Sometimes the Blackdown team in the workshop are asked by our customers to create something a little different in the world of shepherd huts. Of course, we’re always more than happy to get stuck in to some creative carpentry, and we do relish a challenge.
So, when The Carriage Hall, a wedding venue in Nottingham, asked for a double hut as a wedding bridal suite, with one area as dressing room and suite and the other as a luxury bathroom, the workshop team set to and the result was the stunning The Great Oak shepherd’s hut, along with two sister huts, The Willow and The Birch.
Here’s our interview with the Perkins family, who own The Carriage Hall, to find out more about them and why they wanted something so special for their business.
Who are you?
We are the Perkins Family, a second-generation family business established in 1982, now ran by sons Jon (40) and David Perkins (38) along with Chef Director Sarah Newham (41).
Situated at the Old Victorian Plumtree Railway station, the site has been sympathetically restored over the years to create a unique destination.
The Old Station house ‘Perkins Bar & Bistro’ is a relaxed award-winning countryside Bistro championing local produce and having our very own smoke house.
The Good’s Shed just up the drive from the bistro, was converted in 2008 into the stunning Carriage Hall hosting beautiful weddings and events.
And now, the latest arrival is our wonderful luxury shepherd huts adding a little ‘boho chic’ to Plumtree Station! These are nestled amongst the tree line overlooking the South Nottingham Countryside.
How long have you been running The Carriage Hall, when did you first get your huts and how many do you have?
The Carriage Hall was opened in 2008 and the huts were delivered at the end of February this year – so literally they are just ready!
Why did you decide to get a double shepherd’s hut and what was the appeal for the wedding market?
We wanted something totally unique for Plumtree Station and the local area, and we were blown away when we saw one being created at Blackdown.
The Great Oak Bridal suite has a roll top bath, which was a must have luxury addition for the bride-to-be to relax in.
We have been eager to add some accommodation at The Carriage Hall for a long time, and after considerable hunting and researching, we finally stumbled across Blackdown Shepherd Huts. These really are the perfect combination of quality, quirkiness, and comfort.
Have you decorated the huts ourselves? Can you tell me a little bit about their style and appeal?
Yes, they are in the style of modern vintage and with the help of our Head of Sales Mel Latter. The huts themselves are attractive before you start adding the finishing touches and we have opted for natural material soft furnishings, and splashes of colour. The bridal suite has a lovely olive green leather chair commissioned by a local furniture maker.
Naturally, we’ve added little creature comforts including espresso machines, individual wifi, and wireless speakers.
We have named them with their setting in mind:
The Bridal Suite aka The Great Oak. This fabulous hut has a generous double bed, roll top bath, dressing area/suite with olive leather seat, smart television, wifi, wireless speaker, espresso machine, mini bar, shower & toilet, outside terrace with bistro table and chairs.
The Willow. The huy contains a cosy double, smart television, wifi, wireless speaker, espresso machine, mini bar, shower & toilet, outside terrace with bistro table and chairs.
The Birch – ditto the Willow!
We adore them and have really rounded off the site now being able to offer stunning accommodation. The feedback so far has been fantastic, particularly on a recent wedding open day.
What comments do you get about her from visitors and what do they love about staying in the huts?
Our huts are cosy, comfortable and relaxed. Waking up to views over the fields, sipping coffee on the little terrace feeling you’re away from the daily grind – what can better than that?!