The Exmoor Woodland Escape

Escape to Exmoor with a stay in a secluded shepherd’s hut on the North Quarme Estate. This private estate of wooded valleys, streams, and abundant wildlife is situated deep within the national park. There are just two shepherd’s huts here, each offering self-catering stays with plenty of outdoor space, not to mention far-reaching views and a Swedish hot tub. The location near the village of Wheddon Cross is a good one for exploring the park and the north coast of both Somerset and neighbouring Devon.

The rather chipper names of the shepherd’s huts at The Exmoor Woodland Escape (The Happy Hare and The Pleasant Pheasant) are perfectly fitting for a place that brings much joy to its guests – evidenced by the ever-growing list of positive reviews. There are few who could fail to be won over by the neat mix of outdoor living and inner cosiness which has been put together with much attention to detail.

The huts are tucked away and separated from each other by 400 metres of woodland. Each has its own garden space with a private hot tub, a fire pit, plenty of logs, a picnic bench and comfortable loungers. Inside, both are well-equipped living spaces with kitchenettes, log burners and seating but The Pleasant Pheasant has the edge on luxury. A few extra pounds per night gives you a kingsized (as opposed to a double) bed and an en-suite shower and loo, while guests at The Happy Hare will have to hop a few steps outside to their private bathroom hut.

Wheddon Cross, just over two miles away, has a small shop, a pub and a reputation for abundant snowdrops – making early springtime as good a time to visit as summer. From the village, you can walk through Snowdrop Valley and up to Dunkery Beacon for yet more fabulous views. It’s Exmoor and Somerset’s highest peak at 519 metres so you might just spot some of the other places you’d like to explore from up there.