Choosing the accommodation for your new holiday let or glamping business is a big decision and there are lots of options. Over the years we have made many shepherd’s huts and bespoke cabins for customers setting up a holiday business. A commonly asked question is often, ‘When will I see a return on my investment?’. To help answer this, we got in touch with Jane, owner of nearby Tokenhill Dorset – a successful glamping destination a stone’s throw from the Plankbridge workshop.
Have you seen a return on your investment with your two Plankbridge shepherd’s huts?
We had calculated that it would be 3.5 years before we saw a return on our investment and this has been correct. As well as purchasing the two huts we have also done extensive site works to get them in place.
Are there any special welcome gifts for guests when they arrive?
All guests have a welcome basket, we try to include some local produce, Purbeck Apple juice, Dorset Cereals, Moore’s biscuits and Dorset Tea. Bramley toiletries are complimentary for our guests within the huts, which is a Semley based company, so again very local.
We also have an on-site ‘Shed Shop’. This is an honesty shop stocked with local produce where possible and essentials that might have been forgotten, which can be purchased. This includes Purbeck Ice cream in an assortment of flavours.
Can you describe the location of your two shepherd’s huts?
They are situated in a field surrounded by majestic chestnut trees and a new copse, which has been planted between the huts to give each one its own private space. Guests have cows for neighbours, who are always curious to see who the latest visitors are.
What can guests expect when they stay in one of your huts?
A relaxing stay within nature but with all the modern luxuries: electricity, a kitchen with fridge and double hob, high-speed fibre broadband, king-size beds and fully integrated shower room, with an outdoor roll-top bath with hot water on tap, fire pits and barbecue and outdoor seating.
Do you have return visitors?
We now have quite a lot of guests returning to stay with us in the huts, we have some that come on a regular basis, they enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the site, and the surrounding wildlife and the cows. They enjoy a leisurely stroll to ‘The Brace of Pheasants’, our local pub that is within walking distance. Matt and his team serve excellent food in a beautiful setting. A great favourite with our guests.
Can you share some favourite guest feedback that you have received?
‘The perfect place to relax and recharge! Absolutely beautiful hut, stunning location and we genuinely couldn’t have asked for more. As others have said, Jane really has thought of everything here and the attention to detail is amazing. We would love to return.
– Chloe and Jon
‘Literally can’t fault this place. Perfection. You’ve created the BEST place to cut off from the world. Can’t wait to come back.’
– Hut guests
‘A most splendid time was had and we so enjoyed the shepherd’s hut. Everything we could possibly need was provided and more. We will be back without fail.’
– Wills and Florence
Would you recommend shepherd’s huts to anyone interested in setting up their own glamping destination?
Shepherd’s huts have become increasingly popular as a holiday destination. We have enjoyed the process of designing and installing the huts on site. They are beautifully crafted, so choosing Plankbridge was definitely the right choice, especially as they are built so close to home.
– If you would like to calculate when you will see a return on your holiday hut investment, we have a handy Rental Calculator – Head over to our dedicated page here
