A bespoke shepherd’s hut has not only provided extra space, but also a new source of income for one North Yorkshire couple. Ruth Addicott takes a look inside

WHEN Clare Moss- Clennell and her husband Shaun found they were short of space in their onebedroom barn conversion, they came up with a practical, if slightly unusual, solution – they had a shepherd’s hut installed in their garden.

The bespoke hut close to the village of Ravensworth has proved so popular with friends and family, Clare is now letting it out to visitors and holiday-makers looking for a rural escape.

Clare came up with the idea last year. As much as they loved the barn conversion they’d built themselves just a few years ago, the couple only had the option of a sofa if anyone came to stay.

“The house is tiny. It has only got one bedroom and it’s difficult to get planning permission where we live,”

says Clare. “Everyone was always saying, ‘Are you going to get an extension?’ but it would ruin the character and I liked the cuteness of the property. I was watching TV and saw a shepherd’s hut and thought it was a great idea for additional accommodation.We looked at other options like yurts and pods, but we wanted something that was moveable and would fit in with the environment.”

Coming from an agricultural background – her parents are farmers – the hut seemed the perfect solution.

Clare and Shaun tracked down a company in Malvern and spent the night in a sample hut to try it out.

Then, after deciding on the build and specifications, they had one made to order.

“That was difficult because it’s not as though you can just pop down the road and see how it’s getting on,” says Clare.

“We went down at Christmas and it was just a box, so we had to try to visualise what it was going to look like. We got sent photos, but I’m quite impatient so it was quite frustrating.”

When the hut finally arrived, it was worth the wait.

Complete with wooden floors, a corrugated roof and wooden window shutters which lock from the inside, the hut consists of one bedroom (with a built-in double bed, wardrobe and two storage drawers), a separate bathroom, a small living area (with a fold-down table and relaxing chair) and a kitchen unit including a sink, small hob and woodburning stove.

“It was amazing,” says Clare. “They delivered it on a wagon and I think it was the talk of the village. When it first turned up, I thought it looked smaller, but it’s a bit like an Aladdin’s cave. You open the door and it’s much bigger and better than you’d expect. I think we had more visitors that weekend than we have ever had.”

The advantage of shutters is that guests can keep the light out in early mornings in summer. The hut is also insulated, so it’s warm in winter and cool in summer.

The only downside is that although it is on wheels, it takes an extremely large vehicle to move it.

Clare designed the interior herself – it has a bright and colourful country feel – and bought new furniture.

“Everything I’ve put in has been high quality. Because we’d spent so much money on it – £30,000 – it seemed silly to scrimp on the finishing touches,” she says.

Darlington and Stockton Times:
At Holmebeck owned by Clare Moss-Clennell

“We’ve got a few little luxuries in there such as a flatscreen TV, but we wanted it to retain its rustic feel. We didn’t put too much in because we thought most visitors would just want to go out and enjoy the outdoors.

It’s a little bit of luxury; ‘glamping’ is quite popular now and it’s kind of a step up from that really. If you’ve been out on your bike or walking all day and it’s absolutely pouring down, you can get away from that, have a shower and sit and relax in a nice environment.”

Guests also receive a breakfast basket with tea, coffee, juice, cereal, croissants, honey and marmalade, along with bacon and sausages from Mainsgill Farm Shop, just up the road.

Situated close to the A66 and the village of Ravensworth, the hut is easily accessible and an ideal spot for country walks. It’s also not far from Barnard Castle and Richmond.

“We’ve got a tiny house, but a huge garden with a wildlife pond and two smaller ponds with fish, so it’s a nice setting,” says Clare.

While prices will vary depending on the season, a two-night stay for two costs about £125. Check out Holmebeck Huts on Facebook or call 07810 631172.