Are luxury shepherd’s huts the latest luxury travel trend in the UK? /

Here at A Luxury Travel Blog, we’ve had the luxury and privilege of staying in a few Shepherd Huts across the UK – one in North Wales, at Brook Cottage Shepherd Huts on the Llyn Peninsula, and one in South West England, at Dittisham Hideaway in Devon (both gorgeous by the way!). And now they’re starting to pop up in luxury hotels too, with Gisborough Hall Hotel in North East England being the latest to apply to put four cabins with hot tubs behind the hotel.

It seems to be an increasingly popular trend, with the rising demand for bespoke, handmade shepherd huts leading to the expansion of South West company Greendown Shepherd Huts. The team of 15 – led by founders Richard Hodges, Harry Long and his brother-in-law, CEO Jordan Franklin – has seen demand for their luxury products soar that they have had to move their business to larger premises. Now they are based in Zeal Green Business Park near Keynsham, giving them the space to expand and grow their brand.

Greendown Shepherd Huts are in their seventh year and production is expected to increase to two huts per week from their new location. The venue also offers a viewing area with the full range of cabins including The Herdsman, Herdwick, The Double Hut and The Bespoke Hut.

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Harry Long, founder, said: “Interest in our cabins has grown rapidly over the last two years and we have outgrown two different locations very quickly. Here we have the space and capacity to ensure that our customers’ orders and delivery schedules are on schedule, without compromising quality in any way.”

The company makes shepherd’s huts primarily for the business-to-business market, such as boutique hotels, vacation rentals, glamping sites, farmers looking to diversify, or other tourism ventures. As each cabin is made by hand, prices start from £39,945 per cabin. On average, a shepherd’s hut accommodation can be let from £200 per night.

Jordan Franklin said: “Our cabins are an investment for any business that provides high-quality lodging to tourists, hospitality businesses, wedding venues and events. Unlike other providers, we can also offer rental terms, subject to conditions, to companies wishing to ‘buy and rent’ as part of a larger business model.

Harry, who leads the team, started working as a joiner after completing an apprenticeship and worked as a construction carpenter for ten years. In addition, he often renovated homes. When he happened to see a shepherd’s hut, he thought he would try to build one. The rest is history.

“When I saw my first shepherd’s hut I was captivated and knew I could do better. I researched one such build and then I did it and it was instantly sold. Since then I have refined and adapted my designs as clients arrive with different needs and different locations.”

Greendown Shepherd Huts have already supplied huts to many commercial operators in the UK, including Chatsworth Estate and Forbes of Kingennie.

Is this a trend we’re likely to see continue, or even expand beyond the UK, do you think?