The Big Green Shepherd’s Hut is a serious contender for closest rural glamping site to London. This bolthole in Surrey is an easy escape for anyone wanting to get out of the city for a night or two. Just hop on the train to Gatwick and take the short ride to the outskirts of Charlwood village where you’ll find this shepherd’s hut parked up by a duck pond. It’s situated between the fields and woodland of a private estate with a log burner inside, a fire pit outside, and a pub within walking distance.
So far, so rural and so idyllic but don’t forget the place is just a short distance from Gatwick. There’s no escaping the sight and sound of the planes taking off just a few miles to the east. For some people, that’ll be a deal-breaker but for many it’s the very reason they come. Apart from plane spotters, who would definitely enjoy the setting, the shepherd’s hut is a rather nice place to stay pre or post flight: more rural and far more romantic than any airport hotel. For the rest of us the air traffic adds interest to what is otherwise a peaceful country location that’s very easy to get to.
That’s what the majority of guests are after; a convenient, countryside getaway – a place to do not much at all. And for that, this place is perfect. The Big Green Shepherd’s Hut is secluded and self contained with an en suite compost loo, hot water shower and a simple kitchenette. It was built for two though there's an option to accommodate two more in the Little Green Shepherd’s Hut. It’s a more simple affair – but still lovely – with its own loo just outside and is only used for extra guests: never booked as a standalone place to stay. Whether you come as a couple or a family, you’ll have the place to yourselves. You can enjoy woodland and countryside walking, cycling in the Surrey Hills and, perhaps, a visit to a National Trust property or garden – Wakehurst is not far away. Or you can simply kick back and relax by reading books, watching sheep in the surrounding fields and having a campfire at night.
2 Shepherds Huts available The Big Green Shepherds Hut & The Little Green Hut Shepherds Hut This 100+ year old agricultural chassis/trailer was discovered in a sorry state, having been abandoned in a field on a Sussex farm in need of TLC Having been rescued from its neglected state, the renovation process began. With big ideas, imaginative design, and sheer hard work, The Big Green Shepherd’s Hut was created. A self contained, Off Grid, quirky space. This traditional Shepherds Hut design has the added benefit of modern day living within. The hut has a cooking hob which can be used inside or outside for those alfresco dinning summer evenings. Sitting around the picnic bench with the heat from the fire pit creating those magical moments. We also have The Little Green Shepherds Hut which is next to the Big Hut. This Shepherds Hut can accommodate 2 extra guests in a double bed. This hut has running cold water and a separate outside toilet hut. Both huts complement each other and an ideal setting for 2 couples/group of friends or family. Private track to the secluded hut Parking space on the hard standing near the hut - small pull along trolley can be used to transport items
The Big Green Shepherd’s Hut is situated on the edge of the village of Charlwood on the Surrey/Sussex border. There's information on places to visit provided within the hut. It is next to a 28-acre private woodland which you are welcome to explore. You can find a route through it to Charlwood village, a mile away. Alternatively use the nearby, well-marked Sussex Border Path for walks through the fields of surrounding farms. The area is also well-loved by cyclists as you are situated between the undulating Surrey Hills and the High Weald – both popular with road cyclists and both are designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Leith Hill is the highest point in the Surrey Hills and offers great views and a good place for a walk, 13 miles from site. It’s managed by the National Trust and a National Trust membership can come in handy round here as you also have Wakehurst, Kew Garden’s wild botanic garden, and Standen House and Gardens within half an hour’s drive as well. But the closest attractions to the site are the low-key Lowfield Heath Windmill, half a mile away, which is open on occasional days throughout the summer, and the Gatwick Aviation Museum, just over a mile away and, of course, there's Gatwick Airport itself just seven miles (by road), a taxi ride of about £10.
The closest pub to The Big Green Shepherd’s Hut is The Half Moon pub, about a mile away in Charlwood village. It’s a lovely walk through the woods to get there or a drive of just a couple of minutes. It has a good pub menu and a beer garden. Slightly further on through the villlage is The Greyhound which advertises as an Italian gastropub and has well-recommended food including pizzas. The village also offers a cafe, 52 The Street, and a village shop so there’s little need to go anywhere further.
