly
Fires allowed
Fishing
Games room
Glamping
Golf
Horse riding
Hot tub
Internet access
Kids club
Kids playground
Laundry
Near beach
Near pub
Open year round
Peaceful
RV pitches
Shop
Showers
Swimming pool
Toilets
TV room
Vineyard
Water hookups
Watersports
W.C. disposal
There are 1 accommodation options on-site
Shepherd's Hut
Max 2 people
Traditional shepherd's hut sleeping up to two adults and situated on grass with hardstanding for steps. Adjacent is the accompanying garden room with kitchen, WC and shower.
Site tariff
Interested in staying at Far from the Madding Crowd?
Call 07508 905261 to book.
Unfortunately Far from the Madding Crowd doesn't share their availability calendar with us yet. Availability changes quickly, especially in summer, so we recommend enquiring by phone to avoid missing out.
Site rules and policies
Arrival on first night after 10am. Departure on morning of last day by 11am
Guests are kindly asked to leave the shepherds hut and garden room in the condition which it was found.
The accommodation is for two adults only. Sorry, not suitable or safe for children
Sorry no dogs or other pets.
This is a peaceful adult site, so no parties or visitors.
Things to do on site and in the Blandford Forum area
Your own transport is essential here as there is no public transport, however you're still close to some of Dorset's highlights.
Ideally located for exploring the beautiful Dorset towns villages and countryside, for walking and cycling as well as visiting the Jurassic coast (for example Lulworth Cove 40 mins away).
Blandford Forum is the closest town, just two miles away. Admire its unique Georgian architecture and soak up the local history at the Blandford Town Museum.
The hut is well placed for walking, cycling or for visiting numerous attractions including National Trust properties such as Kingston Lacey, Badbury Rings and much more.
There are a range of footpaths nearby including one very close to the property. The road outside the property is an official cycle route with some challenging hills to take on! There are also some off road mountain bike routes and a designated trailway which follows the trackbed of the old Somerset and Dorset railway including the Shillingstone station railway project.
There is also the Okeford Hill Bike Park with a downhill course, which is a short distance from the property. For those feeling more energetic, there is an off road route to it close by.
Being in the centre of Dorset, many other attractions are within travelling distance including the picturesque Milton Abbas model village which is a must see as well as Bulbarrow Hill - one of the highest spots in Dorset with panoramic views across north Dorset.
Europe's largest Steam Fair, the Great Dorset Steam Fair, is approx 7.5 miles away. If you want to visit the Steam Fair but wish to stay somewhere away from the hustle and bustle of the fair and in the peaceful countryside, the hut is ideal. Held in August.
Other attractions include:
- Athelhampton House
- Corfe Castle
- Swanage Steam Railway
- Bovington Tank Museum
- Monkey World
- Kimmeridge Bay
- Durdle Door
- Abbotsbury Swannery
- Tyneham with Warbarrow bay (only open when army firing range not in use)
- Shaftesbury
- Gold Hill
The site also have a family of great spotted woodpeckers that regularly feed, green woodpeckers, bats in the wood shed and buzzards.
Interested in staying at Far from the Madding Crowd?
Call 07508 905261 to book.
Unfortunately Far from the Madding Crowd doesn't share their availability calendar with us yet. Availability changes quickly, especially in summer, so we recommend enquiring by phone to avoid missing out.
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