Three gorgeous off-grid shepherd huts with wood-fired hot tubs, near idyllic Bibury
Space & setting.
If the thought of not having WiFi or phone reception has you running for the hills, this may not be the place for you. But if you’ll feel your shoulders drop not to hear a ping, ring or buzz for a couple of days, you’ll love the liberation of this back-to-nature experience. Cows graze in the pastures, butterflies and bees busy themselves in the meadow and the low hoot of an owl heralds the dusk. You’ll be led by the peaceful rhythms of nature rather than your usual routine.
Wake when you’re ready to, and mosey down to the village to pick up fresh eggs to scramble for an alfresco brunch. There are plenty of places to sit and simply be for the rest of the morning – curled up with a book in the outdoor snug, by the wood-burner with a cup of tea or reclined in a deckchair when the sun’s out. In the afternoon, perhaps a ramble across the 860 acres of private farmland, or hop in the car to explore pretty Cotwsolds villages. Then it’s back to your beautiful hut for dinner; we’d recommend one of the owner’s legendary asado packs, to sizzle over your firepit. Finally, sink into the wood-fired hot tub for some stellar stargazing, then go to bed when the mood takes you rather than when you should.
Getting here: drive, or train to Kemble or Swindon, then taxi (15/30 mins)
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Sustainability.
The huts are off grid, with solar-powered electricity and composting loos. The grass is only cut once per year and the woodlands are carefully managed to create biodiversity for wildlife, including some rare species found here.
Surrounds.
- Follow the footpaths and dry stone walls across the farm to discover the Cotswolds – idyllic villages, patchwork farmland and rolling hills. Or hop on a horse at nearby Talland Stables to see the glorious countryside from a different perspective.
- Bibury, home to the quaint cottages of Arlington Row and a catch-your-own-trout fishery, is one of the most picturesque villages in the Cotswolds – and it’s just a 5-minute drive from the farm.
- Cycling is popular, with winding lanes that take you through chocolate-box villages, vast swathes of farmland and nature reserves.
- Search out the wild-swimming spots in the area – Eloise will point you in the right direction for the best seasonal swims, from casual river dips to life-affirming lake laps.
- Rainy day? Pop into nearby Cirencester and go antiques hunting at The Cornhall Arcade, admire archeological finds at The Corinium Museum and stop for tasty baked goods at KNEAD Bakery.
- Treat yourselves to a wine-tasting and vineyard tour at Poulton Hill Estate, home to award-winning English wines and flocks of rare-breed sheep.
- The farm-to-table dining and dreamy wellness spa at Daylesford Farm is well worth the 30-minute drive. Or enjoy a long lunch at the Michelin Green Star dining room.
- For a day on the water, head to South Cerney lakes, where you can swim, paddleboard or windsurf.
- Dive into the creative inspirations of William Morris at Kelmscott Manor, then stop for a cosy lunch at The Plough Inn.
Specifics.
- Three off-grid shepherd’s huts in a quiet 9-acre field, part of an enormous countryside farm
- Almost identical in decor, each hut has:
- Kingsize bed
- Ensuite shower bathroom with compost loo; toiletries provided
- Kitchen with gas hob, small fridge and basic supplies
- Board games, cards and candles
- Outdoor snug area
- Swedish wood-fired hot tub
- Outdoor cooking area with fire pit and cast iron skillet, grill rack and pot
- Locally sourced hampers on request (breakfast, firepit, asado or cream tea)
- Solar-powered electricity – no hairdryers, please
- No WiFi or TV (all part of the unplugged experience!)
- The owner is available by phone should you need her
- Parking is at the field entrance
- Drive to shops including an organic farm shop (5 mins); walk to local pubs (15/20 mins)
- Dog friendly (extra cost)
- Booking conditions: 2-night minimum stay over weekends, single night stays accepted mid-week
- Remember to pack: wellies/walking boots, torch, flip flops and bathrobes for walking from hut to hot tub
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