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Brown's
Chisel
“Since meeting, we have dreamt about creating a lifestyle business together that fuses our interests and strengths. Ed’s career has been hospitality/F&B (he founded London cult pizza joints Made of Dough and Palazzo) and mine has been aesthetics, working in luxury fashion production (Paul Smith, Net-a-Porter, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar). Ed also comes from generations of winemakers and merchants so it felt like fate when the 2,000+ tree orchard next to our new home went up for sale. A year on, we are makers of single orchard ciders – picking, pressing, fermenting and bottling on site. Whilst working the land, we realised it would make a magical holiday setting. Shepherd huts felt authentic for an orchard, but they needed to be design-led and curated to fit with the area, and with Ed planning self-cook supper boxes and delicious drinks, we started to think of them more like wild hotel rooms. Somewhere you could be in nature, as a couple or with your kids or dog, but still in real style and comfort. We hope, a new breed of farmstay.” Owners, Chloe & Ed
They love
“Sitting around the firepit with a glass of our cider, listening to owls hoot.”
We love
Sleeping among thousands of trees and waking up to the scent of apples.
You may not love
Not suitable for under 2 yr olds or 12+ year olds. Closed from Christmas Eve to 1 Feb annually.
Sustainability.
This is a low-intervention orchard and cider production set up (no spray), which allows wildlife to thrive. The climate slowly fements the apples naturally, and any waste pomace is used to feed local cattle. Local toiletries are provided, and the breakfast/supper hampers are sourced from local suppliers.
Surrounds.
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Hauser & Wirth © Hauser & Wirth -
Alfred's Tower -
The Newt © Travel + Leisure -
Bruton via Unsplash -
Somerset via Unsplash
- Spend a morning at Hauser & Wirth: free to visit, it has world-class art, a great cafe and bookshop, and the stunning Piet Oudolf garden, where children can play in a spaceship-like sculpture.
- Lunch at The Three Horseshoes, Margot Henderson’s beloved village pub, which feels impossibly chic but completely unpretentious at the same time (kids and dogs welcome).
- You hear of Stourhead and its gardens but Alfred’s Tower on the edge of the estate, is a real gem (with a much smaller entrance fee). Climb to the top for sweeping views across 3 counties. The surrounding woods are full of dens, rope swings and secret paths.
- Whilst expensive, The Newt in Somerset is a must-visit for aesthetes and those who love gardening. Grown ups can walk round with a lovely glass of Newt cider, whilst kids run about the gardens dodging the spitting toads (yes, really). There are several dining options, too, from upscale to casual.
- Browse the treasure-filled rooms of Castle Cary Antiques & Interiors. A wonderful rabbit hole of vintage furniture and curiosities, at very fair prices (plus they are open to haggles).
- Bruton and Castle Cary have brilliant independent book shops. Sit and read in the Stripy Duck in Bruton with a coffee and cake, or visit the Bailey Hill Bookshop in Cary for books and beautiful concertina cards.
- Hire e-bikes from Bruton Bike Hire and pedal through rolling Somerset lanes, stopping at farm shops and honesty stands along the way.
- Take the kids to Bruton’s stepping stones, great on a hot day. Afterwards, go for wood-fired pizzas At The Chapel.
- Stay put. Sink into the outdoor bath and read a book. Order a yummy Supper Box (perhaps cavolo nero pesto penne or harissa chicken + chimichurri bavette kebabs), along with some local cider to toast the sunset. Some of the best moments here happen when you don’t plan a lot.
Details.
- Two shepherd huts hidden amongst a 12-acre orchard
- Brown’s – black hut with green kitchenette and red bathroom cabinet
- Chisel – silver hut with red kitchenette and green bathroom cabinet
- Otherwise identical. Each has:
- Kingsize bunk bed
- Underneath ‘kids cubby’ for 1-2 kids aged 2-11 OR 1 kid and a dog, or just the dog – see FAQ
- Piglet in Bed linen & towels
- Ensuite bathroom with rain shower, flushing toilet & heated towel rail
- Kitchenette with butler’s sink, mini fridge & plug-in Smeg induction hob
- Bench seating and table
- Firepit with grill and ‘field kitchen’ kit
- Adirondacks chairs
- Alfresco bath
- Commune body wash
- Complimentary breakfast
- Self-cook supper boxes on request – see FAQ
- Phone signal & fibre optic WiFi
- Dog friendly – see FAQ
- On-site parking (then walk to your hut)
- Walk to a pub/shop (20 mins), or into Castle Cary (25 mins); or drive (5 mins)
- Booking conditions: a 2-night min stay if checking in on a Fri or Sat. 1-night stays are accepted Sun-Thurs. Closed from Christmas Eve-1 Feb annually
- Remember to pack: wellies/boots as the surrounds can get muddy; flipflops to pad out to the alfresco bath; shampoo & conditioner; warm clothes for firepit stargazing
Simple
30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations permitted 8+ weeks prior to stay, with deposit refunded minus a £40 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 8 weeks of stay. These terms also apply to any booking amendments or date changes.
See our full booking Ts & Cs
FAQs.
In 3:30pm / out 10.30am
Yes, 1 small-to-medium dog welcome, for an additional £30/stay. Can be off-lead and walked within the orchard, provided under close control; note the orchard is not secure. Bowls and a doggy towel are provided; please BYO dog bed. Note dogs are not allowed on the furniture or in the shower, nor can they be left unattended in the hut.
It’s the space underneath the main bunk, which can be set up according to your preference: 3 options.
- 2 mattresses for 2 kids aged 2-8, with Piglet in Bed linens and a reading lamp
- 1 mattress and space for 1 dog bed
- Space for 1 dog bed
There is an additional cost of £25/child/stay
At present, no; the kids cubby is only suitable for kids aged 2-11.
You can choose from broth, pasta or grilling-over-fire for a main, and there’s a a choice of craft ice-cream from local friends Brickell’s for dessert.
The boxes can be vegetarian, gluten-free and for children. Menus change frequently so once you’ve booked your stay, the owners can share the current options so you can book. £35-45 for 2 adults; £10 per head for kids.
They will be delivered to your door in a Yeti coolbox from 5pm, ready for you to cook.
Yes, 1-night stays are allowed Sun-Thurs; there’s a 2-night minimum if checking in on a Fri or Sat unless there’s a gap in the calendar when it will be allowed for a small surcharge.
The huts are x4 apple tree rows apart from each other, screened by tightly planted trees. They are also staggered down the rows and not level with each other. So they provide total privacy but are an easy meander from one another so brilliant for groups.
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