Choosing just where to place your shepherd hut is one of the most exciting (and important) parts of the whole experience. Summer is a wonderful time of year to explore the land, watch how the light moves, and allow you to imagine how your hut might sit within the landscape, not just as a building, but as part of the overall view.
Here at Blackdown, we’d like to share a few things for you to consider when choosing your hut’s location, especially while the sun’s shining and everything’s in full bloom.
Follow the light
Summer gives you the best sense of how light moves and plays across your entire space. Whether that’s during the warm golden hours in the evening, or the bright, energising start of a morning. Take note of the colours at either end of the day too. Do you want to wake up with the sunrise? Or enjoy a soft sunset view as the day ends? If your hut is for hospitality purposes, put yourself in the position of your guests and try to think about what they might prefer?
Use this time of year to notice where you’re naturally drawn to stand, sit, or linger. Your instinct in this area will often tell you far more than a measuring tape could.
Curious about how the sun moves across your plot? Have a look at SunCalc.net it’s a simple tool to help you visualise sunlight and shadow patterns throughout the year.
Think about all seasons, but start with summer
Although summer gives you the clearest visibility, it’s also worth imagining how the spot might feel in the other months. Does it get too boggy in winter? Might it be too exposed in autumn winds? If in doubt, a slightly sheltered, well-drained area often makes a perfect year-round setting.
But right now these long days and dry ground make it an ideal time for pegging out your space, walking the boundaries, really considering your options and dreaming it all up.
Frame the view
One of the joys of a shepherd hut is how it invites the outdoors in. Consider what you want to see from the door, the bed, the desk, or the bath (depending on your hut or cabin layout).
Is it the curve of a hill?
Maybe the edge of the orchard?
The field that attracts grazing deer out from the edge of a copse?
A big sky view?
We believe that a well-positioned hut doesn’t just look out over the landscape – it becomes part of it.
Thinking about planting or landscaping around your hut? The RHS Garden Design guide offers practical ideas to help you shape a space that’s both beautiful and in tune with nature.
What’s around you matters too
The view is part of the magic, but so is the access.
If you’re using your hut as a glamping location, for additional hospitality bedrooms or as a workspace, consider how people will arrive, whether there’s a clear path, and how close it is to power or water if needed.
And if it’s just for you then don’t be afraid to tuck it away in a quiet corner where you can disappear for a while!
Use summer to dream big
Summer gives you time. Time to sit, think, explore, and daydream about what your shepherd hut could become. Whether you’re at the start of your journey or fine-tuning the final placement, this season is your invitation to imagine.
When you get it right, your Blackdown shepherd hut isn’t just a room with a view. It’s your view – and one you’ll never tire of.
Take a moment to explore our full collection of handcrafted shepherd huts and outdoor features – each one built with care, tradition, and a little Blackdown magic. Got questions or ideas?
We’re always here for a chat and happy to help bring your perfect outdoor space to life.