Iris
Sitting on the other side of the meadow, and complete with his original shepherd’s crook, you can enjoy triple aspect views across to the scarp slopes of Melbury and Fontmell Down. Iris also has her own veranda, as well as the share of facilities with Woody and your family or friends. Once called Sam, now known as Iris after our 6 year old daughter.
The stresses of modern day life are a distant memory here as you gaze across to the scarp slopes of Melbury and Fontmell Down. A pretty vintage quilt and luxurious sheepskin drape the comfortable 4 by 6 foot bed, which makes the most of the triple aspect views. Enjoy the dawn chorus whilst you boil the kettle on the stove to make your morning tea.
A clever addition to this authentic hut is the veranda where you can enjoy a glass of wine and the barbecue. You can choose to toast chestnuts on the ‘pipsqueak’ wood burner, reach for the vintage scrabble set, or gaze at the night sky as you have never seen it before.
The bathroom is just a short hop and a skip across the meandering paved path into a converted outbuilding. An antique commode-come-composting loo, a salvaged suite complete with electric shower, sink and a heated towel rail all combine to make a very comfortable convenience.
“Iris is available for additional accommodation for two people within the same party. ”
You can’t miss the orange hot tub with its bespoke timber surround, offering complete privacy and protection from the elements.
First use is on us, and super easy. The hot tub can be ready in 90 minutes with the turn of a tap (with our propane heater). This is probably the most economic way to get the best value as it will require less wood on subsequent days. The hot tub is now under cover and has two open sides with amazing views up to Fontmell Down, so if it is raining only your bottom half will get wet. If however it is fine, you can gaze at the stars.
We are happy to have the hot tub ready for your arrival, but please keep in touch with timings so you can make the most out of it fully heated!
Hot tub
‘Silas’ is the most recent arrival in the glamping field. Re-invented from a humble grain store, he provides a one-of-a-kind seating area. An integrated fire pit will keep you warm and you can even barbeque in here.
Silas started life as a humble grain silo at Gourd’s Farm, just a hop, skip and a jump away from his new abode here at The Old Forge.
With a passion for all things galvanised, I couldn’t help but notice that this particular silo appeared to be in retirement on the farm. The cogs started turning in my mind to come up with a new lease of life for him; an observatory? a bar? a new Glamping unit?
Silas spent rather too long sitting without purpose at the top of our field until being winched into position for his transformation to evolve. A gradual process ensued, inspired by the miscellany that I wanted to upcycle.
What we have created is a beautifully simple and intimate seating area making the most of the panorama that surrounds it. Silas will give you shelter from the elements and has four removable shutters to cope with all prevailing weathers. He can be used as a BBQ or fire pit.
Silas the Silo
Essentials
Iris is only bookable as extra accommodation for Woody at £40 per person per night to ensure complete privacy
Woody and Iris have a small 4ft double bed
Check in - 4.30pm (earlier by request)
Check out- 10am
Cosy 4ft double bed
Linen and towels provided
Faith in Nature soap, shampoo, conditioner and bodywash provided
Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and a few treats in the kitchen
Private bathroom with composting loo and shower 30 metres away
Basket of logs in hut provided, £5 extra for re-fills under hut
Fire pit wood available to purchase at £5 a crate, local light in a bag BBQ fuel £4 a bag, as well as extra firelighters, matches and kindling by donation
BBQ’s and fire pits provided
Minimum two night stay
Prices start from £145 per night. Book direct for best prices!
Kids & Pets
Well behaved children of all ages welcome. We do have audio monitors in the huts so you can keep an ear on your little ones if they are sleeping alone in Iris from the comfort of your own bed.
We are proud to be a dog-friendly property and would be happy to accommodate your pet for £25 per stay. Please enquire when you book your stay for more information.
Facilities
Shared wood fired hot tub with Woody
Silas the Silo BBQ hut
Exclusive use of the glamping kitchen, with all the amenities that you will need. Fridge, freezer, gas cooker, sink, cooking utensils, kettle, tea and coffee, local biscuits, dog treats, marshmallows. You can even buy our own free range eggs to cook up in the kitchen or take home.
Breakfast
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Continental Hamper
Breakfast in bed? Yes please! Order a hamper of freshly baked croissants, homemade marmalade, very berry and strawberry jam and freshly pressed apple juice with a thermos of tea or coffee. A great way to start your day without leaving bed! Just £7 each.
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Cooked Breakfast
Breakfast is served! Come into the farmhouse for the tastiest breakfast, were everything is local, organic or free range, home cooked and simply delicious. £15 each, preordered. Please book with at least 24hrs notice. preorder form here
What our guest have to say
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"The most relaxing holiday ever… we both value peace and quiet in our time off, and this holiday definitely didn’t disappoint"
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“The hut was lovely, cosy and well equipped. We lit the log burner in the evening. Surroundings are beautiful, very peaceful”
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“We had the most amazing stay in ‘Sam‘ the shepherds hut. It has been thoughtfully decorated with vintage knick-knacks and has the sweetest little stove, which kept us warm and cosy. Tim and Lucy were very well accommodating and the remote location (on the farm with the animals) was perfect”