Shepherd's Hut

Rating
Sleeps 6
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 2
Pets Yes
View on map

Features

Off road parking
Ground floor bedroom
Open fire
Garden / Patio
Cot available
Highchair available
Washing machine
Dishwasher
Broadband / WiFi

Reviews

21 Customer Review(s)

Ms Hugill
December 2020

“We had a lovely break at the Shepherd's Hut.”

The setting is beautiful and the house is really comfortable and much larger than expected. All the kitchen tools were available, as well as staples like salt, pepper, oil, tea, coffee, milk, etc which makes like and packing easier. We made full use of the wood burner which made everything very cosy. Only tip is for navigation...if using google maps turn on satellite view and drop a pin or us what three words. Just make sure that the route ends with the instructions provided as there are some ...

The setting is beautiful and the house is really comfortable and much larger than expected. All the kitchen tools were available, as well as staples like salt, pepper, oil, tea, coffee, milk, etc which makes like and packing easier. We made full use of the wood burner which made everything very cosy. Only tip is for navigation...if using google maps turn on satellite view and drop a pin or us what three words. Just make sure that the route ends with the instructions provided as there are some roads to avoid. It means we found it easily in the dark, which could have been tricky otherwise.

- Ms Hugill, December 2020
Mrs Cobey October 2020

“Third visit.”

Wonderful experience as always.

- Mrs Cobey, October 2020
Mr Kelleway September 2020

“Just home after a lovely week at Shepherds Hut, to celebrate our Golden Wedding Anniversary with some family.”

The countryside around was just so lovely, quiet, and relaxing, watching the sheep all around the property. Everything there exceeded our expectations, all you could ever need was there, its just so peaceful, and we all loved the choice we made for our special time together.

- Mr Kelleway, September 2020
Mrs Webb September 2020

“A lovely cottage in wonderful scenery.”

Very comfortable, and well equipped with everything you could need for a self catering holiday. Scenic views from the upstairs living room, enjoyed watching the sheep , and the farming activity. We will certainly be back.

- Mrs Webb, September 2020
Mrs Gillman August 2020

“Lovely quiet place to stay, a bit like the tardis , much bigger on the inside than it looked from outside.”

The local pub had delicious food and a good place to stay for for exploring the area, would definitely consider staying there again.

- Mrs Gillman, August 2020
Mr Thompson August 2020

“Perfect countryside views, very clean and comfortable and a lovely stay on a working farm.”

The hosts respected our space but reacted quickly when we reported a problem with the internet which was repaired next day. A good area for day trips and walking and bird watching.

- Mr Thompson, August 2020
Mr Crawford August 2020

“On arrival the property was immaculately presented.”

It was extremely well equipped and the quality of the furnishings and equipment was high. Would definitely recommend to friends and family. An amazing cottage.

- Mr Crawford, August 2020
Mr Davenport July 2020

“We really enjoyed our stay at Shepherd's Hut.”

The only improvements we could suggest would for a large ceiling fan upstairs as it gets quite warm and also possibly some netting around the Velux windows to keep out insects. Other than that we loved it and are looking forward to returning next year!

- Mr Davenport, July 2020
Mrs Copley July 2020

“Shepherd's Hut was just perfect.”

Standing alone in the middle of a working farm surrounded by fields and some sheep. It was idealistic! The barn had beautiful uninterrupted views from all angles. It was pristine clean and had everything we needed from pegs for the washing line to a hairdryer and kitchen products and utensils we needed daily. The garden was gated and the upstairs had a stair gate which meant it was incredibly safe for our young children too. I could not recommend it enough. Beaches and most tourist attractions were about 30 minutes drive away. We wish we could have stayed longer!

- Mrs Copley, July 2020
bethany2107 July 2018

“Wow!”

Stayed here a few years ago with my dad and step mother as well as my brother, and I have to say we were all speechless at the view from the big window. It was cozy and had a lovely stay

- bethany2107, July 2018
Carolyn M October 2016

“A beautiful Dorset Holiday Base”

We travelled as a group of 4 adults and 2 young children (plus dog). Shepherds Hut is a beautiful conversion and the pictures dont do it justice. We have stayed at other similar properties in the past and this is definately up there with the best of them. Just looking at the guest book entries over the past 5 years shows 99.9% of guests LOVE it. The property is brilliantly equipped, we didnt find the electric heaters an issue (as implied in an earlier review) and its rural location suited us for the peace and quiet. It was strangley therapeutic watching the sheep from the upstairs feature window and there were plenty of walks around the wider farm grounds for the dog and kids. Yes there was the occasional "fruity" smell outside depending on the direction of the wind and we quickly learnt not to open the kitchen window for flies (who seemed to take shelter in that particular window frame) but it is a working farm!! Wifi and phone reception is very poor but again we took this as the price of having such a beautiful and peaceful location. It was a great base for our day trips. Monkey World, Weymouth, Poole, Swanage and Corfe Castle within an easy 20 minute drive. Before travelling i was slightly nervous that there were no recent reviews, and with a couple of the previous reviews, but i neednt have worried. Would thoroughly recommend.

- Carolyn M, October 2016
theartist2015 May 2015

“A bit disappointed”

This place is okay but I wouldn't say it lives up to the 'luxury' description. The leaking flush water into the en-suite toilet bowl together with the absence of any way of drying towels there was annoying. The cold water supply in this same en-suite was so weak it made life difficult , especially in the shower. There was no tumble dryer and the heating is simply electric wall fires that constantly needed adjusting. We had a lot of trouble trying to dry our clothes during our wet but mild stay in early May. The number of flies was understandable as it is on a farm, but we didn't expect so many large spiders which my daughter struggled with. We didn't manage to get an internet connection at any point during our stay other than a few brief moments in the garden while it was raining. All this might have been acceptable if it wasn't for the information in the cottage that made us more than reluctant to 'trouble' the owners about our concerns. Phrases like, " We are not an internet help desk" and the owner was "A farmers wife and a nurse, so very busy" (or words to that affect), left us in no doubt that any approach we made wouldn't be a comfortable experience. I often rent property in May and I'm sorry to say that this place fell short of comparably priced places I've stayed at.

- theartist2015, May 2015
Ruth F November 2014

“Pictures speak for themselves”

Location and property are both stunning. By choosing a property within 30 minutes of home, I was able to have it all for my 40th. Weekend/afternoon gathering with family and close friends, kids had post half-term holiday to enjoy (plenty of DVDs and board games to keep them occupied - fair selection of books but we recommend bringing children's books) and my wife and I managed to have few days to ourselves (still took children to school!). The beauty of this property is that the location is good enough to have a wonderful week with or without using your car. Without car 1) lounge next to the wood burning stove whilst eating cheese/wine and either reading a good book or looking out of the panoramic windows at sheep/rainbows/moonlit sky) 2) kitchen and bathroom well equipped for cooking and/or relaxation, we even managed some more cheese and wine in the garden on one sunny afternoon 3) Lots of grounds to explore - Peppa Pig lovers will adore the gigantic muddy puddles (rain permitting) and nice walks around farm (map provided and we saw deer on two of our walks). 4) There are pubs within walking distance - we didn't go to the local but instead did a medium hike (3-4 miles each way) to Hambro Arms in Milton Abbas - highly recommended food (many others mentioned in guest book and cottage info). Although we used our OS Map, once you find national trailway sign (200m west on main road), it's due North all the way so no need for detailed map. With car - I won't go through all that can be done in this wonderful area (loads of info at cottage) but although I've lived nearby for 30 years I still managed to find some great new places to eat (like Greyhound in Winterborne Stickland and Langton Arms in Tarrant Monkton). Bottom line is, I would be very surprised if you did not love a stay at the Shepherd's Hut (hard pushed to find anything to the contrary in guest book). P.S: Reason I have not recommended this property to older travellers is that, being an upside down property, they may find it a nuisance that the toilets are both on the ground floor whilst the open plan living area is on the first floor.

- Ruth F, November 2014
markrD3499KY October 2014

“lovely retreat”

Very well presented converted barn on a working farm. Lovely and clean and everything you need. Great base for exploring Dorset and the surrounding areas. Very dog friendly with lots of nice farmland walks. Property has the living section upstairs and bedrooms / bathroom on ground level. Wood burning stove in the lounge and great views over the fields. Lots of space in this property with big kitchen area and 2 Sofa's in the lounge. Lots of wildlife seen and you can watch the cows being milked if you want. Great holiday let. . . we loved it.

- markrD3499KY, October 2014
A FlipKey verified reviewer August 2014

“Excellent!”

My husband & i stayed at Shepherds hut in February for a week. what can i say apart from excellent. The accomodation is all to a very high spec & very comfortable. We immediately felt at home upon opening the door, it was warm & inviting. We went upstairs where we were greeted with a homemade cake & there was milk,tea, coffee& bread provided. The view from the window was fabulous, we spent many hours with a glass of wine watching the buzzards & the countryside. Our dog also loved watching the dogs from the farmhouse in the distance. With it being winter the cows were all inside so there wasnt any smell or flies. The enclosed garden was a bonus as we just let the dog out at night without having to go out ourselves. The location was fantastic for the gorgeous Dorset attractions, we spent days walking & nights warm & cosy with the woodburner lit & a glass of wine. There are games & jigsaws in the sideboard with lots of books if your intention is to just go & relax. I would have no reservations in recommending this accomodation & it would be my first choice to stay in again if in Dorset. Julie & Dave (Stafford)

- A FlipKey verified reviewer, August 2014
A FlipKey verified reviewer August 2014

“Shepherd's Hut”

One of the best holiday cottages we've stayed in. Spotlessly clean, well equipped, dog friendly, we couldn't fault it in any way. Came home and booked for next year!

- A FlipKey verified reviewer, August 2014
28PeterL April 2014

“Exceptional place”

We visited here in 2013 and the conversion was simply stunning with the upside down living providing fabulous views across the farmland which the full length window made simply stunning. It was very cosy to sit in the warm when it rained watching the rain patter against the window. The bedrooms were warm and comfy and spotlessly clean. The living quarters had everything you could need and the lemon drizzle cake left for us was a nice touch and quickly consumed. A great base for days out in a beautiful county. Would recommend 100%

- 28PeterL, April 2014
A FlipKey verified reviewer August 2013

“Wonderful cottage and location.”

We have two young children and were looking for somewhere quiet, which could be a base for us to do days out from. This cottage was just wonderful. The fantastic picture window in the living room was a great feature, we loved watching the 'sheep races' in the evening in the field opposite. The facilities provided are of an excellent standard. We situation of the cottage is perfect for walks out, and trips out in the car to nearby attractions. We would not hesitate to recommend this cottage, we had a lovely holiday here.

- A FlipKey verified reviewer, August 2013
mcquarrievideo November 2012

“Superb Barn Conversion”

Fabulous holiday cottage with first floor open plan lounge, kitchen/diner. Well insulated to modern standards but retaining old beams for character. Very well equipped with Bosch appliances and initial supplies of essentials. Electric heaters were more than adequate with wood burner for extra warmth and comfort. Superb position for Dorset attractions such as Swanage railway. Be warned if visiting in Summer that this is on a working farm with cows and flies. Very popular so book early. Thoroughly recommended.

- mcquarrievideo, November 2012
russellbedford1 November 2012

“Stunning property in a beautiful location”

My partner and I have returned home today after a truly memorable week away. We rented "The Shepherds Hut" a real gem of a property just outside of the village of Winterborne Whitechurch nr Blandford Forum in Dorset. Upon our arrival the property was open so no awkwardness being shown around. The ground floor is well proportioned, a lovely large hall way (great for muddy wellie boots) a master with en-suite, a good sized family bathroom with a bath and good sized separate shower. The two twin rooms are a little cosy but still lovely. Upstairs is where it all gets really good though! As you walk up the stairs you are confronted with a stunning floor to ceiling window that reaches right into the eaves. The panoramic view of the rolling hills dotted with sheep is just to die for! As you carry on looking around you notice the beamed and vaulted ceilings, the woodburned and a very well appointed kitchen.. It was so lovely we even invited family for Sunday lunch! everybody was so impressed, even my mother (who is never impressed by anything) was blown away! Everything was perfect! We spent nearly the whole week tucked up in front of the woodburned watching the world slowly go by, our Jack Russell "Woody" loved the walks, the setting is wonderful and such fun to be on a working farm!

- russellbedford1, November 2012
A FlipKey verified reviewer October 2011

“Great for a taste of farm life & countryside”

An excellent setting, surrounded by fields (and cows) Nice, peaceful position and great to wander through the farmland. The Shepherds Hut itself was well specified & comfortable. The upstairs lounge with it's panoramic window impressed everyone. The solar heating for the water was a great touch and supplied all our needs. Upstairs got pretty warm when the sun shone but opening the windows wide risked a visit from the flies, which you'd have to expect on a dairy farm. The position was good too and handy for lots of interesting parts of Dorset including, the Tank Museum, Monkeyworld, Durdle Door, Tyneham etc. Everyone had a great time and it was like escaping the rush of the modern world for a brief week.

- A FlipKey verified reviewer, October 2011
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The property

Milborne St Andrews 2.1 miles.

A stone-built barn conversion resting on the fringes of the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Shepherd’s Hut promises an unforgettably scenic experience for you and your loved ones to experience the best of the countryside of the south of England.

Positioned on a working farm, this upside-down dwelling provides rustic settings and plenty of wonder.

Heading up to the first floor of the property will bring you to the hub of the house; an open-plan living space home to all of the contemporary amenities you could need to enjoy a week-long stay.

Sit amongst the rustic wooden beams in the sitting area with the woodburning stove warming the room to unwind before unpacking your belongings in the ample storage spaces; take in the scenic views from the floor-to-ceiling windows with a glass of wine in hand to achieve true tranquillity.

The open-plan space is also home to a well-equipped kitchen, where you can rustle up any meal you fancy to be enjoyed around the wooden bench taking centre stage in the room.

Venturing back down the stairs to the ground floor will bring you to the three bedrooms; consisting of a king-size with its own en-suite shower room and two twins serviced by a gleaming bathroom, the property ensures that everyone gets an equally as delightful resting spot.

To the rear of the property is a lusciously green lawned area, where your canine companions can run around freely as you enjoy the farmland views and the rays of the sun; there’s no better spot to end each day of your holiday.

The local area of the property is quaint and quiet, making it a great spot for walking opportunities, with the Dorset AONB within easy reach too promising even more magnificent lands and adventure.

Take a trip into the market town of Blanford Forum, ideal for all ages with its shops and eateries, tourist attractions including two museums and plenty of scenic wonders, there’s something here for everyone.

In reach of both coast and positioned within the glorious countryside, Shepherd’s Hut is the perfect spot to base your family adventure in Dorset.

Summary

Three ground-floor bedrooms: 1 x king-size double with en-suite shower, basin and WC, 2 x twin
Ground-floor bathroom with bath, separate shower, basin and WC
First-floor open-plan living area with kitchen, dining area and sitting area with woodburning stove
Electric wall heaters with woodburning stove in sitting area
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge, freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, plasma TV with Freeview, DVD, WiFi, selection of books, games and DVDs
Fuel, power and starter pack for woodburning stove inc. in rent
Additional fuel for woodburning stove available to purchase from the owner
Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
Travel cot and highchair available on request
Ample off road parking
Lawned garden and patio to rear with furniture
Two well-behaved dogs welcome
Sorry, no smoking
Shop 2 miles, pub 0.8 miles
Note: This is a working farm; dogs to be kept on leads at all times

About the location

MILBORNE ST ANDREW

Puddletown 3.5 miles; Dorchester 8 miles.

The peaceful village of Milborne St Andrew, midway between Dorchester and the Georgian market town from Blandford Forum is on the side of the Winterbourne Valley in the Dorset Downs. The valley is named for the seasonal stream which runs from springs high up on the chalk downs, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering glorious walks and superb views. Langhams vineyard, 2 miles away, offers tours and tasting days.

This property offers the following short breaks:

Winter
Off-season
Last minute

Shepherd's Hut

Winterborne Whitechurch near Milborne St Andrew, Dorset (Ref. 5188)

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Features

Reviews

“We had a lovely break at the Shepherd's Hut.”

“Third visit.”

“Just home after a lovely week at Shepherds Hut, to celebrate our Golden Wedding Anniversary with some family.”

“A lovely cottage in wonderful scenery.”

“Lovely quiet place to stay, a bit like the tardis , much bigger on the inside than it looked from outside.”

“Perfect countryside views, very clean and comfortable and a lovely stay on a working farm.”

“On arrival the property was immaculately presented.”

“We really enjoyed our stay at Shepherd's Hut.”

“Shepherd's Hut was just perfect.”

“Wow!”

“A beautiful Dorset Holiday Base”

“A bit disappointed”

“Pictures speak for themselves”

“lovely retreat”

“Excellent!”

“Shepherd's Hut”

“Exceptional place”

“Wonderful cottage and location.”

“Superb Barn Conversion”

“Stunning property in a beautiful location”

“Great for a taste of farm life & countryside”

The property

Summary

About the location

MILBORNE ST ANDREW