a PLACE in which to RETREAT.
Glamping in Dorset! Set in a pretty location, Miller's Huts Dorset is at the bottom of a valley a stone's throw from the Saxon hilltop town of Shaftesbury. Remember that 1973 Hovis commercial starring a bread delivery boy pushing his bike up a steep cobbled hill? Gold Hill, Shaftesbury was the setting for one of the most famous British television adverts ever. The ad evoked a forgotten England of morning mist and thatched roofs, an England in which everyone had time to talk to one another and there was fresh-baked bread on every table. From Miller's Hut walk across the fields and up the lane to Gold Hill and enjoy a coffee at the The Salt Cellar, perched at the top. With sweeping views across the Blackmore Vale, it really is quite beautiful!
the SPACE.
We are situated on the borders of Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset and have access to many historical places. Bath, Longleat, Salisbury, Stonehenge, Brownsea Island, the Isle of Purbeck, Thomas Hardy country and the Jurassic Coast are all within easy reach to explore, as are the beaches at Bournemouth, Sandbanks and Studland. Local National Trust properties include Kingston Lacey, Lytes Carey and Stourhead.
There are plenty of traditional pubs in the area, the Chalke Valley has many country pubs with beer gardens and good bar menus. Of course there are many gastro pubs too; including the King John at Tollard Royal, the Museum at Farnham, The Fontmell at Fontmell Magna and Donhead St Andrew's popular Forester Inn.
There is lots of lovely walking in the area. We are lucky to be close to Fontmell Down which has far-reaching views across the Blackmore Vale. The open chalk grassland of the lower slopes is covered in wildflowers in the spring and summer months and famous for its wild orchids.
We have compiled a little book of local knowledge for your use.
the SPACE.
We are situated on the borders of Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset and have access to many historical places. Bath, Longleat, Salisbury, Stonehenge, Brownsea Island, the Isle of Purbeck, Thomas Hardy country and the Jurassic Coast are all within easy reach to explore, as are the beaches at Bournemouth, Sandbanks and Studland. Local National Trust properties include Kingston Lacey, Lytes Carey and Stourhead.
There are plenty of traditional pubs in the area, the Chalke Valley has many country pubs with beer gardens and good bar menus. Of course there are many gastro pubs too; including the King John at Tollard Royal, the Museum at Farnham, The Fontmell at Fontmell Magna and Donhead St Andrew's popular Forester Inn.
There is lots of lovely walking in the area. We are lucky to be close to Fontmell Down which has far-reaching views across the Blackmore Vale. The open chalk grassland of the lower slopes is covered in wildflowers in the spring and summer months and famous for its wild orchids.
We have compiled a little book of local knowledge for your use.
your RETREAT in our CORNER of DORSET.
Stay at a working organic stoneground flour mill, on the north Dorset border with Somerset and Wiltshire in the characterful John's Hut or Miller's Hut, an original shepherd's hut. We're a mile south of the historic town of Shaftesbury famous for Gold Hill and that 70s Hovis ad. Overlooking the millpond, each with their own outdoor space and view, it's an idyllic spot to get comfy and wile away the hours with a good book. You might glimpse the kingfisher, a sudden flash of glistening blue or sitting quietly on low-hanging branches or otters playing in the water. A quirky field kitchen is situated close to the huts and for comfort a flushing loo and hot shower in a bright washroom in the mill yard, less than a minutes walk away. There's something magical about spending time under a tin roof. We're a little bit different with a sense of history and heritage, a mill has been here so long it’s mentioned in the Doomsday book.
Beyond there is much to explore. Situated on the edge of the deeply rural and tranquil Cranborne Chase AONB, with International Dark Sky Reserve status, by night you can chase stars in our outstanding dark skies. By day enjoy invigorating walks over Fontmell and Melbury Down; follow Dorset's secluded lanes and ancient tracks; explore prehistoric sites and timeless villages or head to the dramatic Jurassic coastline.
Both huts are available for cosy getaways, or book together for up to four people. Choose Miller's or John's and we'll ensure the other is unavailable. A well-behaved dog is welcome in John's Hut at no extra charge, please contact us prior to booking.
THE PERFECT PLACE TO PROPOSE!
"A massive thank you to Jo for being such an amazing host. The property itself cannot be faulted, so much so that it was the perfect place to propose to my now fiancée! Thank you again for a wonderful stay, we’ll be back next year!"
Jack
THOUGHTFUL TOUCHES.
"We stayed at Jo's to attend a wedding at Larmer Tree Gardens. It was a super cute little shepherd's hut in the most idyllic location. So many thoughtful touches like homemade cakes and a beautiful breakfast served outside with lots of fresh produce. Would highly recommend this piece of paradise!”
Alice
SUCH AN IDYLLIC SPOT.
"We had a such a relaxing time and loved our stay in the shepherd's hut. Jo and her husband's hospitality were brilliant and we loved having breakfast outside under the willow tree."
Helena
OUR SECOND STAY.
"This was our second time staying with Jo, this time we stayed in ‘Johns hut’ and it was beautiful, beautifully decorated with a lovely cosy atmosphere, the setting is as picturesque, by the mill pond, which we would highly recommend."
Sam
