Owen Jones relaxes into the natural world with the help of Ted, a luxurious shepherd’s hut on the Mendips
The dawn is just breaking when something draws me from under a cosy duvet to gaze from the window at the foot of the bed. What a treat to wake up to – racing joyfully around in the field in front of me is a beautiful brown hare.
It’s a magical moment – one of many to be enjoyed during a break away from the modern world in a black and yellow shepherd’s hut called Ted.
Ted is one of two purpose-built shepherd’s hut getaways to be found on a farm at Maesbury, near Wells, on the edge of the Mendip hills. Look south-west and you’ll see the unmistakeable shape of Glastonbury Tor on the horizon.
The name Ted comes from the old Somerset dialect term for turning cut hay so it dries evenly. The hut is sited at the top of farmer Phil Russell’s hayfield and it really does feel secluded. Just getting to it from the car is a little walk – but thoughtfully some wheelbarrows are provided to help move your essentials in.
When I say essentials I really just mean a change of clothes and whatever food and drink you’ve brought along to enjoy. Everything else is already there – cooking utensils, dry logs, matches, bottle openers, books, maps...
It’s actually surprising how much can be fitted into the compact interior of these Somerset-built huts. Ted has a comfortable double bed and is en-suite. There’s a small kitchen area and a wood-burning stove which keeps the whole place toasty.
Chances are though, if the weather is fair you’ll spend much of the time outside the hut enjoying the opportunity to switch off from the world. Enjoy instead the views across to the Tor and beyond. Listen to the birdsong and watch the clouds roll by.
There’s a wood burning oven outside, so you can cook up a pizza or roast a meal. Or barbecue your dinner over the fire pit, which will also keep you warm as the evening starts to chill.
The ultimate luxury is the wood-fired outdoor bath – but be warned, it does take a little preparation. Allow a good couple of hours to get the water heated up, so you can lie back, relax and watch the stars.
Tor View Shepherds Huts, Thrupe Marsh Farm, Maesbury, Somerset, BA5 3HB
