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At Goathill Farm

100%

· Sherborne, Dorset, England

1 acre hosted by Annabel B.

1 glamping pitch

All to yourself

100% of recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp felt private.

Creature comforts

Enjoy the comforts of home—including flush toilets, showers, and a kitchen.

A lovely lakeside shepherd’s hut on a working farm in Dorset

At Goathill Farm you can stay in a perfectly-proportioned shepherd’s hut positioned by a lovely little lake on a farm with cows and sheep. Farmer, Alan, might wave you hello as he passes in his tractor while ducks are quacking on the lake. On a sunny day, it’s a scene straight out of a children’s story book – but if you’re planning a stay here, we suggest you leave the kids at home. The shepherd’s huts are designed for two. Each is a lovely rural bolthole that’s perfect for a couple wanting a weekend in the Dorset countryside. What’s, perhaps, even better is that to enjoy this boutique glamping site near Sherborne, you don’t even need a car. The town, a short taxi ride away, has a mainline train station with a direct link to London.

A typical weekend might start with take-away fish and chips from the award-winning chippie in the neighbouring village, followed by a campfire under the stars. After a good night’s sleep in the comfy made-up double in your shepherd’s hut, you can make coffee on the camping stove in your little kitchenette. You then pull on your walking boots to head out on a 90-minute walk across fields and farms stopping in well-to-do Sherborne for your lunch at Cafe D’Urberville. Pop into a nearby local deli to pick up some supplies then stomp back to the farm for a relaxed afternoon. Read, play board games, or watch wildlife on the pond before another campfire outside your little hut.

Bill’s is one of three shepherd’s huts on the farm in this idyllic lakeside setting, an hour inland from Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. It’s named for host Annabel’s grandfather, a geographer, whose map collection inspired its decoration. A vintage OS map covers the wall over the bed, logs for the campfire are provided in an old travelling trunk. These antique pieces give character to a handcrafted, whitewashed hut which is a lovely living space. You have electricity but no running water. That’s little matter though as there’s a flushing loo, hot water shower and washing-up sink a short walk away, shared with just one other hut at Goathill Farm.

Welcome to Bill's! A peaceful, secluded shepherds hut on the bank of a small lake, set in the rolling hills of our organic dairy farm. Bill's all booked up? How about you check out Bill's big brother, Edgar's! A little bigger, and just as beautiful! The huts can also be booked as a pair for two couples. Fully equipped for your stay with a cosy double bed, kitchenette, and an outdoor space to relax around the firepit. Just a short walk away is the washroom, shared by just the two huts, which is complete with loo, luxurious shower, and washing up area. We created our site with as environmentally consciously as possible, creating our huts from upcycled and vintage pieces, natural materials and low waste options. At Goathill Farm, you can expect a truly relaxing space, away from the stresses of modern life, see the animals and a chance to reconnect with nature. Just a walk across the fields away is the stunning town of Sherborne, jampacked with independant shops, cafes and resturants, as well as some beautiful buildings. Or take a trip down to the coast, our closest are less than an hours drive and include West Bay, Durdle Door, and Lulworth Cove.

Activities

Hiking

Wildlife watching

Natural features

Lake

Farm

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100%

5 Ratings · 4 reviews

Kerry D.recommends

August 25, 2023

Bill's - Lakeside Shepherd's Hut

Bills Shepherd Hit

The hut was very stylish, the quality was very high standard. The land surrounding was beautiful, our hut was situated just beside the small lake with plenty of wildlife. The highlight was the cooking/campfire outside 2which we cooked and sat beside both nights. Will definitely return. Many thanks 🙏

Josephine H.recommends

August 10, 2023

Bill's - Lakeside Shepherd's Hut

Wonderful attention to detail

My daughter and I stayed at Bills for 3 nights, and we loved it. So beautiful, quiet and peaceful. Shared spaces were spotlessly clean and functional. There has obviously been a huge amount of care and thought put into every small detail, which really made staying at Goathill an absolute treat. Faultless.

Mary H.recommends

April 12, 2023

Bill's - Lakeside Shepherd's Hut

Fantastic hideaway

I loved the peace and quiet the beautiful views the amazing wildlife including wild deer ducks and swans the cabin was very cosy with everything you needed and the way they had positioned Bill's gave you all the privacy you need watching the cows coming in for milking and then going back to the fields to graze and of course best of all was the firepit loved it so much returning in July.

Karen C.recommends

September 1, 2022

Bill's - Lakeside Shepherd's Hut

Best shepherds hut ever!

The position of Bills, our wonderful shepherds hut was outstanding. A beautiful and super quiet oasis, where we spent most of our time chilling outside, cooking food on the awesome fire pit and watching the wildlife. Lots of deer, pheasants and other birds. Once the sun goes down you have the flames and stars for company. With little light pollution, the night sky here is superb. The hut itself is extremely well equipped with everything you could possibly need plus laminated walks of the local area and a few games too. The bed was super comfy with a lovely view of the lake from the windows. We loved every minute of our stay. Thoroughly recommended.

Location

Sherborne, Dorset, England, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by Annabel B.Joined in June 2022

From the host

Sit back and relax next to the small lake, as you enjoy the tranquility of our 350 acre organic dairy farm. Bill's and Edgar's, our two shepherd's huts are positioned just on the edge of the lake, with all it's natural beauty and the calming effect of the water. The river trickles by just beyond the slope, and ash, willow, and apple trees wave in the breeze around you. Enjoy the farm from your position in the valley, with the local wildlife often creating the best possible show - whether that's herds of deer, birds of prey or tiny newts in the lake.

Nearby attractions

Bill’s At Goathill Farm is about three miles from the historic and very pretty town of Sherborne. You can drive there in a few minutes or walk there in 90 along footpaths through fields and a deer park. Sherborne has independent shops and eateries as well as a 15th-century abbey, almshouses, a famous school, two castles and a museum. The Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is half an hour’s drive south of site and the Jurassic Coast, while 30 miles away, is close enough to tempt some visitors on a day trip. Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door and Lyme Regis are all about an hour’s drive.

Food and drink

The closest village to Goathill Farm is Milborne Port, just over a mile away. It has a small convenience store if you want supplies for on site as well as an award-winning fish and chip shop and restaurant, Something Else Fishy. Sherborne (three miles) has lots of other options too – including Cafe D’Urberville where you’re sure of a warm welcome as it’s run by your host Annabel. Coffee, cake and light lunches are available during the day and, on Friday nights, you can pop in for cocktails too. For dinner out, the Italian small plates of The Plume of Feathers are a good choice. There’s more Italian fare at Tamborinos and gastropub, The Cross Keys, is also recommended.

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