The Royal Oak Pub in Fritham, in the New Forest, has created a high end, self catering getaway option with three hand built Blackdown Shepherd Huts, which have proved to be a resounding success with both its customers and neighbours.
The Royal Oak has three metal self-build shepherd huts on 60 acres of working farmland that they use as self-catering holiday breaks.
Jenna Bessant, from the Royal Oak, says: ‘We have a small family-run pub in the New Forest and over the years have had many enquiries about accommodation. We were also fortunate to have a field adjacent to the pub with permanent planning permission for caravans or similar, so we decided we would utilise this space and decided shepherd’s huts would be perfect.
‘Blackdown already had an exceptional reputation and they had been operating longer than many, so they were a definite fit for us. Their self-build hut option was perfect for us.’
Jenna says that so far the response to this charming accommodation has been overwhelmingly positive. She adds: ‘People are amazed at how much is in the shepherd huts. They cannot believe there is a double bed, seating area, kitchenette, full sized shower and toilet.
‘The huts have blended in so well with their surroundings, and our neighbours prefer them to the caravans that were there previously.’
Jenna says that the shepherd huts have added a unique and quirky element to their pub as overnight accommodation. She comments ”Our Shepherd’s Huts are set in 60 acres of working farmland, with direct access to the New Forest and are situated next to our award winning Royal Oak pub in the tiny village of Fritham.
‘The Shepherd’s Huts are completely self-contained and for adults only, so are the perfect getaway. Being hand built means we have been able to customise them completely. From quirky kitchen tiles to handmade log burners, people love all the little touches. The comfy, raised double bed has plenty of storage underneath. There is even a pull out table and chairs and the shower room means there is no need to share facilities with our other guests.
‘The balconies overlook the fields and valley of the village and having the double doors means guest can sit inside on less pleasant days and still enjoy the view. We have wonderful local breakfast hampers for our guests and provide BBQs and charcoal.
‘We also have complimentary use of bicycles and helmets, so guest can explore the area without having to bring bikes with them. It really is an idyllic getaway experience.’