A Shepherd’s Hut Made Of Anything But Wriggly Tin

The allure of a shepherd’s hut is an odd one. They are hardly full-time living arrangements with their single rooms, sherpa-style kitchenettes, typically non-existent restrooms, and platform beds. However, it is those very reasons that make so romantic for the casual onlooker. Like the Bodger’s Shepherd’s Hut these tiny houses harken back to a much simpler time the shepherd’s hut denotes a sense of nesting and comfort in its demure size and ultra portability. And for these reasons the Beacon  – one of Alex Evan’s Wiggly Tin shepherd huts located in Hampshire in the South Downs National Park – is a prime example!

Shepherds Hut

 

Set in a grassy Hampshire meadow Beacon is a three-person hut that Alex hand-wrought keeping the vintage and mechanical feel of older huts alive and well. From the kitchenware to the furnishings Beacon is as authentic as can be.

Beacon Hut 2

In terms of sleeping the Beacon has a very cozy double bed with a full-size single bunk above. The rest of the hut is reserved for living which seemingly includes a drop-down writing desk/table, a stand-up wardrobe, a prairie kitchen, and a cozy wood-burner. Note in the photo below the water bowl rather than a sink, the dried food and sundries, and the working lantern. The Beacon leaves no stone unturned in regards to giving an authentic experience.

Beacon 3

Like its counterpart huts the Beacon is completely off-grid and shares a separate shepherd’s hut which contains showers and compost toilets. The landscaping is ample giving plenty of room to stretch out, view the stars, or just relax. On a quiet night it is easy to imagine a meal being prepared over the campfire outside the Beacon creating the smells of a world all but forgotten.

Beacon 4

Your Turn!

  • Would you go stir crazy in such a small space?
  • Are you reminded of a life gone by seeing the Beacon?

 

Via

 

7 Comments
  1. Cute and nice for short stays or guest housing but not suitable for longer term living if you do a lot of things in your living space. If all you do at home is sleep, read, eat simply and the like it would work.

    • Several guests have stayed in my shepherd’s huts for a week. It’s bigger and more organised than a VW camper, and plenty of people spend months in those. Of course, it helps if the weather’s good and you can cook outside on the camp fire. But, when it’s raining, the huts are cosy, warm and dry – much better than a tent, yurt or tipi. You’d be amazed at the meals you can cook on the little wood burning range. Guests have even baked bread in the oven! So, come and stay! Best wishes to you all, Alex. (Owner of Wriggly Tin Shepherd’s Huts, Hampshire, UK)

  2. Love the old-school wheels and the curved roof! Is it insulated? Looks like there’s a stove; how does that stove work?

    • Sarah…the article says that the stove is a wood burner.

    • It’s a great little wood burning stove. There’s room for two or three pans on the hotplate and it has an oven as well. You can cook a stew, roast a chicken or even bake bread! It eats the hut and is handy for keeping a kettle of hot water on the go too. Best wishes, Alex. (Owner of Wriggly Tin Shepherd’s Huts, Hampshire, UK)

  3. Hi! Thanks for your feature on my shepherd’s huts. You may be interested to know that ‘Wriggly Tin’ is a slang term for corrugated iron, which, as you can see is what my shepherd’s huts are clad in. It’s also known as ‘crinkly tin’. The huts were originally used by shepherds as a portable shelter, during lambing and while they moved there flocks to new pastures. They originated in the Downs of south-east England. My shepherd’s huts are a little more luxurious that a 19th century original would have been! If you’re over in the UK, come and try one out! All the best, Alex (Owner of Wriggly Tin Shepherd’s Huts, Hampshire, UK)

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