Two secluded, off-grid shepherd's huts, with alfresco tubs (each sleeps 2)
Space & setting.
Rolling hills, vast skies… this is a place to breathe deeply and soak up the sense of wild seclusion. Both of the huts are set in their own field on a 500-acre farm, combining the sanctuary of the centuries-old shepherd’s experience with modern-day luxuries. Gaze out across golden fields as you soak in the wood-fired hot tub or outdoor bath, or up at a cacophony of stars, pine scents drifting across the crisp night air. Sleep late in the kingsize bed then cook your breakfast over the campfire. The pace is slow, and the space is alive with red kites, buzzards, deer and badgers, plus the sonorous ripple of sky larks in summer.
There’s endless space to explore, roam and play, and animals to meet — Highland cattle, donkeys, snuffling Kunukune piglets, even emus and a South American rhea. Come for romance, family times or book both huts with friends. It’s a place to do very little except immerse yourselves in the quiet sounds of nature — wildly restorative.
Getting here: drive, or train to Banbury then taxi (10 mins)
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Sustainability.
The huts are off-grid, with heating and hot water run off gas and battery power. The hot tubs are wood-fired, food and drink is sourced locally, and the toiletries and toilet roll are plant based. The farm itself has solar panels, a biomass boiler and a combined heat and power plant, which provides renewable energy for farm purposes.
Surrounds.
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Locale -
Royal Oak -
Banbury -
Oxford
- Beautiful walks and cycle rides are all around — there are bikes to borrow here, and various pubs for a pit stop; ask Jo for her top tips.
- Treat yourselves to lunch at The Royal Oak, a Michelin-starred gastropub. Locally-sourced game, sustainable fresh Cornish fish and British cheeses are all on the menu,and Sunday lunch is taken up a notch with roast venison. Book ahead.
- Try clay pigeon shooting at a neighbouring farm.
- Visit medieval Banbury (10 mins’ drive) and the pretty riverside town of Stratford-on-Avon, birthplace of The Bard (20 mins).
- Hire kayaks, canoes and paddleboards to explore the waterways around Warwick, which wind around and below its striking castle.
- Oxford is 45 mins away; a lovely place to spend a day.
Specifics.
- Two shepherd’s huts, in their own fields, part of a 500-acre farm. Each has:
- Kingsize bed
- Ensuite shower bathroom; Bramley toiletries
- Huxley also has a free-standing alfresco bath
- Basic indoor kitchen (fridge, sink, workspace, cafetiere, aeorpress); outdoor gas BBQ with side hob for kettle
- Basic supplies and fresh eggs
- Board games, books, an OS map
- Alfresco dining table, deckchairs and firepit
- Dolly has a wood-fired hot tub; Huxley has an alfresco bath
- General:
- One well-behaved dog welcome (per hut)
- Two bikes to borrow; book in advance or first come, first served
- Phone reception but no WiFi
- The owners live nearby, available by phone
- Drive to pubs, farm shops and restaurants (5-20 mins)
- Booking conditions: minimum 2 nights. Closed September-early April. One-night stays not allowed.
- Remember to pack: wellies and a torch
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A 30% deposit, then balance taken 8 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations made before balance taken can be refunded in full.
After this date the booking is non refundable in the event of cancellation. Resells / date changes at owner’s discretion.
FAQs.
Yes! Wonderfully luxurious bed linen is provided, as are two big towels, a hand towel and a tea towel. There are also a couple of blankets in the hut to sit under if the evenings are chilly. If you’d like extra towels for the hot tub, then you should bring your own.
We hope that all the essentials are provided so you don’t have to bring too much. Bring a coat and some boots or old trainers in case it’s muddy. There are some books, board games & a bluetooth speaker in the huts so no need to bring those. We also provide Bramley shampoo, conditioner, body wash and hand wash.
There’s a gas BBQ, with a side hob, and a fire-pit outside each hut. There’s a small hob indoor, but this is really just for boiling water on. You can order a locally sourced food hamper from us or bring your own food and drink. In the hut you’ll find salt, pepper, cooking oils, tin foil and sauces. The tap water is drinkable. Cooking utensils – including some lovely cast iron pots and pans for the BBQ are all provided. There’s a small fridge in the huts, but no freezer. We will provide a small amount of milk (just enough for that first tea/coffee), but please bring more if you’d like it.
We don’t want you to rush so check out is by 11am. Check in is between 4pm and 8pm. You’re welcome to leave your car parked at the farm barns if you’d like to go on a walk after check out. If you’d like an earlier check in or a later check out, then do ask and we will try to accommodate.
There’s a wood-fire hot tub outside Dolly. We think it’s truly magical. It is essentially a large bath attached to a log burner. The tub comfortably fits two and the will be cleaned and filled with fresh water before you arrive. The water can take 2-3 hours to heat up. You do have to maintain the fire while it’s heating up, but that makes the basking in it, all the more satisfying. It keeps it’s heat quite well, so if you put the lid on over night, it should still be warm in the morning – so you can have that morning cup of coffee in the hot tub. It’s also very safe, so you can light the fire and then head off on a walk around the farm, if you’d like. We try to light the hot tub for you before you arrive, so it will be starting to warm, but not fully up to temperature.
There is a beautiful pink cast iron bath outside Huxley. It has running hot water and has views of the countryside. It takes about 20 minutes to fill, and the water is super warm.
Children are very welcome, although I’m afraid we’re unable to provide beds or bedding for them. Little ones are welcome to sleep in the bed with you, or you could bring a travel cot, air mattress or tent. Just let us know when you book or contact Jo if you’d like to chat through options.
Yes. We allow one dog per hut. If you’d like to bring more than one dog then contact Jo as it might be possible if they’re small and not too active – it will depend on breed and age. There’s a £20 cleaning fee per stay.
Yes. All huts have hot water and a flushing toilet. There is electricity but no mains plugs; there are lights and two USB sockets if you’d like to charge your phone.
No. The perfect chance to avoid those emails!
Sort of. Each hut has a small wood burning stove, with logs, kindling and firelighters provided. As the huts are off grid, there is no central heating.
Yes. Unlimited logs, kindling, fire lighters and lighters/matches are provided. If you’d like to cook with coal, then you need to bring your own.
Our nearest shop is about 2 miles away.
Yes. You can drive to about 100 metres from Dolly – the drive is down a gravelled farm track. You can park right outside Huxley – again, the drive is down a gravelled farm track.
You can’t see or hear the other hut from your hut. Ideal for a bit of peace and quiet. Huxley and Dolly are about a five minute walk apart, but are in separate fields.
Yes. We have two lovely ex-post office bikes for guests to hire. The cost is £30, which gets you both bikes for up to three days. We can suggest nice pubs to cycle to or other local routes.
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