The Shepherds Hut- Walnut Tree Farm

The shepherds hut is set in its own meadow next to a beautiful wooded moat. The hut is peaceful and cosy, allowing you to be in nature and enjoy all the benefits of camping but with a comfy bed and stove, outside kitchen and outside bathroom. Our other accommodations are listed as: The Railway Wagon - Walnut Tree Farm The Wood Cabin - Walnut Tree Farm (Hidden by Airbnb) : life_at_walnut_tree_farm In (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) Roger Deakin acquired Walnut Tree Farm, a semi-ruined Elizabethan farmhouse deep in the countryside of northern Suffolk, on the edge of Mellis Green, the largest area of common grazing land in England. Deakin bought the farm and lovingly restored it, dredging the moat (in which he swam daily), planting woods and buying more of the surrounding fields, where he grew hay and wild flowers. Walnut Tree Farm became a place of pilgrimage and inspiration for nature-lovers, writers, intellectuals and artists, while Deakin's Waterlog has become a much-loved classic of nature writing and gave impetus to the wild swimming movement. Walnut Tree Farm is set in 12 acres of meadowland and has a fresh water spring moat which you are welcome to swim in. Please note that the moat is a wild swimming place and is home to newts, dragonflies and our resident moorhen and chicks. We ask that you enter, exit and swim sensitively in order not to disturb the permanent residents. Also, during the summer the moat has a lot of plant growth, we do clear a swim path but the weeds will still caress you as you swim. There is a hot water outside shower that we are happy for you to use if you wish but we have not listed it as an amenity as it is a communal space. The shepherds hut is set in a field away from the main house. We always welcome guests at check in and we will be on hand to answer any questions. Dogs are very welcome as long as they are up to date on flea and tick treatments and that you clean up after them especially in communal areas. Please let me know if you are planning on bringing your dog. If you have more than one dog especially if they are large dogs please contact me before booking to chat whether I can happily accommodate you all. Lastly if you have a bitch and she hasn’t been spayed best have a chat with me first and as my dog is a lover! Mellis Common is a place of natural beauty. There are great walks on the farms doorstep. Thornham woods takes about 45 minutes to walk to along an ancient byway called Cow Pasture Lane. There is a tea room and pub in thornham as well as a pub in Mellis. Eye is a ten minute drive away and is host to a range of essential shops and a couple of takeaways. Diss is the closest town with 3 supermarkets and a train station which has good links to London Liverpool St. Bed linen is provided however as a covid precaution we are asking that guests bring their own towels when possible. KITCHEN There is an equipped kitchen area which has crockery, utensils and cooking equipment. There is a gas kettle and coffee pot. Tea, coffee, sugar etc is provided. You can cook on the three ring gas stove and there is also a fire pit which can be used as a barbecue. We provide wood for the fire. BATHROOM The bathroom is an interim measure whilst we build a new toilet block. It’s basic but private and rather charming. Think luxury camping with a loo with a view! It consists of a tin outhouse with a portable, flushable toilet which only uses eco-friendly products, a basin with a jerrycan of water for hand washing. There is also an outdoor hot water shower which guests are very welcome to use. Please note that we have not listed it as an amenity as it’s a communal area. CORONAVIRUS UPDATE. We are very happy to welcome guests again. We have taken the decision to block a day before and after each guest trip so that we can do a deep clean and ensure everyone’s safety. Social distancing is very easy to maintain as shepherds hut, the wagon and the cabin are set in their own field. Feel free to send us a message with any questions you may have. Coronavirus & Calendar If you are desperate to have a night away but can’t get away for two nights then please contact me as there are a few days in the calendar which could accommodate a one night booking but can’t be viewed on the calendar bc of the app settings.