The squawk of a car horn, the flash of a
camera, the constant shuffle of pedestrians bustling on the busy streets – the
frenetic energy of London is never easy to escape. And when you do decide to head for the countryside, it’s always important to find a removed, secluded slice of the natural landscape. Less than 30 minutes from
the M25, Lockhurst Hatch Farm is a site
that manages to create such an 'away-from-it-all' atmosphere, despite being an easy journey from
all the action. Here the fumbling of tent pegs and clipping together of poles
are replaced by the pre-arranged comforts of a traditional shepherd’s hut, where privacy is guaranteed as guests are sole occupants of this cosy hill-top abode.
Hand built by craftsmen in Dorset using oak, spruce and Douglas fir, Lockhurst's charming dark green hut has been built with tradition in mind, based on the proportions of a Victorian shepherd’s hut. Despite harking back to these
shepherding days, the hut's history still pales in comparison to the
farm itself which dates a good 200 years further. Beautifully timbered, Lockhurst Hatch Farmhouse is as quaint as they
come and though now operating as a B&B, it is still the centre point of
the 30 acre farm where Portland and Jacob sheep graze and chickens scratch
around.
Inside the hut, space is carefully managed
with a sofa that folds out into a double bed topped by a deep, memory foam
mattress. Table and chairs are provided and allow somewhere to relax while
you stoke the wood-burning stove, complete with a healthy stack of logs.
Outside, to one side of the hut, a small pine cabin houses a composting toilet,
while, on the other side, a shower is found. Gas-powered, this outdoor
ablution makes the most of the stunning views the site affords its guests. A
bark screen is pulled across to protect your modesty, but beyond you can gaze
across the Surrey Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with its verdant rolling
hummocks stretching into the distance.
Making the most of this landscape does not
involving travelling far. Welcoming owners, Gill and Pete (the same people
that provide your daily breakfast hamper), are quick to suggest a host of
excellent cycle routes and footpaths. Happy to lend a map, they can point you
offsite where paths and bridleways lead directly into the woods and out
into the open heathland. Wander through Winterfold Forest (abuzz with wildlife),
or take a bike for the rolling ride to the village of Shere, a beautifully
untainted village complete with two pubs, a tiny museum and ducks dabbling in
the ford. If you return after dark then remember to bring a torch, it’s a short
wander up to the top corner of the field, where the quiet privacy of your
Surrey Hills hideaway awaits.
Our cosy Shepherd's Hut is located at Lockhurst Hatch Farm in the heart of the Surrey Hills AONB, close to Guildford, with both Heathrow and Gatwick airports easily accessible. For visitors arriving by car, there's parking adjacent to the farmyard, from where there is a 200 metre walk up across the field to the corner where the hut is situated in a lovely private spot.Inside, there's a bed, table and chairs, photo-voltaic lighting, 12V sockets for re-charging mobiles, plus the hut includes bed linen, towels and a box of logs to keep the wood-burning stove roaring. Outside, guests will find a compost toilet, hot water outdoor shower and a 70 centimetre Kadai (firepit) – excellent for keeping warm whilst admiring the vista and watching the sunset, and useful for cooking too. A delicious Farmhouse breakfast will be delivered to your doorstep in the morning, at a time of your choosing. Options include cheeses, cold meats, home-made bread, yoghurt, granola... There may well be enough left for lunch, if you're walking or cycling and want to take some with you!