Local Area

Beautiful spot just outside what seems to be a quintessentially English village (Okeford Fitzpaine). Lovely view of the Dorset countryside with wildlife sounds all around. John and Jane met us when we arrived and showed us around but let us get on with our cosy weekend. They were both very friendly and hospitable. The shepherd’s hut was in a field near to their house but they’d put up small inobtrusive wicker privacy screens near the hut decorated with fairy lights to make it even cosier. The hut was clean, well-kept, traditional in style and you could tell John and Jane had thought about the little extras. The bed was comfy and the shower was hot (though we didn’t need it given the heat). We cooked both nights at the hut, once in the kitchen and once on the bbq. We had everything there we needed to cook. Fresh coffee was also provided! We both had a really wonderful time and would definitely return (if we ever get a weekend to ourselves again)!

Jane & John lovely hosts, beautiful shepherd hut, lovely shower, comfortable bed, well equipped, with everything you need and more. Lovely bottle of wine in the fridge, tea coffee milk. Wood burner, extra blankets if needed. Beautiful country side views!

Super comfortable, cosy and well equipped with lots of personal touches. More space than you might expect and very efficient shower with plenty of hot water. The huts are in a superb position to enjoy your individual space and uninterrupted fabulous views. Jane is a wonderful host, every need enthusiastically catered for, nothing is too much trouble and the welcome gifts were much appreciated.
Ideally located to enjoy this part of Dorset with superb walks in all directions and pretty towns and villages to explore.
Can’t recommend Barkhill highly enough and will definitely be booking again.

Totally loved our stay in the latest addition to the shepherds huts, Sunny Jim.

Couldn’t have asked for better hosts, Jane and John, who were always on hand and made us feel totally welcome. The facilities are spot on with private outdoor seating spaces, parking, gas barbecue and fire basket for sitting out in the evening.

The hut was superbly set up, spotlessly clean and homely with a perfect view across the rolling hills of Dorset. Access to a variety of places worth a trip to is easy. I can thoroughly recommend a visit to Sturminster Newton mill. Jonathan gives a great history tour and the tea and cakes were delicious.

If you’re looking for somewhere that is welcoming, quiet with expansive views and plenty to do on the doorstep then you cannot go wrong with the Barkshill Shepherds Huts.

Wonderful welcome, amazing views, beautifully appointed. We felt very spoilt. Jane and John had thought of everything. Lovely toiletries in the showers, freshly cut flowers, milk in the fridge, there were biscuits, a cafetiere and fresh coffee, nice tea bags… they had included so many extras we had not expected. There were gorgeous local art works and tasteful vintage pieces used to decorate the hut. It was so peaceful; we had a wonderful 5 days and nights. Highly recommend a trip to Milton Abbas if you happen to be there for the annual summer fete in July; also Weymouth for sandy beaches and a lovely harbour and the mobile fish and chip van in Child Okeford ! We will definitely be coming back.

Brilliant hut! Intimate, cosy, fabulous hosts!

The Shepherd Hut is situated in a raised position enabling great views over the countryside. Very well equipped, tastefully decorated in keeping with the vintage theme of the hut. Cosy and warm, owner Jane had thoughtfully put a small heater on to welcome us on a rainy November day. Tea, coffee and milk were provided and a bottle of wine (John had emailed us to ask red or white). John & Jane were exceptionally good hosts who ensured we had everything we wanted. My husband and I took advantage of the wood burning stove which gave a lovely warm ambience to the hut. If the weather had been dry, we would have taken advantage of the seating outside and the fire pit. I would highly recommend this wonderful hut and a visit to Shaftesbury to see Gold Hill made famous by the Hovis television advertisement.

Stunning location. Friendly hosts who provide all information you could want/need about the local area. The hut itself is beautiful, very clean and fresh, again host was kind enough to supply milk, tea and coffee. Place looks brand new and has everything you need for an enjoyable stay. Highly recommend and will be back!