shepherd's hut in Wisborough Green

Bluebell is a gorgeous hand-built shepherd's hut offering the ultimate escape in the South Downs National Park. Tucked away in your private acre of woodland - next to a 500-acre ancient forest riven with footpaths - you'll awake to birdsong and dappled sunlight, and overlooking a wildflower meadow where buzzards soar. Bluebell has a cute kitchen with hob & wood-burner, table & 4ft-wide memory mattress. HOT OUTDOOR SHOWER, fire pit, BBQ, compost loo. Robes & towels provided. Blissfully WIFI-free The space Gorgeous Bluebell is located in its own enchanting fenced woodland. You will have this one-acre ancient copse (including hazel and oak trees) entirely to yourself for the duration of your stay. Cross your tiny private footbridge over the little stream and enter a wildflower meadow, where deer often graze, through your own private gate. No need to bring towels, robes, shampoo, conditioner or shower gel - it's all awaiting you! Our hill-side location in glorious West Sussex is an idyllic country retreat and very secluded, next to a pretty lane, and surrounded by its own private grounds which are a wildlife haven for many rare species of plants, fungi, butterflies, dragonflies and birds. There is a profusion of wild flowers for much of the year and a number of species of orchid. PRECISE ADDRESS, detailed directions and check-in information will be emailed after booking. Do not rely on the Airbnb pin as it is intentionally vague. Our house is a short walk away through the woodland, so we are here if you need us. We are committed to inclusion and welcome everyone, including parent and child visitors (this is a magical place for children to explore nature close up, and wifi free). WILD SWIMMING - 25 mins walk down a track to the River Arun to the secret swimming hole!! Map & directions provided. KAYAKING - 10 mins drive to Fluid Adventures in Pulborough. There are plentiful walks from the door in all directions into the neighbouring 500-acre ancient beech forest - a woodland nature reserve called 'The Mens' (sussexwildlifetrust dot org dot uk/visit/the-mens). It's also a lovely 20-minute walk from here to the River Arun and her beautiful floodplain, easily accessible down the lane adjacent to our property and the copse, then via an ancient track leading to the unspoiled valley below. A 20-minute drive away is the internationally famous Knepp Castle rewilding project, where you can also wander for hours spotting rare wildlife and feral Tamworth pigs. We are close to the South Downs Way. Bluebell may be totally secluded, but she has mains electricity and water. She also offers a fully-equipped capsule kitchenette with fridge, portable two-ring electric hob (which can be taken down to the fire-pit area with extension lead), toaster, kettle and Moroccan sink for light washing up. There is an instant-use hot-water tap in Bluebell. The flip-down table/desk can be stowed to enjoy the cosy wood-burner. There is also an electric oil-filled radiator to keep you toasty on cooler nights. In a nearby glade is your private outdoor shower with instant hot running water, log walls and a timber roof. Showering 'outside' is a unique and special experience, even in the colder months. We provide shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. Waffle-weave monogrammed robes and towels are provided, as is a hairdryer. * New for 2022: rustic outdoor table and benches under the shelter of a towering oak. We also have a vintage outdoor tin bath available on request (cold baths only!) which you can fill with a hose from Bluebell's outdoor tap and enjoy 'forest-bathing bathing' - gazing up at the leaf canopy above while you chill out and cool down. Loo Charm is Bluebell's very own loveable composting loo-with-a-view. Loo Charm is built with a whole lot of love, a reclaimed stained glass window, our own chestnut and some beautiful waney-edge Scots pine. She is a few steps away from the rustic shower area and is kitted out with artworks and a mini library. She also functions as a hide; with her two upper windows enabling views of the treetops and abundant birdlife. And did I mention the tiny glitter-ball for sunny mornings? You will have the sole use of Bluebell (and Loo Charm) during your stay as well as exclusive use of our one-acre woodland with two fire-pits (one set up for BBQs), chairs, bench and two hammocks. Wood is provided. **We have a lovely cocker spaniel who will give you an enthusiastic welcome. You are welcome to bring a dog but males must be neutered** We are located in an International Dark Skies Reserve. The South Downs National Park is the second IDSR in England and one of only 16 in the world. You can wander in the copse and exit the property through your private gate into the seven-acre Woodland Trust meadow where you are also free to wander, walk and have picnics. We are 2.5 miles from the hamlet of Fittleworth and its award-winning Community Shop with deli and wonderful produce. 2.5 miles in the opposite direction is the pretty village of Wisborough Green with its beautiful village green, Post Office, tea room and two fantastic Sussex pubs - The Cricketers and The Bat and Ball. Petworth, the international centre for antiques, is a 10 minute drive and there are a multitude of places to eat there. We are 50 minutes drive from Brighton; 30 minutes from Chichester; 40 minutes from the beaches at West Wittering, Bognor and Climping. Billingshurst Railway Station is 5 miles away and a £17 taxi journey. You are welcome to park in our secure shingle driveway next to our farm gate. Your car will be safe and secure there. This is the perfect retreat for walkers, writers, and those who wish to recharge read, wander and dream in an extremely quiet, rural location. Bluebell, who has been featured in the national press, is located in a traditional one-acre hazel and oak copse in the South Downs National Park. She is also next to a 500-acre ancient beech forest riven with footpaths, streams and magical places to discover. *** Things to note, the woodland paths are very uneven and it can be very dark at night - you may need to use the torch on your phone; or bring a head torch with you if you prefer. *** There is no wifi but you can get a mobile signal in the copse and sometimes in the shepherd's hut. *** There is a taller-than-average step into the shepherd's hut; the bed is accessed up a small four-rung ladder as it is somewhat higher than a standard bed. *** There is loose stone paving outside to minimise the footprint on the ancient copse and in keeping with Bluebell's light touch on the landscape*** * This is an exclusive glamping experience in a unique location and is only available for a limited number of nights each year. Guest access Bluebell is approached off the lane and along a track through woodland to a wooden farm gate which leads to a woodland parking area. Bluebell is a 100 metre walk down dappled paths and is secluded, quiet and peaceful. You will have the one-acre woodland, which is behind our garden, to yourselves for the duration of your stay. Other things to note Pathways are rustic and not suitable for wheelchairs. There is a step into the hut.