PRESS RELEASE
SHEPHERD HUTS A HIT FOR IDYLLIC SELF-CATERING GETAWAY
EXPERIENCE
The Royal Oak Pub in Fritham, in the New Forest, has created a high end, self catering getaway
option with three hand built Blackdown Shepherd Huts, which have proved to be a resounding
success with both its customers and neighbours.
The Royal Oak has three metal self-build shepherd huts on 60 acres of working farmland that they
use as self-catering holiday breaks.
Jenna Bessant, from the Royal Oak, says: ‘We have a small family-run pub in the New Forest and
over the years have had many enquiries about accommodation. We were also fortunate to have a
field adjacent to the pub with permanent planning permission for caravans or similar, so we
decided we would utilise this space and decided shepherd's huts would be perfect.
‘Blackdown already had an exceptional reputation and they had been operating longer than many,
so they were a definite fit for us. Their self-build hut option was perfect for us.'
Jenna says that so far the response to this charming accommodation has been overwhelmingly
positive. She adds: ‘People are amazed at how much is in the shepherd huts. They cannot believe
there is a double bed, seating area, kitchenette, full sized shower and toilet.
‘The huts have blended in so well with their surroundings, and our neighbours prefer them to the
caravans that were there previously.'
Jenna says that the shepherd huts have added a unique and quirky element to their pub as
overnight accommodation. She comments "Our Shepherd's Huts are set in 60 acres of working
farmland, with direct access to the New Forest and are situated next to our award winning Royal
Oak pub in the tiny village of Fritham.
‘The Shepherd's Huts are completely self-contained and for adults only, so are the perfect
getaway. Being hand built means we have been able to customise them completely. From quirky
kitchen tiles to handmade log burners, people love all the little touches. The comfy, raised double
bed has plenty of storage underneath. There is even a pull out table and chairs and the shower
room means there is no need to share facilities with our other guests.
‘The balconies overlook the fields and valley of the village and having the double doors means
guest can sit inside on less pleasant days and still enjoy the view. We have wonderful local
breakfast hampers for our guests and provide BBQs and charcoal.
‘We also have complimentary use of bicycles and helmets, so guest can explore the area without
having to bring bikes with them. It really is an idyllic getaway experience.'
Blackdown Shepherd Huts come in with an oak or a metal chassis. Customers can then decide if
they would like the pre-built frame panels, joinery and extra components. They are available in 12,
14, 16 and 18 foot lengths - and 7 foot 6 inches wide - andprices start at £3,150 inc. VAT.
Will Vickery, who runs Blackdown Shepherd Huts, explains: ‘The self build hut options are great for
smaller hotels and catering outlets. Our full kits come with instructions and pre-supplied with all
the fixings you could need and some natty little jigs and tools to help you out, as well as our helpful
instruction video.
‘Our Self Build Hut has been especially developed for those with the time to indulge their artisan
leanings and hand-build their own hut. There's a great deal of satisfaction in the finished product
and the Royal Oak has built and styled three fabulous huts for their business.'
Blackdown Shepherd Huts design and create their huts in their workshop in Ilminster, Somerset.
The huts come with an oak-clad or metal-clad exterior and include a bathroom and a kitchen, or
simply a log-burner. Recent customers have purchased shepherd huts for a range of purposes -
from summer houses and glamping businesses, to saunas and garden offices. As well as for
accommodation, the hotel and hospitality industry is purchasing them for offices, private dining,
spa treatments rooms, saunas and as outside catering huts.
Ends-
For more information, images, and interviews, please contact:
claire@blackdownshepherdhuts.co.uk/ 07734702653
More information
Blackdown Shepherd Huts was established in 2011 and is based in Ilminster, Somerset. Self build
huts start from £5,250 for steel rolling chassis and framework and hand-crafted bespoke huts start
from £18,650 inc. VAT.