SHEPHERD'S HUTS FAQ
Please see our Shepherd’s Hut Information Pack that will answer many of your questions.
How many people can be accommodated?
We currently have 2 glamping sites on the farm, both of which have 4 5-berth shepherds huts & a communal wash hut with 2 loos & 2 showers. In total each site can accommodate 20 people. We work quite closely with The Happy Glamper & White Dog Events, who offer pre-pitched fully equipped bell tents. They are able to pitch these within one of our hut sites to increase the number of glamping units available. This does however need prior arrangement with us so that we can ensure we have the bigger site available for your stay!
Are we allowed to bring our dog?
I’m afraid that as there is so much communal space, we are unable to allow dogs to stay with us @ The Original Hut Company.
Do you accept group bookings?
Yes, we do! However we prefer a group to take over a whole glamping site. If you are a single sex group/Birthday/Hen or Stag party we do insist that you rent all the huts as it works much better that way for everyone involved. PLEASE NOTE: We never allow a group booking to occupy 3 huts as we do not feel that is it fair on people staying in the 4th hut to be completely surrounded by a group booking!!
How can I pay?
Payment may be made by credit or debit card through our online booking platform, we will send you a payment link if booking directly. Under our Coronavirus Booking Guarantee a deposit is made to secure the booking with the balance becoming payable 30 days prior to your break.
What time can I check in & where?
For Shepherds Huts check in is after 4pm & check out is by 10am. Sometimes this can be flexible depending on availability either side of your stay. Check-in is usually in The Hub, our onsite café, or in busier times in the check-in hut in the car park.
Are we allowed a fire?
Camp fires are permitted only within the fire pits provided. The Health & Safety risks are continuously assessed with the local fire brigade accordingly.
Can I drive to my hut?
Car parking is a short distance away from the huts. Weather permitting we allow our guests to drive much closer to the hut to load & unload. During periods of bad weather we will help you transfer your luggage from the car park to the hut!
Public Transport?
The nearest main line stations are Robertsbridge or Etchingham. We have a good local taxi company (AKRother) who will transfer you to us. If you need a hire car, you can come into Staplehurst where there is an Enterprise Car Rental. This will require prior organisation. We also have contacts for bike hire, so that you’re not stranded!
Is there a fridge?
No. I provide the best cool boxes on the market, and supply you with new ice packs each day (just bring yours back to The Hub to be replaced). The fuller these are and the cooler the produce is when it goes into them the more efficiently they work.
Is there a power point?
No. There is lighting which is solar powered and works through a 12 volt battery. The hobs in the kitchens are gas as is the boiler for the wash hut. There are small LED outside lights to help you find your hut in the dark!! For charging laptops/phones, we have charging lockers in The Hub.
Are the huts warm?
The huts have double glazed windows, and are insulated with very effective modern products as a newly built house would be. They are also heated, so yes they are really warm and cosy. We have even had a few bonkers people staying in the snow in previous years!
What's on board?
The huts are fully equipped with cooking equipment, there are tumblers, wine glasses & mugs, tea & coffee pots, cutlery, and enamelware crockery, pots & pans, and cast iron outside cooking equipment. This is specifically designed for cooking on the open fire. We provide bedding but not towels. To find a full breakdown of the inventory please click here.
Please note that vehicles are not permitted on the site. You leave your car in an area of hard standing and walk across the field to the huts. Due to climate change (rising sea levels) we have decided to move the river huts onto higher ground, as the river often floods. This site has better access & works very well. The huts are sited a little closer together so no one has to walk very far to the loo!
Nick’s father lives in the farmhouse, we live about a mile away in the next village, so you do need to give us a good idea of arrival times as I often need to scoop the children and dogs into the car and come and meet you. I will send a map and directions pack with your booking. Please bring these with you. Our postcode is two miles long, and some satnavs (Particularly Google Maps) will dump you at the wrong end which is about a 4 mile drive round for you, and very frustrating!!! Especially when you have just told your children you’re nearly there!!!!
Top things to bring: a torch, towels, marshmallows, a lighter, car phone charger and some wellies!!