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Waydown Shepherds Huts

100%
·
28 reviews
· Pyecombe, West Sussex, England
2 acres hosted by Andrew M.
2 glamping pitches
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Family-friendly
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Andrew is a Star Host
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Private sites
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Modern shepherd's huts beside the South Downs Way

Come to this part of Sussex and it only seems right to stay in a shepherd’s hut. The whole area feels slightly lost in time, from the tight country lane that takes you to the 12th-century stone church in Pyecombe, to the quaintly-named Jack and Jill Windmills that perch on a nearby hillside with far-reaching views across the South Downs. The four shepherd’s huts at Waydown Cottage are utterly at home, echoing in their wooden-clad walls and old-fashioned, iron wheels the character of these surrounding attractions. It’s a spot with real storybook charm. Captivating history (ironically enough) in Britain’s newest national park.

Set in the four-acre surroundings of a traditional Sussex cottage, Waydown is comprised of four different shepherd’s huts, each in their own space and sheltered by trees and shrubbery. Just as the surrounding attractions have seen the subtle creep of modernity – charming Pyecombe is now easily accessed by an A-road and the old windmills are accompanied by a souvenir shop – the huts, too, are a far cry from their ancient predecessors. Inside, modern extras include electricity, lighting, double beds and bunk beds, while each hut also has a wood-burning stove to keep you snug and warm. Extra communal units, built in a similar style, also accompany the various abodes. There’s a shower in a wooden cabin, a separate toilet lodge and a kitchen space with a sink, fridge, hobs and utilities. Together they kit the glampsite out with everything it needs. Oh, and there’s a friendly pair of donkeys, too. In case a little extra company is the only thing still missing.

Strike out from your shepherd’s hut and it’s a matter of metres before you link up with the South Downs Way – the best way to tour the countryside on foot. It’s just over half a mile, skirting Pyecombe Golf Course, to the Windmills. Technically (and less romantically) called Clayton Windmills, only one of the pair is still in operation today and opens to the public on most Sunday’s from May to September (2pm–5pm). In the opposite direction, meanwhile, it’s an even shorter stroll to the local pub, The Plough Inn, or an easy 15-minute drive to bustling Brighton. So, from daytrips to the seaside to local strolls on the South Downs Way, everything is covered.

Activities
Biking
Hiking
Natural features
Forest

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Woodkeepers Hut

100% (7)
Shepherd's hut · Sleeps 4
Wonderfully traditional yet brimming with modern extras such as power points and electric light, our four-berth hut boasts a double bed, a bunk bed for children and that all important wood-burning stove for extra cosiness. We have a firepit and barbeque for those warm evenings, leisurely lunches can be enjoyed outside in the private garden (with picnic bench), and don't forget to introduce yourself to our resident donkeys, Nancy and her baby Dudley, who are friendly and appreciate a pat. One dog is welcome, but must be kept on a lead around the huts. There is a 10 acre woodland with the direct access onto the South Downs Way with plenty of dog walking opportunities. A cleverly-converted wash-hut features a large sink and hot water, a flushing chemical toilet, and an adjacent spacious shower hut. We also now have a brand new purpose built four berth 'bathing machine' hut, with private terrace. A separate kitchen hut includes a fridge and microwave with a breakfast bar offering views over the grounds and ancient woods which surround our home. From Easter onwards I only do a minimum 2 night booking at £250, no more 1 nights and I don't do the weekend rate anymore. It's a 4 berth with large double bed and bunk beds so sleeps 4, it has power light and heat with plus a wood burning stove with logs provided and outside private garden area with seating and picnic bench, BBQ and fire pit.
No campfires
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
No picnic table
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£250
/ night
for NaN guests
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Shepherds Hut

100% (3)
Shepherd's hut · Sleeps 2
Wonderfully traditional yet brimming with modern extras such as power points and electric light, our 2 berth hut boasts a double bed, table and chairs plus a roll up Futon mattress stored under the bed if you have a small child,  and that all important wood-burning stove for extra cosiness. We have a firepit and barbeque for those warm evenings, leisurely lunches can be enjoyed outside on your own picnic bench, and don't forget to introduce yourself to our resident donkeys, Nancy and her baby Dudley, who are friendly and appreciate a pat. One dog is welcome, but must be kept on a lead around the huts. There is a 10 acre woodland with the direct access onto the South Downs Way with plenty of dog walking opportunities. A cleverly-converted wash-hut features a large sink and hot water, a flushing chemical toilet, and an adjacent spacious shower hut. We also now have a brand new purpose built four berth 'Bathing Machine' hut, with private covered terrace. A separate kitchen hut includes a fridge and microwave with a breakfast bar offering views over the grounds and ancient woods which surround our home.  I only do a minimum 2 night booking at £195. It's a 2 berth with double bed, it has power light and heat with plus a wood burning stove with logs provided and outside seating with BBQ and fire pit.
No campfires
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
No picnic table
from
£200
/ night
for NaN guests

Reviews

100% Recommend25 Ratings · 28 reviews

Location

Pyecombe, West Sussex, England, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Andrew M.

Joined in April 2017
From the host
Experience the nostalgia and charm of bygone days with modern comfort and luxury in our bespoke Shepherds Hut and River Keepers Hut, nestled on the South Downs Way in Pyecombe on the outskirts of Brighton. We offer direct access onto the beautiful South Downs walkways and are adjacent to the famous Jack and Jill Windmills, just a 10 minute walk away! Waydown Cottage has been our home for 25 years. Set in four unspoiled acres, we are surrounded by a beautiful wood with our only neighbours being the Jack and Jill Windmills, Pyecombe Golf Course and the Three Greys Stables. However we have the benefit of superb facilities within a few minute’s walk including Marks and Spencer’s Simply Foods at the local Garage 2 minutes’ drive or 10 minutes’ walk away. The local village pub, The Plough, offers a wonderful choice of cuisine and fine wines in their conservatory restaurant, or enjoy a beer or glass of wine with a choice of snacks in the bar. They also provide a take away service. Hassocks is our local village with all the usual range of shops and a selection of eateries and the railways station is on the main London to Brighton line, the historic Town of Lewes in 15 minute’s drive away, with cosmopolitan Brighton 15 minutes away. For those wishing to visit London, it is a 90 minute drive or 60 minute train ride.
Nearby attractions
It's super easy to join the South Downs Way – the most popular starting point for anyone exploring the area. Stretch yourself with the walk up to Ditchling Beacon (take a bike if you have the energy) – the views are well worth the effort. Or if you'd prefer to explore by horse, the 3 Greys Riding School opposite Waydown offer hacks and lessons (01273 843536) for adults and children. The nearby village itself boasts a small but beautiful museum (01273 844744), a good pub and a nice tea room (see Food & Drink). Further afield, the beautiful county town of Lewes deserves your time, with its prominent hilltop castle (01273 486290) and wonderful Georgian buildings, while the bright lights of Brighton, on the south coast, are 8 miles away. The bohemian town's famous pier (01273 609361), beach and collection of galleries, theatres and bars make it a worthwhile day trip during longer stays.
Food and drink
There are 3 good pubs within a 5-minute drive or 15-minute walk from the glamping site. The furthest – The Ginger Fox (01273 857888) – is particularly good, with excellent gastro pub food, a large beer garden with a children's playground and dogs welcome, but for the closest option The Plough Inn (01273 842796) is still a great choice. Also the Jack & Jill Inn (01273 843595) in Clayton offers great home-cooked pub grub with dogs welcome. It can be walked in 20 minutes through woodlands or 3 minutes by car. Wayfield Park Farm Shop (07742 082051) is also just down the road, offering delicious home-cooked breakfast and lunch (available Tuesday–Sunday; dogs welcome). For everything else, pop to M&S Simply Foods at the local garage or drive into Hassocks (5-minute drive) where local shops include Sainsbury’s and Budgens, along with cafés, takeaways and more. There's also a nice little tea rooms (01273 842708) in the village of Ditchling – very walkable.

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