A shepherd’s hut full of festive cheer, to bring the family near this time of year

In a home fit to burst, filled with festive food, far flung family and gifts for the grandchildren, a shepherd’s hut from Dorset-based master hutmaker, Plankbridge, can provide room to relax this Christmas. Whether a blissful bolthole for returning relatives or a space to enjoy the garden in the depths of winter, the timeless 12’ by 6’6” hut could bring the whole family that little bit closer to the great outdoors this Christmas Eve, as the mince pies and sherry are shared in front of a roaring fire.

A shepherd’s hut is right at home among the huge variety of Victorian traditions still embraced today at Christmas, not least the Christmas card, the cracker and the beloved tree itself, which was first brought to prominence by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1848. During a period when the royals first brought the outside in with their decorated tree, agricultural workers were taking a few home comforts even further into the wilderness, using their mobile shelters to tend their flocks during lambing season.

True to the original design which was perfected by Victorian craftsmen, the classic corrugated iron exterior of the hut contains a space that has been continually reinvented by Plankbridge Hutmakers. So often used as a spare bedroom for visiting family and friends, or as a way to bring people closer to nature at any time of year from the comfort of their offices, workshops or artist studios, a frosty morning garden view from the shepherd’s hut window will be an unforgettable way to start this Christmas Day.

A standard Plankbridge Classic Shepherd’s Hut, complete with painted windows and door (optional upgrade to English oak), a solid French oak floor and a Farrow & Ball painted interior, starts at £22,225.20 including VAT and measures 12' long. Longer and bespoke designs can be quoted for.

For more information about Plankbridge Hutmakers visit www.plankbridge.com.