The cosy and very romantic Starlight Hut is situated in stunning Cotswold countryside close to Bampton, used as the film set for all the Downton Abbey village scenes. Please note it has a two night minimum stay. Guests call it a little idyll in the glorious English countryside. A shepherd hut experience might usually be described as ‘glamping’ but for us, the focus is more on complete luxury - the hut provides all the things you could wish for and several that you might not even have imagined.
The space:
The Hut was supplied by a wonderful local artisan supplier and is extremely high quality. It is well insulated and cosily warm in winter with help from the electric heater, and cool in summer - an electric fan is provided for the very warm days. It provides a great dining area, a king sized bed for an incredible night's sleep, a kitchen with fridge, hob and oven and an integrated bathroom with a powerful shower and a ‘proper’ loo as well as boutique toiletries. There is unlimited high speed wifi.
The atmosphere is very restful and outside there is space to eat on a decking area with table and chairs whilst admiring the natural surroundings and explore the wildflower meadows. The countryside stretching out across the horizon on a clear day lifts the spirits.
There are always many tempting treats waiting for you when you arrive - including delicious biscuits, the ‘Hut Chocolate Corner’ and plentiful tea, coffee and cooking essentials. Included in the price is the 'Starlight Express' breakfast option, which includes milk, granola, yoghurt, bread and butter.
Guest access
You can access the Shepherd Hut, the decking next to it, and the surrounding countryside for some great walks. **Do not under any circumstances enter the paddock where the horses are or feed them anything at all.**
Other things to note:
Please respect the countryside code - no BBQ or open flames, stick to footpaths and don't make excessive noise or drop litter.
I am passionate about nature and allowing people to reconnect with beautiful countryside landscapes - its so peaceful and restorative. I am a Positive Psychology practitioner and mindfulness teacher, as well as a keen horsewoman and gardener. I love big expanses of sky, books, baking and photography.
The hut is self contained and guests can come and go as they please. However we are always very happy to answer any queries or to suggest great local places to visit.
Situated in the idyllic edge of the Cotswolds, and close to a wonderful network of footpaths, it is surrounded by green fields and nature-filled woodland. The local village of Bampton was used as the location for the village scenes for the Downton Abbey TV series/film and the setting is picture-perfect. Some highlights include the barn owl flying by at dusk, the family of hedgehogs, the inquisitive horses looking at you from the next paddock along, the joyous birdsong and stunning wildflowers. Favourite activities includes walks to the Thames and to local excellent gastro-pubs, as well as exploring local historic sites.
The Starlight Hut can be accessed most easily by car, but there is also a good local bus service (the S6) between Oxford and Swindon which stops at the top of the lane. Oxford and Didcot train stations are the closest, and Heathrow is the closest airport.
Language spoken: English