Staying in one of Westfield Farm’s Shepherd Huts for the weekend is right up there in my list of favourite things I’ve done so far this year. Our 2 night stay in Eyebright, was the most relaxing, gorgeous little getaway and one that I really needed. Located up in Northumberland, a short drive from both Rothbury and Thropton, Westfield Farm is a beautiful location among the Northumberland hills, and these stunning little huts are the perfect place to stay for a secluded, rejuvenating escape.

As I was sharing photos and videos on my Instagram across the weekend (see the full Westfield Farm Highlight here) I was getting so much interest in the hut and what it was like so I hope I remember everything…

Disclaimer: We received a complimentary 2 night stay at Eyebright Shepherds Hut for the purposes of the review, but as always opinions are my own.

The four huts of Westfield Farm are found in their own field, one in each corner, ensuring privacy from each other and each one is slightly different to the next. They’re named after different flora and fauna found around the farm, and ours was called Eyebright.

Two of the huts sleep up to four people, so perfect for a family of four, and two sleep two. You can see the differences in each of the carefully thought out interiors on the Westfield Farm website, but I really loved the purple tones of our four person hut, at the far left of the field.

All week I felt like I’d been looking forward to just getting there, after a long work trip to Oslo, and a horrible cold I had this image in my head of totally relaxing, enjoying the peace, quiet and fresh air. It definitely ticked all those boxes.

We parked up and walking across the field to the hut you can’t help but admire the beautiful countryside all around you. You’re overlooking the fields of both Westfield and neighbouring farms, and the skies and beginnings of the sunset in front of you just throw you straight into holiday mode.

We had stopped by the Fortune Cookie Chinese in Morpeth on the way up, and even I forgot how hungry I was for it as we approached Eyebright and let ourselves in. Emma & Tim are the lovely owners, and they had left the hut open and the key on the table for us.

Despite being such a small space, there’s actually so much to take in. The hut is so well thought out making the most of all the space available, and you’ll be surprised just how much is in there, without it feeling totally cramped or as though something was missing.

The double doors on the side of the hut fill it with the light from the valley below, and there’s a kitchen table right in front of them that can seat four, two on comfy chairs and another two on the bench that slots underneath.

Behind the table along the far side of the hut wall are the kitchen facilities, corner shelves stacked with wine, juice and prosecco glasses, bowls, tea, coffee, sugar, decorations and coffee mugs.

There’s cupboards filled with more crockery and cutlery, baking trays and cooking utensils, as well as a gas oven and grill, hob, fridge, kitchen sink, and under sink cupboard with cleaning equipment and the bin. This all fits neatly and compactly into the units running along the back of the hut, yet still leaving plenty bench space.

To the right as you look into the hut there’s the double bed, bunk beds, complete with cushions, throws and tiny little windows with shutters. They’re so adorable and look out across the field. It was so lovely to wake up and open the little shutter for your first view of the day.

There’s a step ladder against the wall to get up onto the top bunk, but if there’s just two of you these can double up as shelves. Great for chargers, books or use as a mini bedside table. There’s also a big double curtain that you can pull across at night to separate the beds from the rest of the hut. It’s very cosy.

In the bottom corner there’s a storage cupboard with picnic baskets, a fire blanket, and space to store luggage, which is really handy as it never felt like our bags were in the way, and under the bed is a huge drawer that pulls out for your clothes. You can’t usually ‘unpack’ when you’re camping can you but I did fully and made myself right at home.

In the opposite corner is a log burning stove, with decorative tiles behind, and although we didn’t use it with it being summer it gave such a homely feel to the place, and I bet it makes it the cosiest, toasty warm little hut in the winter. Hygge at it’s best!

The bathroom is at the far end, with a really surprisingly good sized shower, sink, toilet, towel rail and it’s fully equipped with White Company toiletries and a basket of towels. Honestly I couldn’t get over how amazing the bathroom was, it was nicer than a lot of hotel bathrooms I’ve stayed in, and the shower always ran hot.

Each hut has it’s own little outside cleared space among the tall grass, and ours had a gravel area with a table and chairs, as well as a fire pit and cooking grill for a real outdoor dining experience.

The hut itself also had a tiny little terrace at one end, also with a table and chairs, I loved having my morning coffee either here or on the steps.

They also provide a basket of logs and bucket of coal for the campfire/fire pit, a windbreak because it could get a bit breezy at times, and matches and lighting equipment.

I know that’s a really detailed overview of everything the hut comes equipped with, but I was so surprised how much is actually there. It wasn’t just somewhere to sleep in a field, it was a little self run home of it’s own, with amazing little additions you wouldn’t even think you needed.

I was obviously aware that glamping is a much nicer version of camping but I just didn’t expect it to be as luxurious as it was. There wasn’t anything I felt like we were missing, and even if you don’t get lucky with the weather, the views, your surroundings and the details of the hut more than make up for it.

On our first evening we brought a Chinese with us, as we weren’t totally sure what would be there. We sat and tucked in with the double doors open and the fresh air blowing in, and within minutes I felt totally relaxed. After we ate I got my pjs on, took all my make up off and put on a face mask. It was so relaxing, and exactly what I’d been waiting for all week.

That night I had a straight ten-twelve hour sleep, and woke up feeling like a new woman. We had a breakfast hamper for our first morning which was included in the stay, and Emma had gone all out with a loaf of bread, a bottle of fresh milk, orange juice, bacon, eggs, granola, jam, fresh coffee and tea.

We also found some BBQ supplies from Turnbull’s Butchers in Alnwick – minute steaks, sausages, chicken kebabs and fresh salad, and my favourite thing of all – homemade chocolate pudding by The Proof of the Pudding.

The smell of fresh coffee from the cafetiere filled the hut, and short of sounding like I’m trying to actually sell you the hut for your very own it just smelled better out there in what felt like the middle of nowhere.

We got the bacon and eggs on the go too, all of which we enjoyed at the little table staring out at the view. You could pass hours sat there pondering life.

We made a loose sort of plan that we would go for a walk, maybe have lunch at one of the pubs recommended in the Eyebright guide – the Three Wheat Heads in Thropton, and possible drive into Rothbury, but this was all put on hold by another nap.

When we eventually did surface properly we did go for a walk to the pub, it wasn’t far and was very pleasant along the country roads and paths, before a pub lunch and a stroll along the small river running through the village. There’s not even a shop there, so if you do want any supplies, petrol or anything Rothbury is the nearest place.

The weather was so nice on the Saturday afternoon that we decided not to bother going any further, and made our way back to the hut where we spent the afternoon napping, and again just enjoying the views. It’s the perfect place to switch off, with no wifi, but there is 4G if you don’t want to totally disconnect. Take a good book, magazine, turn on the radio or literally enjoy doing nothing.

That evening we got the campfire going (a real test of your relationship/patience that is!) but so much fun, and we cooked a leisurely BBQ to eat outside in the sunshine. If outdoor cooking, or patience isn’t your cup of tea then you can obviously cook in the oven inside, but for a real glamping experience I think you have to try it.

We finished off our bbq with the unbelievable chocolate pudding, and we found a jar of marshmallows in the food hamper too so we toasted those over the fire before it got dark and we turned in for yet another sound sleep.

Our stay was over far too soon, but despite being short and sweet it really did feel like we had been away for a good break. I felt very rejuvenated afterwards, even just from getting plenty of sleep and lots of clean fresh air. It was a dream to just worry, and have the option to switch off completely if we wanted to.

Although we spent most of our time pottering around the hut itself, it’s a great place to base yourself if you do want to explore more of Northumberland, and neighbouring towns and villages. Alnwick, Cragside, Morpeth, Rothbury, Amble and Warkworth are all a short drive away and great places to explore.

Lastly I really have to mention just how lovely Emma was, she thinks of so many little details for the huts themselves, what you might need, and is there on the end of a message if you have any questions or need any help. The farmhouse itself is a B&B, but if you’re looking for a secluded spot, privacy and the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors then I really would recommend the huts.

I was searching for winter availability as soon as I got back, and fingers crossed I’ll have booked up before this post goes live, which hopefully shows that despite this stay being complimentary, I’d happily pay my own money. Prices start from I think £190, even in summer and that’s from checking the website for a 2 night stay. So bloody reasonable.

I loved Eyebright, I think it’s my favourite one for location and the decor inside from what I’ve seen of the others, but I’d also like to try Leveret as well. It had a cute little swing outside, and I definitely want to get that log burner going.

We had lovely summer weather which made the outdoor parts of our stay a lot of fun, and easy, but I want to experience it mid winter, when it must be so nice to be warm inside while it’s awful out.

Practical Info

Check in is from 3, check out midday

There is parking outside of the hut field, but you can drive your car up to your hut to load and unload.

No pets allowed

There’s a spot for rubbish at the entrance to the field

What you should take with you, but there really is all you need there:

A good book or magazine

If you want to watch something, download it to an ipad

Waterproofs

Wellies

A torch as the field isn’t lit

Comfy clothes

Any alcohol you might want

Snacks

Your own hairdryer and iron if you’d need them

Disclaimer: We received a complimentary 2 night stay at Eyebright Shepherds Hut for the purposes of the review, but as always opinions are my own.

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