A Guide to
SHEPHERD HUTS
Where America has their covered wagons, and Africa their safari tents, Britain has the Shepherd’s Hut. Quintessentially British, the shepherd hut has always been a popular choice in the country due to not only it’s beautiful design but also, it’s practical use as year-round accommodation type and the fact that most shepherd huts come with a draw or tow bar so can be moved into place with a tractor or 4×4. Modern day shepherd huts are a reimagining of the original where shepherds would spend the night. Often found in isolated areas, these tiny huts would provide
shelter for the shepherd and their dog while they tended their flocks. The modern version keeps the same character but adds a few essential conveniences. Modern shepherd huts can include: n Steel chassis, which is less likely to deform than wood. n Insulation that is breathable and able to keep guests warm in the cold and cool in the heat. n Woodburning stove or central heating for when it gets cold on those clear evenings. n Double glazed windows to help keep draughts at bay.
n Gas, electricity, and water connections to ensure those modern conveniences will work. These advantages have not gone unnoticed, and it is now not uncommon to see glamping sites across Europe and even America utilising the beautiful and practical shepherd hut. The current market is full of amazing shepherd hut manufacturers to choose from, so International Glamping Business Social Media Editor Annie Hilton reached out to some suppliers to get you the information you need.
Can your products be assembled on-site or do they require transportation? All our huts are hand built and delivered to site complete ready to go.
GREENDOWN SHEPHERD HUTS greendownshepherdhuts.co.uk What inspired you to start a business for the glamping and camping industry? How long have you been trading? It all started in 2016 with a love for outdoors and the desire to create something that sat perfectly in nature but was a great useable space. What type of structures do you create? Steel chassis, timber framed and oak clad. What are the main advantages of using shepherd huts for hospitality, in your opinion? Arguably more beautiful than a pod a shepherd hut looks completely natural in the wild and typically commands the highest nightly rental out of any glamping unit.
What makes them stand out from your competitors/other manufacturers? The quality of materials we use and our build standards. We also get told we’re very good value compared to other manufactures.
What geographical markets do you cover? The UK and Europe, we recently delivered one to Norway. Would you offer discounts on larger purchases for bigger sites? Yes we do. Bigger sites take a lot more planning but we love to get involved early and give as much advice as we can to help the owners. How long is the lifespan of your products? Do you offer any warranties? 30 Years plus and 10 year structural warranty.
How much maintenance do your huts require? Do you offer any follow-up services? Very little, we’ve worked extremely hard to create the perfect lowest maintenance hut possible. Yes absolutely we’re always there to help. What is the average wait time from workshop to site? 4-8 weeks. We have one of the lowest if not the lowest lead times due to recently moving in to our new bigger premises.
Gl
mping
BUSINESS
l 21
