About Rustic Stays - our 3 huts
'The Wiltshire Horn' (2 berth hut)
The delightful Wiltshire Horn shepherd's hut, dating back to around 1880, was originally discovered in the woods of Ashcombe, where it served as a granary. After spending five years as a chicken coop, it has been carefully restored into the cozy retreat you see today.
Features of the hut include:
- 1 sofa area converting to a double bed
- Bedding and towels provided
- A well-equipped kitchenette with hobs, grill and sink area (plus cooking and dining essentials)
- A rustic styled log burner inside hut with fire wood included
- A generous cooked and continental breakfast hamper (adaptable to guests’ dietary requirements) included at no additional cost. Hampers will vary dependant on season and stock availability.
- Solar powered lighting and USB charging point
- Booking of this hut from £80 per night (2 night minimum) is available on Airbnb (see our availability tab) or via the 'Contact' button on the home page. To book all 3 of our huts please use the 'Contact' button to discuss your needs.
'The Portland' (2 berth hut)
Our Portland shepherd’s hut accommodation is an authentic shepherd's hut, crafted around 1912 by G. Farris of Coombe Bissett. Acquired by the family from Farnham in 2014, it has been thoughtfully and sympathetically restored.
Features of the hut include:
- 1 sofa area converting to a double bed
- Bedding and towels provided
- A well-equipped kitchenette with hobs, grill and sink area (plus cooking and dining essentials)
- A rustic styled log burner inside hut with fire wood included
- A generous cooked and continental breakfast hamper (adaptable to guests’ dietary requirements) included at no additional cost. Hampers will vary dependant on season and stock availability.
- To book your stay in the Portland Hut from £80 per night (2 night minimum) please get in touch via the 'Contact' button as this is not available to book via the Airbnb website. This hut is also available to book along with our 2 other huts for an extended family/friends break in the countryside.
'The Dorset Horn' (4 berth family hut)
The Dorset Horn, originally an authentic hay cart crafted by Thick of Southampton, was acquired by the Meaden family in the early 1990s. In 2008, it was converted into a shepherd's hut and enjoyed as a family festival hut before being added to the Rustic Stays accommodation collection.
Features of the hut include:
- 1 sofa area converting to a double bed
- A purpose-built children’s bunk bed (suitable for ages 2- approx.12)
- Bedding and towels provided
- A well-equipped kitchenette with hobs, grill, oven and sink area (plus cooking and dining essentials)
- A generous cooked and continental breakfast hamper (adaptable to guests dietary requirements) included at no additional cost. Hampers will vary dependant on season and stock availability.
- Solar powered lighting and USB charging point.
- Booking of this hut from £100 per night (2 night minimum) is available on Airbnb (see our availability tab) or via the 'Contact' button on the home page. To book all 3 of our huts please use the 'Contact' button to discuss your needs.
To compliment your accommodation
'Ewes and Rams' toilet and shower block
In addition, each shepherd’s hut has access to a set of 2 traditionally styled yet modern fitted hot shower and toilet facilities, all a short walk from the main accommodation of the shepherds’ huts.
Facilities at 'Ewes and Rams'
The units are powered by solar panels and storage batteries, offering excellent lighting and equipped with powerful hot gas-heated showers and sinks. Basic toiletries are provided for your convenience and comfort. Each unit features fully plumbed flushable toilets, with enough toilet roll for the duration of your stay. There is access to a hair dryer in the near by summer house. The Ewes and Rams units add a touch of luxury to the shepherds huts glamping breaks in the breath-taking Dorset countryside
The finishing touches to your stay
The Rustic Stays Paddock and other features
Each of our shepherds huts benefits from an individual outdoor seating area with a fire pit and BBQ, ideal for alfresco dining and relaxation immersed in the Dorset countryside. Nestled within a wildflower meadow (season permitting) and an apple orchard, it offers a charming and scenic location for your glamping breaks away. You can even visit our flock of chickens who reside behind the huts—they generously provide fresh eggs for our breakfast hampers!
Each hut also benefits from a welcome guide pack, torches or lanterns for night-time visibility, and a selection of small games and activities to keep you entertained during your stay.
The wider farm and natural environment
Rustic Stays is nestled on a working family farm, home to an award-winning cider mill. Depending on the season, guests can book a cider tour and meet the producers themselves. The on-site Cranborne Chase Cider and produce shop is open upon request, offering the perfect selection to complement breath-taking wildlife views and stunning farm sunsets. Rustic Stays shepherds huts offer you a truly immersive glamping breaks experience.
The surrounding area
The surrounding area offers a fantastic mix of Dorset countryside charm, historic sites, and outdoor adventures. Explore the picturesque market town of Shaftsbury renowned for the famous 'Hovis' Gold Hill. Nature lovers can take a scenic walk or cycle along the North Dorset Trailway, a former railway line offering beautiful countryside views. For a taste of history, visit the breath-taking ruins of Hambledon Hill, an Iron Age hillfort with panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. Just a short drive away, you'll find Kingston Lacy - Wimborne Minster, a grand National Trust estate with opulent interiors and stunning gardens. Food and drink enthusiasts can sample delicious local produce at numerous charming farm shops and traditional country pubs scattered throughout the region. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure as part of your glamping breaks, Rustic Stays in your perfect base.
