If you are looking for inspiration for setting up a glamping business – and a beautiful spot to get away from it all this summer – look no further than Tokenhill in Dorset. A stone’s throw from the Plankbridge workshop, owners Jane and Shaun have diversified from farming to create a little slice of hut heaven in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
What inspired you to buy your two Plankbridge shepherd’s huts, Hurdlemakers and Spindleberry?
We were looking to diversify from our farming business and wanted to offer luxury traditional accommodation within a beautiful setting. We needed to make sure any accommodation that we chose would blend into its surroundings, and were drawn to the traditional appearance of Plankbridge huts and the fact that they are so beautifully crafted. We were also keen to buy local, and as the Plankbridge workshop is just five miles from our farm in the Piddle Valley, they were the perfect choice.
How was the process of choosing your fixtures, fittings and colours?
A tour of the workshop gave us some ideas of what options were available, followed by a meeting in the showroom to choose fixtures and fittings. Having the workshop so close to our farm meant that we were able to watch the evolution of the builds.
Can you describe the location of your two shepherd’s huts?
They are situated in a field surrounded by majestic chestnut trees and a new copse, which has been planted between the huts to give each one its own private space. Guests have cows for neighbours, who are always curious to see who the latest visitors are.
What can guests expect when they stay in one of your huts?
A relaxing stay within nature but with all the modern luxuries: electricity, a kitchen with fridge and double hob, high-speed fibre broadband, king-size beds and fully integrated shower room, with an outdoor roll-top bath with hot water on tap, fire pits and barbecue and outdoor seating.
Each Cabin model is individual in its own way – the Hurdlemakers Hut has a wood burner for cosy nights by the fire, while the Spindleberry Hut is a larger-sized Cabin heated by an electric cast-iron radiator. Both have outside covered decks for an early morning coffee or night- cap watching the stars or listening to the owls in the nearby hazel copse. Guests also have the option of walking down to the Brace of Pheasants, our local pub in Plush which serves excellent food in a traditional setting.
We even have a small Shed Shop on site, stocked with essentials and Purbeck ice-cream. Some guests never want to leave the farm once they arrive.
Do people travel from far and wide to stay in your huts?
We have had guests from as far afield as America, France, Australia and Switzerland but the majority are from within a two and half hour drive of Tokenhill – London, Bristol, Bath, Portsmouth, Southampton, or as local as Poole and Dorchester.
Favourite feedback from guests you’d like to share?
As Thomas Hardy wrote: a shepherd’s hut is a “small Noah’s Ark”, a place of comfort and retreat. Jane and Shaun, you have recreated the atmosphere (without the animals of course!). This is a beautiful shepherd’s hut and a pleasure to stay in. We have had a lovely, peaceful stay. There is plenty to do just here, local walks and stargazing. The Plough constellation is just above the firepit.’
- To read more Hut Owner Stories, click here
- To read about when Hannah, our Social Media Manager, went to stay, click here
- To book your stay at Tokenhill Dorset, click here
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