Laverstock's Everdene Hut
Dorset, United Kingdom
Laverstock Farm
- Shepherd's hut for 2 from £90 per night (read our low price promise)
- One double
Not suitable for children
Pets welcome
Up to two well behaved dogs are welcome
Overview
Laverstock Farm is a family estate where Everdene and Herdwick Hut have found quiet stretches of the Woodland Walk to settle down. You are perfectly positioned for day trips to Lyme Regis and the Jurassic Coast, long hikes up Dorset's highest hills, Lewesden and Pilsdon and days of gentle meandering through the quiet countryside.
Inside the hut you'll find cool cream furnishings and a comfy bed, with the covered outdoor kitchen boasting gas hobs and a big solid sideboard for prepping and cooking. The hot shower and flushing loo are about 125m away in a purpose built washroom, shared with Herdwick Hut guests. There's no electricity in the hut but you'll be given some lanterns which you can recharge in the wash block, and where you'll also find a fridge for keeping drinks and food cool. There is a communal games room available with table tennis, table football, air hockey and a pool table, perfect for those rainy days! On arrival at the hut you'll find Laverstock goodies and some eggs, if the chickens have been on form. From then on, you can simply relax into the gentle Dorset countryside, or head out seeking adventure.
Essentials
The important stuff
- Check in: 4 pm
- Check out: 10 am
- Please bring torches and wellies
- Please note the hut is off grid so there's no electricity. Charging points available in wash block
- Sleeping arrangements
- One double
Kids & Pets
Up to two well behaved dogs are welcome
Cooking
- Gas two ring burner
- Weber Smokey Joe barbecue and fire pit
- Cooking pot, saucepans x2, kettle, mugs, plates, jugs, cutlery, bowls, glasses, tea pot, tea and coffee, cooking utensils
- Fridge provided in wash block
Washing
- Kitchen sink with washing up bowl with hot water and drying rack in washroom
- Electric power shower with hot water in wash block (approx. 125m from the hut) shared with Herdwick Hut guests
- Flushing loo in wash block
- Tea towels provided
Heating, lighting & bedding
- Woodburner
- Bed linen & towels provided
- The hut is off grid so there's no electricity, but two battery lanterns are provided (charging point in wash block) and there are torches for walking
- Plug sockets available for charging phones in wash block
- Big basket of wood provided, extra wood and charcoal can be purchased
Entertainment
- Playing cards, board games, radio, books
Getting there
Laverstock Farm, Laverstock, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 5PE
Main road turn off to Laverstock farm: ///racetrack.rider.furnish
The nearest train station is 8 miles away in Crewkerne. Pick ups can be arranged for £15, please give as much notice as you can.
By car - BEWARE SATNAV - This may take you to a lane at the back of the farm so please print off directions as people get very lost!
STEP ONE - head for Bridport or Crewkerne
Directions from Crewkerne:
- Leave Crewkerne via South Street (A356 toward the Train Station) and stay on the road for approximately 2 miles. You will go through Misterton.
- After Misterton, turn right on the A3066 (signed Bridport) and stay on the road for approximately 2.5 miles. You will go through Mosterton.
- Shortly after leaving Mosterton, take a sharp right on a bend (B3164) towards Broadwindsor.
- After just over 1 mile, you will enter Broadwindsor. Keep left on the one way system and turn left at the T Junction – then turn immediately right onto the B3162.
- Stay on the B3162 for approximately 1.5 miles and then turn right at the first small cross roads. There are four trees on each corner and it is signed Blackney.
- After about 0.5 miles on a sharp left hand bend turn right down a small lane signed Laverstock. If you go round a very sharp left hand bend you have gone too far.
- Drive over the first cattle grid and keep left. Continue down the drive with the post and rail fence on your left, over the second cattle grid and the house is on your right.
- Drive past the house and park on the right by a stone wall. There is a sign which says ‘Laverstock House Parking’.
Directions from Bridport:
- From West Street in Bridport, turn right at the roundabout onto the B3162.
- Keep on the B3162 for approximately 5 miles. You will drive through Salway Ash, South Bowood and North Bowood.
- Soon after North Bowood you will get to a cross roads with one tree on each corner. Turn left towards Blackney.
- After about 0.5 miles on a sharp left hand bend turn right down a small lane signed Laverstock. If you go round a very sharp left hand bend you have gone too far.
- Drive over the first cattle grid and keep left. Continue down the drive with the post and rail fence on your left, over the second cattle grid and the house is on your right.
- Drive past the house and park on the right by a stone wall. There is a sign which says ‘Laverstock House Parking’.
Please note parking is approximately 125m away from your hut.
Parking for the cabin is in the lower yard.
Food & Drink
At Laverstock Farm:
On arrival you'll find some Laverstock goodies and eggs waiting for you (if the hens have been on form!).
Local shops
There is an award winning farm shop (Washingpool) on the left of the B3162 just before you get to Bridport. This is about 10 minutes’ drive and is highly recommended.
Beaminster has a good Co-op store in the square and a number of other good independent food and gift shops.
Bridport has a street market on Wednesdays and Saturdays and you will also find a large number of other shops, including a cinema (Electric Palace) and larger supermarkets.
Pubs & restaurants - Emma's recommendations for places around to eat and drink
The Shaves Cross Inn in Shaves Cross (1.5 miles away) - Beautiful country pub with garden and skittle alley - well worth a visit for a drink and a bite to eat with a seasonal menu exploiting the diversity of food Dorset has to offer.
The New Inn in Stoke Abbott (2 miles away) - Traditional country pub with a big garden and serves good quality restaurant style food. Welcomes children.
Stableyard Restaurant in Broadwindsor (2 miles away) - Lovely licenced restaurant. Highly recommended for breakfast, coffee, lunch and afternoon tea.
The Ollerod in Beaminster (3 miles away). Very good quality food in a lovely small independently run hotel. Enjoy a drink before dinner, or coffee afterwards, in their cosy drawing room.
Brassica Restaurant in Beaminster (3 miles away) - Family run restaurant, lovely food but on the more expensive side. Open Wednesday to Saturday.
The Half Moon in Melplash (4 miles away) - Country pub with a garden selling good pub food. Recommended.
Washingpool Farm Shop Café in North Allington (4 miles away) - Just before you get to Bridport on your left. Café located in the farm shop. Highly recommended for breakfast, coffee, lunch and afternoon tea.
Mangerton Mill in Mangerton, Bridport (5 miles away) - 17th Century working water mill and Museum of Rural Bygones, set in peaceful rural valley on the river Manger. Trout fishing and riverside walk. Tea room, light lunches, cream teas, homemade fare and local crafts.
Ilchester Arms in Symondsbury (6 miles away) - Country pub with garden and skittle alley and serves good pub food 7 days a week.
The Bull Hotel in Bridport (6 miles away) Well worth a visit for coffee, lunch or dinner.
The Stable Bar, behind The Bull Hotel in Bridport (6 miles away) Serving a vast selection of unique ciders, from single variety specials to proper local brews and home-made Dorset pizzas and pies. Busy in the evenings and great for kids.
The Riverside Restaurant in West Bay (6 miles away) - A leading seafood restaurant which comes highly recommended but is expensive. Booking essential - 01308 422 011.
The Hive Beach Cafe in West Bay (6 miles away)
Watch House Café is an easy going café in West Bay. Set right on East Beach, it's just yards from the sea and the stunning views. Great for breakfast and lunch.
Olive Tree in Bridport (6 miles away) Mediterranean food cooked in front of you. Brunch, Lunch and Dinner
Down House Farm Cafe - Higher Eype, Bridport, (7 miles) Organic food from this organic farm, fantastic countryside location, great for a walk up to from West Bay.
The George Inn, Chideoak (7 miles away) Good quality pub food and beer, located on the A35, near Seatown. We hear good reviews. 01297 489419 DT6 6JD
The Anchor Inn in Seatown (7 miles away) Two bars, outside terraces and cliff seating provide the perfect opportunity to come and enjoy the tranquillity and views offered by this heritage coastline. Seafood, fresh local foods and ales. Fairly basic pub food in a special location great for eating outside in the summer.
The Hive Beach Café in Burton Bradstock (on the beach) (8 miles away) - Busy café on the beach, ideal for coffee or lunch after a walk. Open for dinner in holiday season. Good quality food, especially seafood.
River Cottage Canteen in Axminster (9 miles away) Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's canteen and deli offers a wide selection of local and seasonal provisions including fruit and vegetables, meat and bread, pickles and preserves, wine and beer. On the more expensive side.
The Town Mill Bakery in Lyme Regis (11 miles away) Unique, fun and relaxed bakery serving very good quality food and cakes. Ideal for breakfast, coffee or lunch. Seating on trestle tables.
Hix Oyster and Fish House, Cobb Road, Lyme Regis (11 miles) Mark Hix is the ex-Head Chef of the Caprice Group of restaurants. His team serves simply prepared very fresh fish and seafood. Amazing views of the Cobb. Expensive. Closed on Mondays.
Activities
At Laverstock Farm
There is a communal games room available with table tennis, table football, air hockey and a pool table, perfect for those rainy days!
Local Towns and Villages
Beaminster (3 miles), standing at the head of the Brit Valley, is becoming an increasingly popular and fashionable small town. There are charming boutique shops where you can browse and sample the local fare.
Bridport (5 miles) is a bustling market town with a regular market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. There is also a popular Farmers' Market on the second Saturday each month.
West Bay (6 miles) is a small fishing town two miles south of Bridport. The spectacular Jurassic cliffs on the east beach are well worth a visit and the Riverside restaurant is a must for fish lovers – book in advance to avoid being disappointed.
The picturesque seaside town of Lyme Regis (11 miles) is dominated by the Cobb - its famous 13th century harbour. It is the perfect place to visit for a day – browse the local shops, eat at one of the many restaurants, relax on the beach, take a fishing trip or play crazy golf.
Sherborne (22 miles) is a beautify town and is well worth a visit. With its abundance of medieval buildings, Sherborne had much to offer visitors. Superb 1300 year old Abbey – an important early example of perpendicular architecture and burial place of two Saxon kings. Two castles –one a romantic ruin and the other a ‘new’ Castle designed by Sir Walter Raleigh, with gardens designed in part by Capability Brown in 1753. Cheap Street, lined with boutique shops, art galleries, delicatessens and coffee shops
Burton Bradstock (10 miles) is a small coastal village a few miles east of Bridport. The quiet beach is a must and the Hive Beach Café is a popular local place to eat – only yards from the beach.
A trip to Seatown (10 miles) gives you the opportunity to walk up Golden Cap – the highest point on the south coast of England. You can also enjoy a drink and a bite to eat at the popular and welcoming Anchor Inn.
The Jurassic Coast covers 25 miles of coastline and has been designated a World Heritage Site – ranking it alongside the Grand Canyon and Great Barrier Reef as one of the natural wonders of the world. The 190 million year old rocks and cliffs ensure fantastic fossil hunting opportunities, with the beaches around Charmouth (8 miles) and Lyme Regis (11 miles) providing the ideal location.
Over 40% of Dorset has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In West Dorset you can lose yourself among the peace and tranquility of this unspoilt part of the country. There are nearly 300 coast and countryside guided walks to choose from and numerous leisurely pub strolls. If you choose to walk some of the South West Coast Path you'll be rewarded with some breath-taking coastal views.
Outdoor & Active
Recommended Beaches
Charmouth (8.1 miles, 20 minutes)
Charmouth beach is one of the best places along the 152-mile Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site to find fossils. Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre organises guided walks led by experts throughout the year. The walks help bring to life the area’s185 million years of geological history. Located to the East of Lyme Regis. Follow the signs for Charmouth from the A35.
Seatown (9.4 miles, 20 minutes)
A pebbly beach with views of Golden Cap, the south coast’s loftiest cliff, and good fossil-hunting potential. Lunch at the Anchor Inn, Seatown, Chideock, – a chocolate- box pub right on the beach under Golden Cap. Ideal for children who want to explore under the watchful eyes of their parents – it has a large outdoor dining area.
Burton Bradstock (9.7 miles, 21 minutes)
Ideal for families, Burton Bradstock has ample parking and is easily accessible from Bridport. Wonderful cliff top walks can be taken from both ends of the beach. The Hive restaurant is right on the beach and has a large outdoor eating area meaning that parents can keep an eye on exploring children. You must visit The Hive Beach Café.
Cogden Beach (10 miles, 20 minutes)
Nobody in their right mind would install a pay and display meter in the middle of nowhere. Unless, of course, lots of people want to park there. That pretty much sums up Cogden. On the face of it, it’s a pay and display meter in a fairly small pull-in in the middle of nowhere to the East of Burton Bradstock, just off the B3157. But don’t be fooled. It’s true there’s nothing there. Nothing in the sense of human habitation, cafés, public toilets or shops. But it is probably for all the things that aren’t there that people like to visit! What’s more, the limited size of the car park puts a natural brake on the number of people who can get there at any one time by car. What Cogden has, is a pleasant and fairly short walk down to the Chesil Beach across “access land” owned by the National Trust. Please note: this beautiful nothing in the middle of nowhere is a big draw to dog owners, so if you don’t like dogs you may not like Cogdon. However, if you have a dog it is perfect for a long walk.
Eype Beach (10 miles, 22 minutes)
Eype has been described as 'one of West Dorset's most beautiful villages', a bold claim in a county that is full of very beautiful villages! However, when you walk around viewing its pretty thatched cottages and delightful country gardens, you can soon understand why such a statement was made. Eype means "steep place" and its buildings can be traced back to the late eighteenth or early nineteenth centuries. Situated westwards along the coast from Bridport, Eype also boasts a stunningly attractive beach at Eype's Mouth Beach. This beautiful sand and gravel beach is backed by magnificent cliffs the most notable of which is the Golden Cap, the highest cliff on the south coast at 191m above sea level.
Lyme Regis (11 miles, 24 minutes)
There are four main beaches in Lyme Regis:
Back Beach: This extends northwest of the town towards Charmouth. The cliffs surrounding the beach are very unstable with extensive mudflows in places, and should be admired from a distance. The beach can be accessed from the north end of the promenade. Follow the asphalt road from Cobb Gate car park to the end and drop down onto the sands. Enquire about tides before you set out because the beach can be cut off at high tide. The cliffs above this beach are called the Spittles and are part of the biggest landslip in Europe. The Coast Path slid down the slopes in the last decade and there is now no right of way on this path between Lyme and Charmouth, because the land at the cliff edge belongs to the golf club.
Church Beach: This is in front of the rock armor that protects the promenade. It is sandy in places and at low tide there is an extensive rock ledge with hundreds of rock pools where you can catch shrimps. The river Lyme flows into the bay on this part of the beach so you will have to paddle if you want to walk along the sands. The beach is covered at high tide.
Town Beach: At the northern end of Town Beach, thousands of tons of pebbles were imported, as part of the recently completed coastal protection scheme, and placed on top of the pebbles originally there. The beach was built up by some three meters to be level with the Cart Road and to extend 20 to 30 meters out to sea. It seems to be very effective in protecting the Marine Parade and the buildings along it. At the Cobb end, the beach was also enhanced, this time with sand imported from France. The beach no longer gets covered at high tide and provides an extensive beach area for both young and old. There are kiosks, takeaways, cafes, restaurants and public houses bordering this section of the beach.
Monmouth Beach: This beach is so named because the Duke of Monmouth landed here in 1685 in an attempt to wrest the crown from King James II. In the aftermath of Monmouth’s defeat, twelve locals were hanged on this beach on the order of the notorious “Hanging Judge” Jeffreys. Monmouth beach extends over a kilometer southwest from the Cobb wall. Bordering this beach are holiday chalets, beach huts, the bowling green and the council run car parks.
West Bexington (13 miles, 27 minutes)
A long shingle beach shelving steeply, popular with walkers West Bexington Beach offers far reaching view from east to west. The beach is backed by the West Bexington nature reserve operated by the Dorset Wildlife Trust. Find the beach by taking the turning opposite the Bull Inn in the village of Swyre (DT2 9BZ).
Chesil Beach (16.3miles, 32 minutes)
An 18 mile shingle spit reaching from Portland Bill to Abbotsbury, wonderful for walking and bird watching, and a popular centre for windsurfing. www.chesilbeach.org Interestingly, the stones on this beach are larger to the east than to the west.
Beer (19 miles, 38 minutes)
The beautiful and unspoilt village of Beer is well worth a visit. There is an excellent selection of local shops in Beer (village store, newsagents, Post Office, off-licence, bakery, deli, several eateries, 3 local inns, art galleries, antique shops) and the beautiful horseshoe shaped beach - a real sun-trap with clean waters, rock pools at low tide and beach cafes. See the local fishermen bring in their catch or hire a boat. Limited parking on street. Large car park in village centre.
Portland Harbour (26.5 miles, 50 minutes)
This is the place for watersports: scuba diving, kite surfing, kayaking, windsurfing and sailing. It will also become home to the London 2012 Olympic sailing events, hosted by the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy, which also offers sailing lessons for all levels of ability. Follow the A354 from Weymouth to Portland. As you approach Portland, follow ‘Sailing Academy’ signs.
Weymouth (28.3 miles, 48 minutes)
Weymouth’s status as a seaside resort was established over 200 years ago when King George III visited to ‘take the waters’. However, a fact that is likely to be of more interest to the kids is that Weymouth’s sand is renowned for being particularly suited to sand sculpture and, more importantly, sandcastle building. Follow the A354 from Dorchester. Beach and car parks are well signposted.
Days Out
Marshwood Trails. Laverstock is in the Marshwood Vale. Marshwood Trails offer guided cycling and walking tours to help people discover what this beautiful area has to offer. All the details can be found on the website. They offer tours by peddle and electric bike and rent bikes too.
Horse Riding:Jo Forsey Riding School (1 mile away) – Bidlake Farm, Broakoak, Bridport, Jo is great with all ages including small kids. There is an indoor barn for the beginners.
Lama Trekking - UK Llamas New House Farm, Mosterton, Beaminster, DT8 3HE (5 miles)
Deep Sea Fishing: West Bay Charters West Bay. (6 miles) The sea fishing here is fantastic all year round. Bass and Pollack trips are run in the summer. Anchor or drift fishing for Whiting, Rays, Turbot, Bull Huss, Ling, Bream, Tope and Plaice, can also be offered. Rod and tackle hire is available. The 1 hour Mackerel trips are very popular, often nonstop action and suitable for first time anglers. Great for families with children who want to catch some great tasting fish for the BBQ. Mackerel fishing is exhilarating and the easiest fish to catch.
Local Brewery Tour:Palmers Brewery West Bay Road, Bridport (6 miles)
Market Days and Farmer’s Market: Bridport (6 miles) - Wednesdays and Saturdays
Speed-boat trip across Lyme Bay. (6 miles) - Lyme Bay RIB Charter are based in West Bay. They offer a wide and varied choice of options and are happy to tailor a specific activity to meet personal requirements. The rib boats are great fun and a perfect way to see the beauty of the coastline. West Bay Quayside service between Easter & September.
Live Entertainment Bridport: The Electric Palace 35 South Street, Bridport, DT6 3NY 01308 428354 The Electric Palace attracts fantastic bands and comedians, so if you like live shows, it’s worth looking at their website to see what is on.
Guided fossil hunting. Charmouth(8 miles) Great fun for kids and adults and Charmouth is one of the best places in the world for fossils. Group or private hunting walks available. Check the website or give them a call.
Forde Abbey Forde Abbey was formerly a Cistercian monastery founded in 1141 and is renowned for its award-winning gardens. You can visit the house and explore the 30 acres of gardens. There good café and plant nursery too. The gardens are beautiful and it’s well worth a visit.
Montacute House (14 miles, 30 minutes) - The National Trust’s Montacute House is a Renaissance Manor House built of stone in 1588. It is filed with treasures and not only houses a fantastic exhibition of 17th textile samplers, it also has an arm of the National Portrait Gallery containing many Elizabethan paintings. ‘Sense and Sensibility’ was filmed here.
Cookery courses at Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage HQ Near Axminster (15 miles, 25 minutes) Highly reputed courses. Have a look on their website for more information.
Mapperton House (7 miles, 15 minutes) Mapperton is the home of the Earl and Countess of Sandwich and is famous for its sunken garden. The house, Elizabethan in origin, enlarged in the late 1660s, is a marvelous example of a West Country manor house. The gardens are worth a visit and there is a good café too.
Clay Shooting: Evershot (15 miles, 30 minutes) – Southern Counties Shooting is the largest shooting ground in the country with over 450 fully automatic traps and was the official training ground for the 2012 London Olympics. They welcome and offer lessons to complete beginners. There is no need to have your own gun or a shotgun certificate as an instructor will provide you with all the necessary equipment. Their Have a Go lessons are suitable for individuals but also ideal for groups and families. You must call beforehand.
Trout Fishing, Near Cerne Abbas (17 miles, 35 minutes) Trout fishing only five miles away: the lakes at Flowers Farm are situated in an attractive natural environment with views overlooking the Blackmore Vale. The fishery comprises five lakes, stocked with high quality Brown and Rainbow Trout. Tuition can be arranged. Tackle can be hired. Do call them for more information.
Swannery New Barn Road, Abbotsbury, (18 miles) Abbotsbury Swannery is unique. This is the only place in the world where you are able to walk through the heart of a colony of nesting Mute Swans. Great for kids.
Subtropical Gardens Bullers Way, Abbotsbury, (18 miles) Established in 1765 by the first Countess of Ilchester as a kitchen garden for her nearby castle. Developed since then into a magnificent 20 acre garden filled with rare and exotic plants from all over the world. Many of these plants were first introductions to this country, discovered by the plant hunting descendants of the Countess.
Children’s Farm Church Street, Abbotsbury, (18 miles) This is a great place for the young family looking for things to do in Dorset. There are lots of animals for the children to meet, greet and feed. Children can cuddle the guinea pigs, ride the ponies, race the tractors, play in the large undercover play area and bottle feed the baby goats. The baby goats also race around a track twice a day, after the race the children are invited to take a goat for a warm down walk on a lead. Perfect for kids under 10. There is a café on site.
Dry Fly Fishing, Dorchester (21 miles, 35 minutes)
Wrackleford offers four miles of Dry Fly Fishing on the River Frome, divided into individual fishing beats, most with their own small fishing hut. Each fishing beat is rented by the day. They can provide complete fishing equipment, from rods and waders to flies and leader, and given notice they can offer a fully guided day with instruction.
Meet your hosts
Emma and family run Laverstock Farm and in the interests of sensitively managed diversification they decided to set up Herdwick Hut and Everdene Hut. It's located on the Woodland Walk at Laverstock Farm which is a unique peaceful area with far reaching views across the surrounding countryside. Laverstock is nestled in the Marshwood Vale at the foot of Lewesdon Hill and Pilsdon Pen in rural West Dorset, approximately six miles from Bridport & West Bay and eleven miles from Lyme Regis. Laverstock is a wonderful place to relax and explore West Dorset, East Devon and the Jurassic Coast. It is perfect if you enjoy walking or simply wish to escape busy life because we are surrounded by beautiful countryside and have extensive footpaths on the farm and surrounding area.
From Laverstock you can walk for hours through acres of private woodland and climb Dorset’s two highest hills. A stream passes alongside the wood which makes for a perfect place to rest or picnic and absorb the tranquillity and natural beauty of Laverstock. The farm enjoys far reaching views over the Marshwood Vale and out to sea. So don’t forget your walking boots or wellies!
Wildlife & the environment:
Remote location on a private estate with a working farm. Surrounded by wildlife, owls, foxes, rabbits, deer, pheasants, woodpeckers, badger and many birds can be found on and around the woodland walk. Located between Dorset’s highest Hills Pilsdon ad Lewesdon Hill. Private water supply from spring.
Our guests say...
Quaint and romantic, it was perfect for a couple of days getaway. It was incredible looking up and seeing all of the stars at night and it was very cosy inside the hut despite some inclement weather outside!!
26/10/2020Zoe
We had a wonderful stay at Laverstock's Everdene Hut. Very well equipped and a beautiful and peaceful location. We were able to eat outside both evenings because of using the fire pit. The stars were amazing in the early hours.
20/09/2020Margaret
It was an amazing relaxing secluded shepherds hut on a farm. My hubby and I loved it and our Labrador has an absolute ball and could safely be off the lead without worrying about him or others.We used it as a base to explore the Dorset/Devon coast. The facilities were all we needed and as described.
16/09/2019Jackie
Fantastic place. Lovely friendly owners. Super location with heaps of wildlife and all the practical facilities we needed (gas hobs, saucepans, etc.). Stove and fire bowl were great, and we enjoyed sitting outside with a fire and watching the stars
31/08/2019David
we stayed in one of Laverstock Farm's two shepherd huts. the ground of the farm are beautiful and the owners were very friendly. we were invited to help ourselves to their vegetable garden which was fantastic. The hut itself was nicely decorated, and had a small outdoor kitchen area that was well stocked with plates, glasses and cutlery. A double gas burner was available for our use, as was a barbecue and fir separate fire pit. If i have one negative point it would be the lack of any coffee, but this was easily overcome with a trip to a nearby supermarket. We would certainly recommend this place to anyone looking for something a little different.
19/07/2019Simon
Love this place? Tell everyone!
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1. Booking and payments
1.1 In order to confirm your chosen Booking, you must pay a non-refundable deposit as required by the Owner of the Booking in question (or full payment if booking within 10 weeks of the date of your check-in). The deposit is non-refundable as it covers costs incurred and services provided to enable your Booking. These include, but are not limited to, marketing and PR, property inspection fees, Owner management, booking management, credit card fees and customer service.
1.2 Your Booking is confirmed and a contract between you and the Owner will exist when we receive payment of the deposit and send you a booking confirmation on the Owner’s behalf. This Booking confirmation will normally be sent out within 24 hours in the case of email and seven working days in the case of post and will contain the details of your Booking and of payments made and due. If you have not received your Booking confirmation within the specified time, please notify us as soon as possible by email (bookings@canopyandstars.co.uk). Please check your confirmation carefully and report any incorrect or incomplete information to us immediately. As we act only as booking Agent, we have no responsibility for any errors in any documentation except where an error is made by us.
1.3 Once a deposit has been paid, the full balance payment will be due 10 weeks in advance of your check in. A reminder to pay your balance will be sent to you one week prior to this 10 week date, where applicable, by email. We automatically take the balance payment using the same card as used to make the deposit payment. It is your responsibility to advise us if we should use a different card and to contact us by telephone (0117 204 7830) to arrange for alternative payment method. If the automated balance payment does not successfully go through as there is a problem with your card, such as it expiring, then we will contact you to try and take alternative payment. If you do not make any payment due to Canopy & Stars by the due date for payment and at the latest within 5 days of this date, then with regret, we will notify the Owner who may cancel your Booking and terminate their contract with you. In these circumstances, your rights to a refund are set out in clause 2.4.2. Please note that if you have paid in a currency that is different to the original pricing, we will not be able to guarantee the same conversion rate that was used to convert the deposit payment.
1.4 Except where otherwise advised or stated in the booking conditions of the Owner concerned, all monies you pay to us for a Booking will be held on behalf of the Owner(s) concerned.
1.5 Credit Card payments are processed via Elavon who provide merchants services facilities to Sawday’s Canopy & Stars Ltd.
2. Cancellation and Amendment by You
2.1 If you have to, or want to, cancel or amend your Booking this request must be sent to us by email (bookings@canopyandstars.co.uk) and will be considered and responded to within one working day of receipt. You are also advised to confirm all changes to our Guest Experience Team by calling 0117 204 7830. Please ensure that you have received written confirmation of any changes to your Booking prior to travel. Whilst we will always try to help, we cannot guarantee that such requests will be met.
2.2 Any amendments to your Booking or cancellations made by you, at any time, may incur a £50 administration fee in addition to us retaining the non-refundable deposit as per clause 2.4.2. This represents the administration costs incurred by us on behalf of the Owner to deal with such requests.
2.3 Amendments and cancellations can only be accepted in accordance with the booking conditions of the Owner of your Booking. The Owner may charge the cancellation or amendment charges shown in their booking conditions (which may be as much as 100% of the cost of the Booking and will normally increase closer to the date of departure). The Owner may charge cancellation or amendment charges in accordance with its own booking conditions, however for the sake of convenience only, we have outlined the Owner’s charges at clause 2.4 and 2.5 below. Please note that these are the Owner’s own cancellation and amendments charges, not Canopy & Stars’, and therefore the Owner may vary their charges as they wish, without notice to us. The correct charges will be notified to you at the time of your cancellation or amendments. In the event of a cancellation your right to a refund is as per clause 2.4.2 below.
2.4 Owner’s General Cancellation Charges:
2.4.1 Cancellation by you at any time will result in your deposit being forfeited, as all deposits are non-refundable. Where a Booking has been taken with a deposit which is less than our standard deposit (25% of the total Booking Fee), the Guest will, upon cancellation, be liable to pay the difference between the reduced deposit and our standard deposit.
2.4.2 In the event of cancellation within 10 weeks of check in the total cost of the accommodation including the deposit is non-refundable. In some circumstances it may be possible to swap the stay to another date as per clause 2.5.5 below. Cancellation should always be in writing to info@canopyandstars.co.uk. The deposit is always non-refundable as it covers costs incurred and services provided to enable your Booking. These include, but are not limited to, marketing and PR, property inspection fees, Owner management, booking management, credit card fees and customer service.
2.4.3 Cancellation of any holiday after it has been paid in full and at a date 10 weeks or more in advance of your check in date, will result in forfeiture of your deposit (or an amount equivalent where one was not paid as the holiday was paid in full) and the balance being returned to you. Refunds will be processed in the currency of the booking. Where this is different to the currency of the payment card, this will be converted at the current exchange rate on the day of the refund.
2.4.4 If extreme weather prevents you from reaching your holiday, taking or finishing your holiday, you are still subject to these cancellation terms as outlined in clause 2.4.2 above. We strongly recommend that you take out a travel insurance policy which covers this eventuality. In the event of the property becoming unavailable (such as due to fire or flooding), Canopy & Stars will endeavour to provide the Guest with suitable alternative accommodation, starting with any other accommodation that may be available with the same Owner of your Booking, or will refund all monies paid, or a proportion in the case of curtailment. The Agency cannot, however, pay any compensation or expenses as a consequence of such an event.
2.4.5 Cancellation insurance is available but will be a third party arrangement and not involve Canopy & Stars or the Owner in any way. You are strongly recommended to take out personal travel insurance for all members of your party for your holiday including holidays in the UK. It is your responsibility to ensure that the insurance cover is adequate for your needs, including cancellation and curtailment. 2.4.6 If you fail to check-in on your date of arrival your Booking will be cancelled and no refund will be due.
2.5 Owner’s General Amendment Charges:
2.5.1 Amendments to your Booking can only be made more than 10 weeks prior to the check in date, after which time amendments may be treated as cancellation and our refund policy as detailed in clause 2.4.2 above may apply. All amendments are subject to availability and may incur a fee which is at the Owner’s discretion (and is in addition to the Agency amendment fee as detailed in clause 2.2). Generally Owners will charge cancellation and amendment charges, the exact charges will be notified to you by the Owner at the time of cancellation and/or can be found in the Owner’s own booking conditions which are available from the Owner on request.
2.5.2 Differences in the total amount payable resulting from amendments to your Bookings will be refunded to you in the case of a decrease in price and paid by you in the case of increases in price.
2.5.3 In the event that a refund is issued it will be in the same form and ratio as the original payment was made. Therefore, if a Gift Voucher was used to purchase the original stay, the refund will be back onto a new Gift Voucher at the same amount as originally used.
2.5.4 In the event that a date swap is offered, this will normally be agreed with a set timeframe to rebook and sometimes a credit against a future stay will be offered via a Gift Voucher. Unless agreed otherwise, this Gift Voucher will only be redeemable with the same Owner as per the original Booking and Agency Booking Terms and Conditions would apply.
2.5.5 If a date swap is offered then normal Agency Booking Terms and Conditions would apply on the new date and Booking.
3. Changes and Cancellations by the Owner
We will inform you as soon as reasonably possible if the Owner needs to make a significant change to your confirmed Booking or to cancel your Booking. We will also liaise between you and the Owner to try and organise an alternative Booking offered by the Owner, or a refund but we will have no further liability to you.
4. Cancellations due to events outside of Owner’s control
An Owner may have to cancel a booking due to events outside of their reasonable control (see clause 20). In such circumstances, we will liaise between you and the Owner to try and organise an any alternative Booking offered by the Owner, or a refund but we will have no further liability to you.
5. Complaints
Because the contract for your Booking is between you and the Owner, any queries or concerns should be addressed to them. We always aim to provide the best possible holiday experience, however, in the event that you have any complaint or problems during your stay, please immediately notify the Owner as during the stay itself, so that the Owner has the opportunity to resolve the given problem at the time. Please also let us know of the problem as soon as possible by emailing info@canopyandstars.co.uk so we are aware too and can support you and the Owner with resolving anything. If you do not follow this procedure there will be less opportunity for the Owner to investigate and resolve your complaint and so make your stay as enjoyable as possible. Delays may also mean that amount of compensation you may be entitled to may be reduced or negated. Whether or not your complaint is dealt with satisfactorily, please also contact us as we appreciate all feedback. It is important to us and the Owner to know that you’ve enjoyed your stay or if anything could have been improved.
6. Pricing
6.1 Canopy & Stars reserve the right to amend advertised prices at any time on behalf of the Owner. We also reserve the right to correct errors in both advertised and confirmed prices. Special note: changes and errors sometimes occur.
6.2 Rates are set per place in the currency specified by the Owner. Where this has been converted into the currency of your preference, until the payment stage this will be an estimation only, based on a recent exchange rate. The original rate will be displayed before you confirm your payment and you will be given the option of paying in your own currency at our guaranteed rate, or paying in your own currency and leaving the conversion and any associated fees to your card provider.
7. Information & Accuracy
The information and prices shown on this website are varied from time to time and may change between the time you first view a property and make a Booking. You should check that all the details are as you expect prior to making a Booking. It is always possible that, despite our best efforts, some of the properties (including the features and extras available) may be incorrectly described and/or priced. If we discover this is the case after you have made a Booking, we reserve the right to contact you with details of the correct information and/or pricing and will give you the option to:
(1) proceed with the Booking based on the correct information and/or pricing, which may require the payment of an additional amount by you;
OR
(2) subject to availability, change your booking dates to dates when the pricing can be honoured and so no additional charge to you. In the event that a lower price can be offered for alternative dates then the difference would be refunded;
OR
(3) cancel the Booking. If we do not receive your instructions within 5 days of contacting you, we reserve the right to cancel your Booking without liability to you.
8. Our Responsibility for your Booking
Your contract is with the Owner and its booking conditions apply. As Agent, we accept no responsibility for the actual provision of the Booking. Our responsibilities are limited to making the Booking in accordance with your instructions and acting properly in accordance with our legal duties as an Agent. We accept no responsibility for any information about the Booking that we pass on to you in good faith. However, in the event that we are found liable to you on any basis whatsoever, our maximum liability to you is limited to twice the cost of your Booking (or the appropriate proportion of this if not everyone on the Booking is affected). We do not exclude or limit any liability for death or personal injury that arises as a result of our negligence or that of any of our employees whilst acting in the course of their employment.
9. Pets
9.1 Not all properties accept pets. If you wish to take your pet on holiday, please advise us before booking and we can check whether pets are accepted at the property. You must obtain the prior consent of the Owner before taking any pets to the property. If you take a pet to a place that doesn’t allow pets, or you exceed the number of pets allowed at a place, the Owner has the right to refuse you to stay at the Property, and/or they may ask you to leave the Property before the end of the holiday period. Please note that this would be without the right to any refund.
9.2 A nightly charge may be made by the Owner for each pet and additional terms may apply, you will be notified of this at point of Booking. Please check these terms carefully before booking and arriving.
9.3 Please do not leave your pets alone or unsupervised in the property at any time during your stay. For the safety and comfort of your pet we request that Owners exercise due diligence at all times, especially where the property is located near a road/livestock. Canopy & Stars nor the Owner can accept responsibility for the safety of your pet.
9.4 If any guest has an allergy to pets, please be aware that Owners (and we) cannot guarantee that a pet has not stayed in a particular Property. We and Owners cannot accept responsibility for any suffering which may occur as a result of such animals having been present in a Property.
9.5. We ask that all owners of pets keep their pet under control at all times and to be responsible for ensuring that they do not damage the Property during the stay. You will be liable for any damage caused by your pet. Any damage is to be reported to the Owner immediately. Any additional cleaning required, that may incur an additional charge, will be at the Owner's discretion.
10. VAT
Many of the Owners of properties in the Canopy & Stars portfolio are not registered for VAT in which case no tax is payable. Where VAT is payable, the tax is included in the advertised holiday rental price. If the rate of VAT changes between the date of the Booking and the date of the stay, Canopy & Stars will adjust the rate of VAT that you pay, unless you have already paid for the Booking in full before the change in the rate of VAT takes effect.
11. Visa, passport and health requirements
Unless you tell us otherwise, we assume that all members of your party are British citizens who hold or will hold full British passports valid for the entire duration of the Booking you chose to purchase. Information on visa, passport and health requirements, where given and applicable, is so given on this basis. Requirements may change and you are therefore strongly recommended to check the up to date position with the Owner of the Booking, Passport Office, appropriate embassy or consulate or your doctor as applicable in good time before the commencement of your holiday. Prior to international travel it is your responsibility to check whether it is safe to travel by visiting the FCO website www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
12. Insurance
You are strongly recommended to take out personal travel insurance for all members of your party for your holiday, including holidays in the UK. It is your responsibility to ensure that the insurance cover is adequate for your needs, including cancellation and curtailment. Please read your policy details carefully and take them with you on holiday.
13. Special requests
If you have any special requests (for example dietary requirements, allergy, cots or room location), please let us know at the time of booking. We will pass on all such requests to the Owner, but unfortunately, we can't guarantee that they will be met and we will have no liability to you if they are not.
14. Group Bookings
Not all Owners accept Bookings for a single sex group (for example, a stag or hen party). Guests wanting to make such a Booking should check with us beforehand to enable us to check whether the Owner is prepared to accept the Booking. We will then advise you accordingly. In event that an Owner does not accept this type of Booking then it is with regret, that the Booking may be cancelled, and cancellation fees may apply. It is the Guest’s responsibility to enquire with Canopy & Stars and/or check on our website beforehand to make sure that this type of Booking is permitted.
15. Maximum Numbers
Please note that except by prior arrangement confirmed in writing, only the number of persons specified on a booking confirmation may occupy a property. Most owners reserve the right to refuse admittance or revoke a Booking if this condition is not observed and you are unlikely to receive any refund.
16. Your Responsibilities
16.1 Please note that you have a contract with the Owner of the property. As such you are under a responsibility to behave in a proper, appropriate and legal manner whilst staying at the property with due respect to the Owner, the Property and other guests and their Property.
16.2 During the period of Covid-19 or any other pandemic it is also your responsibility to ensure that you are healthy and safe to travel and that you respect the safety of the Owner and any other guests by conforming to social distancing and other government guidelines relating to your stay.
16.3 You are responsible for informing the Owner of any losses or damage to the property as soon as possible. Please note that you will be liable to pay the Owner for any losses or damage to the property caused by you or a member of your party (except reasonable wear and tear). Some Owners will also require damage deposits.
16.4 You must also leave the property by the check-out time specified on your Booking. If any guest behaves inappropriately or improperly (of which the Owner will be the final judge on their Property), or illegally, the Owner reserves the right to ask the guest and their party (at their discretion) to leave the Property before the end of the holiday period and/or refuse any future bookings from you. Any refund for so doing will be at the entire discretion of the Owner.
16.5 The Owner reserves the right to sue the guest for any loss, damage or injury caused to the Owner, the Property or to other guests and/or their property. As Agent, we will have no liability to you in these circumstances.
16.6 The Owner only supplies the Property for domestic and private use. You agree not to use the Property for any commercial, business or re-sale purpose, and the Owner has no liability to you for any loss of profit, loss of business, business interruption, or loss of business opportunity. If you do wish to use the Property for a commercial purpose, please contact Canopy & Stars.
17. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These terms and conditions have been drafted in accordance with and are governed by English law and the courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction in relation to any and all disputes arising out of these Agency Terms & Conditions.
18. Discrepancies
In case of a discrepancy between these Agency Terms & Conditions and any other Canopy & Stars literature, these Agency Terms & Conditions shall prevail.
19. Validity clause
In the event that a court finds that a condition in these Agency Terms & Conditions is illegal or void, the illegal or void provision will be severed from the remainder of the Agency Terms & Conditions, which will continue to be valid and have full force and effect.
20. Events beyond an Owner or Agency’s control
If an Owner or Canopy & Stars is prevented or delayed from complying with any of their respective obligations under these Agency Terms & Conditions or a contract for a Booking due to events or circumstances beyond their reasonable control, the inability or delay in performing those obligations will not be treated as a breach of these Agency Terms & Conditions or a contract for a Booking. Examples of such events or circumstances include fire, flood and other acts of God, strikes, trade disputes, lock outs, restrictions of imports or exports, riot, accident, disruption to energy supplies, civil commotion, acts of terrorism or war, pandemic (including Covid-19), any national/local/regional government restrictions.
Quaint and romantic, it was perfect for a couple of days getaway. It was incredible looking up and seeing all of the stars at night and it was very cosy inside the hut despite some inclement weather outside!!
26/10/2020