Not as we'd hoped
Shepherd's Hut - Shepherd's HutMar 2025We recently stayed at the shepherd's hut and there were definitely some positives. The location is private and secluded, making it a great spot to truly unplug and unwind. The space itself is lovely, with a beautiful private garden that feels like your own. The hut is well-equipped with everything you might need, including an oven, hob, and plenty of kitchen utensils. It was also very peaceful, which we really appreciated.
That said, there were a few aspects of our stay that didn't quite work for us, though others may not find them to be an issue.
We had a long journey and only received the directions late on the morning of our arrival, by which time we were already travelling. The location is difficult to find, so having this information sooner would have been helpful. The email we received was quite detailed but mainly focused on rules and restrictions, which felt a little overwhelming.
Accessing the property was a bit complicated. On arrival, we had to park on a narrow country road to collect the key from a lockbox before being able to enter the hut and retrieve a fob to open the gate. Meanwhile, our car was temporarily left on a single-track road, which wasn't ideal. While there is a gate connecting the parking area to the hut's garden, the instructions stated this couldn't be used, meaning we had to walk down the country lane each time we needed access to our car. This might not be an issue for everyone, but it could be difficult for those with mobility concerns, particularly as the road is unlit at night.
We paid £20 for the hot tub to be heated in advance of our arrival at 3pm. However, it had been lit at 11am, meaning it was only warm when we arrived. A text explained the owner had to go out, but as we then had to wait for it to reach temperature ourselves, the extra charge didn't feel entirely worthwhile.
The hot water in the hut itself never got above tepid, which made washing up difficult, we had to boil the kettle on the complicated induction hob (of which there are no instructions) to enable us to wash the chipped and broken dishes. Fortunately , the shower was electric , so that wasn't an issue. However, the bathroom had a musty slightly moldy smell with also extended to the towels, making them feel less than fresh.
On pulling down the bed, the sheets looked a little grubby, which raised some concerns about whether they had been freshly changed. Additionally, the email outlined that only one toilet roll was provided, something we might have prepared for had we received the information earlier.
While the setting is peaceful, we did feel the experience lacked personal touches. A simple welcome note or small gesture can make all the difference, and in comparison to other similar stays, this felt quite transactional. There were additional charges for things like extra wood (£10) and heating the hot tub (£20), which started to add up.
Overall, this is a great spot if you're looking to switch off and enjoy some seclusion, but it's worth being aware of the extra costs and practical considerations. With a bit more communication in advance, our experience might have been a little bit smoother.
Fantastic stay!
Recommends site
We had a fantastic stay at Oak and Stars. It was the perfect getaway to relax. The hut was incredibly clean, with modern facilities throughout, and everything you could need for your stay. I couldn't recommend it enough!
Perfect getaway
Recommends site
2 night getaway with my partner, great location and perfectly peaceful.
Site's response
Thank you for your kind review. We hope to see you visit us again.
Best wishes, Chloé.
