A CUSTOM-designed shepherd’s hut sited amid rapeseed fields near Ingleton has been recognised as one of the top 100 accommodation venues in England.
The Shepherd’s Hut, owned by Kate and Richard Hodgson, of Mill Granary Glamping, was presented with a prestigious Rose award by VisitEngland in this year’s awards.
The Rose awards recognise accommodation providers across England who offer visitors with the warmest of welcomes.
They celebrate the establishments where the owners, management and employees, irrespective of their star rating, style or type of accommodation, provide outstanding experiences for their customers.
Winners were nominated by VisitEngland’s quality scheme assessors and selected from assessor comments and online feedback.
The romantic Shepherd’s Hut offers glamping for two in style, set in quiet countryside, and is one of five glamourous properties the Hodgsons rent out as holiday accommodation.
Mrs Hodgson said they were delighted with the award for the glamping category.
She added: “It’s very nice, because it’s based on assessors’ comments and feedback from our guests. We have some wonderful guests and we get a lot of repeat customers.
“We have had one family stay with us the same week every year for the last 18 years. Their daughter has even said she wants to get married at one of the properties.
“It’s not the first time we have won the award. We won it a few years ago for the Granary, but it’s exciting to get it for the Shepherd’s Hut as it’s gratifying to know we are doing something right.”
The Shepherd’s Hut was designed by Mr Hodgson five years ago and is set in a secluded position with great views over the surrounding countryside. Although the interior is cosy, it has been stylishly designed benefits such as full central heating and has a king-size bed, well-equipped kitchen with a breakfast bar, sofa and log burning stove as well as a sleek shower room. There is even an outside, roll-top bath for alfresco bathing.
She added: “My husband designed the Shepherd’s Hut and we have a really good joiner, Barry Proudlock, who helped make it and Keith Tallentire made the base and wheels.”
The awards were presented during an afternoon tea event at Luton earlier this month.
She said: “I didn’t go down to the awards as it was a long way to go and I didn’t have the time, but it was lovely to receive the notification through the post.
“We are always improving things at the properties because if you are not always upping your game you get left behind. You have to be five-star owners and well as having a five-star property.
“I have two fantastic girls, Laura Beaty and Lisa Longster, who help me clean and prepare the properties every week, because they have to be pristine.”
