Reviews
Thank you again to all the team at Blackdown, every time we step inside her we are reminded of how lucky we are to own her, how amazing Alan and of course the lovely Will were in getting her here to the plot and we feel very blessed.
The quality of the materials and the excellence of the build and craftmanship are second to none, and it was an absolute pleasure to be involved with you and the team from start to finish…
I use it daily and have made a promise to myself that it’s a shepherd hut for relaxation, not work. It’s certainly done the job so far, as I have had a remarkable number of unintentional snoozes in there, and no doubt that there will be many more to come.
It is without doubt one of the best purchases we have ever made, and I cannot recommend the team at Blackdown enough- thank you!
Perfect!! The customer service we received during the whole process (even a year on) has been second to none…. nothing really is too much trouble for the Blackdown team. The delivery was also exceptional… I’ll never forget seeing our hut coming over the hill for the first time and within about half an hour it was in position and ready to go. We will always be grateful to Blackdown for helping us achieve our dream and our thoughts are already looking into how and when we welcome hut number 2!
Absolutely delighted! It’s everything we had hoped it would be. It is beautifully constructed, such good quality. We were also very pleased with the delivery – Will and his colleague knew exactly what they were doing, and were so very good humoured throughout what proved to be quite a challenging exercise! We are very excited about welcoming family and visitors, and to showing off our new accommodation.
We most like the joy our Shepherd Hut brings other people, the looks on their faces when they arrive and the amazing comments about how much they loved their stay. Blackdown Shepherd Huts were highly recommended to us for their quality and customer service, we wanted to support a local business and our research confirmed this. Alan was really approachable and friendly and talked us through the options available. We opted for a self-build kit as we were feeling confident of our skillset. The first week provided a steep learning curve but Will was very willing to offer the benefit of his experience. Five months later we welcomed our first guests.
I am very pleased I took the decision to build a Blackdown Shepherd Hut. It is a quality product that will last for years and grow with the family. It is a good discussion topic within family and down at the pub, and kept me busy for five months. We will be commencing celebration visits from all around to inspect the hut from next week. It has already received very positive feedback from neighbours watching the construction. We are really starting to enjoy it – sitting on the veranda watching the sheep in adjacent field – doing what it was intended for.
Really, really pleased! When I needed a little adjustment Will came down and sorted it out, nothing was too much trouble. But to be honest the attention to detail in the hut has been great. The attention to detail, the fact that you care, and are continually looking to add to your offering, coming up with new ideas and new artisan crafts people to add that extra touch. I love the wow factor of the “posh” XL hut. The staff are always very helpful and are genuinely interest in talking to the customers. Great customer service!
The service from Blackdown has been absolutely faultless to the point that a potentially tricky delivery was turned into a fun event. Highly recommended. We had a very clear view on the facilities we needed and once we’d seen the quality of Blackdown’s work, choosing our hut wasn’t particularly difficult. The hut has very quickly integrated itself into the lives of our family and friends. We should have bought one years ago!
Alan and the team were 100% fantastic, always there to accommodate changes and answer strange questions on the phone or email. The delivery was flawless; we were worried about the location as it had to go down a steep slope, but we shouldn’t have been worried as it went down no problems and was in place and ready to go within an hour or so from it arriving. The whole experience was fantastic, our hut has been made to the unique little touches we asked for and the quality of the craftsmanship is outstanding
The delivery service was excellent, very smooth and well planned out. The set up was effortless and it really was the “turn-key” experience. We would like to personally thank every one at Blackdown, the service from the very beginning to delivery has been second to none and I have never come across a company with such excellent customer service. We dealt a lot with Alan and Lisa who have made the whole process easy and enjoyable and have always been a pleasure to talk to.
Delivery was exactly as promised, Rich arrived and we decided to unload outside the house then tow the self-build through with our small tractor. Customer service was great from the very start from when we went on line to view the options, and useful video clips to meeting at Blackdown to go through the options and see the build process. We needed basic drawings to approach the planning authorities which Alan emailed to us. The excellent self-build instructions and the video were really helpful. During the build we had a few questions which were clarified same day. We liked the friendly approach, the design quality, the instruction support, the oak cladding, the double door design. Although the self-build option clearly saves some money it is also a lot of fun and a great sense of achievement with many new skills learnt.
“Blackdown Shepherd Huts have done it again! Our five new huts are fully installed and look incredible, from the quality craftsmanship to the beautiful Scandi-interiors, they are finished to the highest standard. Our guests love them and the feedback has been fantastic; the guest stays are selling like hot cakes! The team over at Blackdown were friendly and professional throughout the whole process and we couldn’t recommend them highly enough.”
We rate Blackdown! Excellent pre and post delivery service. The quality of all the materials from the cast iron wheels to the oak steps are first class. Good attention to detail in the design and all the materials and fixings, with spares, were delivered in one consignment. I would recommend Blackdown for their first class design and quality of their shepherds huts.
Just a quick email to thank everyone at Blackdown for our beautiful Shepherds hut. Alan and Liza thanks for all your help and advice, a big thank you to the team who built it, it is the most beautiful Shepherds hut and the craftsmanship is beyond our expectations and finally a big thank you to Will and Jamie, it probably wasn't the easiest delivery, it’s all a bit tight around here.
We’re looking forward to having lots of family and friends to stay.
The Shepherds hut beats an extension 100%.
Thank you everyone
The service from Blackdown was great. My partner and I came to see Alan and discuss our requirements then my friend (who made the cushions) and I visited the workshop when the hut was being finished. The delivery went smoothly despite there being a narrow access and a tricky small space to align the hut on its base. The Blackdown team were excellent throughout. I would definitely recommend the Hut for the cleverness of its design, particularly the foldout bed, the high standard of craftsmanship and materials used and the attention to detail. The Blackdown team were a pleasure to deal with and clearly take pride in their excellent product.
Very good – the chaps from Blackdown arrived exactly when they said they would and had the hut off the low loader and installed on the hard standing within a couple of hours. We also had some very useful advice before delivery so that we could set up the site properly, and the hut fitted precisely where we wanted it to go. All we had to do was connect up the services and we were ready to go. The build quality is outstanding-by far the best that we have seen, and we’ve seen a lot! Everyone who has seen it has commented on the quality, and it’s beautifully designed and made too.
It was all excellent from start to finish. The options were clearly explained, the choices made and the journey started. The backup was there if we needed it and when I did make a mistake (I forgot to order a floor but in my haste used some of the wall boards on the ceiling and ceiling boards to form the floor) we quickly realised what was wrong and worked through to a sensible solution (I sourced some similar timber boards from my local builders merchant).
Dear Alan
Sue and I want to express our immense gratitude to you all at Blackdown for your shepherd's hut that arrived and was installed today so expertly by Will and Jamie. We are more than thrilled - in fact we are to a huge degree bouncing around like little children!! (which at our age is not an easy thing to do ........) Not forgetting the hamper which was so thoughtful!
Thank you once again and do visit us if ever you are down this way - you would be more than welcome
Our very best wishes
Dear Alan & everyone else concerned,
I’ve been meaning to send this message for a week now, but I’ve been somewhat distracted!
I just wanted to say a massive thank you for our truly wonderful new hut. We absolutely LOVE it, and it has been much admired!
Having been here for a week, and experienced some very interesting weather conditions, our hut is now fully settled in, completely equipped and looking fabulous!
It has been slept in three times already, and I’m beginning to wonder whether our bedrooms will be needed anymore!
I’d also like to thank you for the very professional installation, and of course, for the generous welcome hamper which was a lovely surprise.
I will certainly pass your details on to anybody who asks, and I wish you all the best for your continued business.
Thank you once again,
Kind regards,
Dear Everybody,
Just a line to thank you all for our amazing Hut, and sorry we haven’t emailed sooner. We’ve been enjoying it (and going to work) too much. The hut, christened Trundle, afert a local hill, is just brilliant and splendidly finished.
Thank you all so much.
Best Wishes
We are so happy with our beautiful shepherd’s huts that are now in situ looking out over the sea. The quality of the workmanship is outstanding and even more impressive now we have them here.
They really are remarkable pieces of craftsmanship from top to bottom.
Nick and I want to thank you all at Blackdown for offering such a superlative service. It has been seamless from start to finish and that’s down to you all - both front of house and in the workshop. Completed by Will and Jamie placing them on site.
Very sad I can’t have one to myself but know that they will be a great addition to all that we offer here at Lydford Farm.
Please pass our sincerest thanks on to everyone involved.
Kind Regards
PS Tell Will he is welcome to come anytime to stay (to fit the cowl and the shelves) as discussed but he might want after 17th as the curtains will be fitted then! But if they don’t mind the dawn breaking through then anytime .
PPS Thanks for hamper - Stanley likes a bit of cheese
To Will, George, Alan, Bridie and everyone at Blackdown Shepherd Huts Thank you all so much for your hospitality, advice, help and especially your patience, in helping me (us but mostly me), achieve the dream shepherd hut goal.
It was a pipe dream for more than ten years but within a week of visiting you at Blackdown, was on the way to becoming a reality.
When Will delivered our self-build to Manor Farm back in October it was a wonderful day. The way he drove in and unloaded it in the barn was almost too exciting, but then it sat there for two weeks until the weather broke and John could make a start.
The villagers of Aust have enjoyed watching it's progress and more than one has expressed an interest so, hopefully, next year you will have them visiting you to place orders. Milly hasn't got her own shepherd hut yet but it will happen in the new year and when it does I'll send a picture.
And we had a Christmas miracle! Joy of joys, John arranged for the farmer who rents our land to help him lift the hut into the garden. With just the log burner left to install, we're almost there.
So to all at Blackdown we hope you have a very Hapy Christmas, a healthy and busy 2016 and that you enjoy the travelling George.
Thank you all for making my shepherd hut dream come true in time for Christmas
Our hut is soo perfect that time spent indoors in the cottage is reducing and time in our hut is increasing.
We are now waiting expectantly for a significant drop in temperature so we can light the fire.
Happy Days
Best wishes to you all and a big THANK YOU
We cannot speak highly enough of George and Will and the Blackdown team. We were so impressed with the look and the finish of the huts when we visited the workshop that we ordered one immediately. Our gorgeous Shepherds Hut has been much admired by many in the village and is used for Bed and Breakfast. Accommodation; we have the 16 ft by 7ft version with en suite shower, sink and toilet. Their pre and after sales service is really good – nothing is too much trouble. All our questions were answered swiftly and I have even had e mail conversations with George at 9pm on a Saturday night. That shows real dedication! The delivery, was bang on the date promised, and although quite tricky to say the least, was done with a smile and we were made to feel it was no trouble at all. (It was!!!) thank you George and Will, I’m sure your company will grow from strength to strength, you build a great product.
We cannot speak highly enough of George and Will and the Blackdown team. We were so impressed with the look and the finish of the huts when we visited the workshop that we ordered one immediately. Our gorgeous Shepherds Hut has been much admired by many in the village and is used for Bed and Breakfast. Accommodation; we have the 16 ft by 7ft version with en suite shower, sink and toilet. Their pre and after sales service is really good – nothing is too much trouble. All our questions were answered swiftly and I have even had e mail conversations with George at 9pm on a Saturday night. That shows real dedication! The delivery, was bang on the date promised, and although quite tricky to say the least, was done with a smile and we were made to feel it was no trouble at all. (It was!!!) Thank you George and Will, I’m sure your company will grow from strength to strength, you build a great product.
Every event with visit with our beautiful catering shepherds hut people stand and admire. Driving through villages people stand and stare and always smile as we pass by.
Thank you both for your great craftsmanship which is always noticed by our many customers on their way to buying our sussex lamb cooked in our fabulous kitchen. It is so easy
when arriving at an event watching others struggle with their Gazabos we just unhitch drop the legs and have a cup of tea.
We are now approaching some really big events to test us to the limit and see how we cope. The most noticeable thing so far is how cool the shepherds hut stays when we are really busy with all the burners going. The height and brightness within the hut is also great for us cooking. So now boys I just need a living hut and my dream will be complete parked side by side I wont need to drive home each day just stay in my bedroom next door.
Thanks to you both for you fantastic work
We ordered a 16 foot by 7foot hut from Blackdown Shepherd Huts with some personal modifications to include a folding double bed, full electrics and lighting and a pair of French doors on one side of the hut.
They delivered to our new house exactly to our deadline, which allowed us to accommodate our Christmas guests. Not only is it functional and beautiful, but their workmanship is of the highest standard and their after sales service can`t be faulted.
They were two of the most pleasant people you could hope to deal with.
A very wet day and all in for the first fire - we are so excited about our new Hut and are still pinching ourselves that we have it.
And champagne for when Claire gets home - will put together something for you when the rain stops with the whole team and fire on 🙂
For the past 6 years, we have dreamt of owning our Shepherd’s hut, here on our farm on the Mendip Hills. After countless days of research in those six long years and visiting numerous shepherd hut makers, we found Blackdown Shepherd huts here in Somerset.
Early one morning in May, we visited George and William with our ambiguous plans, ever since that time, we knew we had found the right shepherd’s hut makers for us, as we progressed through our ambiguous design and increased our requirements, our request‘s were always met with “yes we can do that”. Our self build hut, was on budget, on time, with the help of George and William at Blackdown shepherd’s huts
Dear George & William,
I’m pleased to tell you that all of our guests are loving the Shepherds hut, and we are already taking bookings for this season coming.
We had a photo shoot by the Guardian newspaper a couple of weeks ago – if the editor liked them it may be in the travel pages tomorrow.
All is going really well, so we are very happy customers!
Here are our snow photos. The fire was lit, but you can’t really see the smoke.
Regards,
Many thanks for the delivery yesterday,we are really thrilled with it,& enjoyed the hamper ,this was a lovely surprise & the little shepherd figure,so it's well & truly christened with our neighbours.
Please thank Will & his helper for their excellent help in getting hut in correct position,I have been all day putting personal touches in & pots etc.outside,we will recommend you to everyone as its a real talking point in the Village! My daughter is also interested in having one to let out,so I'm sure you're see us again soon.
Many thanks to you all,
The shepherds hut was easy to assemble by 2 people who were able to get the hut weather tight in 5 days with the finishing inside taking approx another weeks work. This was slowed because only weekend work time was available and also having to wait for paint/oil to dry between coats.
The hut was easy to assemble with all the major parts fitting together like a 3D jigsaw puzzle. No specialist tools were required other than those used by a typical DIY person. Some tools could make life quicker and easier such as a chop saw (which I own) and a nail gun (which I don't).
Although supplied as a turnkey kit it gave a great deal of satisfaction to build up the hut to it habitable state. The hut nestles in the garden in a sheltered corner yet in a prominent position. Once inside the double glazing and sheep’s wool insulation cut out all noise from the outside world. This truly is our little sanctuary.
We now sit snug from the weather enjoying the view over the fields full of sheep to the village church about 1 mile away. This is how a 'garden room' should be, Warm, dry and cosy.
As soon as I took delivery of my Shepherds hut/studio I had many, many compliments from my neighbours about the quality of workmanship and design. It is a lovely cosy environment to work in. I have spent many happy hours in there already.
Both Will and George were completely supportive and helpful throughout the design and making period, which for me, purely because of problems at my end, lasted far longer than it would do normally. Despite this their attention to detail and reassurance at all times, no matter what I asked them to do, was brilliant. They are two of the most patient and supportive guys who really know their stuff. I looked at many other makers and they were certainly the best by far for me.
Dear George
We're absolutely delighted with the hut and it looks as pretty as a picture in the back garden. I've levelled it on sleepers and it sits there right at home. Our thanks to you, Will and your team - great job. Many thanks also for the hamper which was kind of you and much appreciated.
Kind regards
hi alan
just to say a big thank you to the team for getting the two huts in place on site yesterday. great effort. they look amazing.
we are very very pleased with them.
thank you also for the surprise of a hamper that was really not necessary but very much appreciated.
we have so far taken all our guests over to shown off the completed hut and they were all very impressed.
we will let you know how we get on booking them out.
will keep in touch re the third and fourth orders.
best regards
Having taken delivery of our Shepherd's hut, we are just writing to say how thrilled we are. Great thought has been given to both the practical and the aesthetic details, making it a delight to use. But more importantly, we want to thank you for the amazing service you gave to us. We approached several companies and we selected Blackdowns because of the willingness to try new approaches that you showed. The choice was justified - from thinking about other cladding, to a new size of stove, to a different bed configurations and even to placing it on a tricky site. You work through it all with great cheerfulness, delivering on time and to budget. Many thanks!
Just wanted to follow up with you after the delivery of our hut.
It has been an absolute pleasure to have worked with you and the Blackdown team in getting our hut from initial concept through to delivery. Going way back to the end of last year where we were first inspired on our visit to your workshops to this month when those decisions were realised in what is a really beautiful additional room. We have been really busy with the other surrounding areas of the hut to finalise the inside decoration but just looking at each detail in and around the hut I appreciate your high standards of workmanship.
- Thanks for the hamper. A kind thought.