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Jordans Estate Glamping

UK England South West England Somerset Ilminster

Two charming, self-contained shepherds huts set on a West Somerset estate close to the Somerset Levels and in sight of the Blackdown Hills

Situated on the edge of the Somerset Levels, the historic Jordans Estate is the tranquil setting for Rich and Em Speke’s private luxury glamping experience. Comprising two self-contained shepherd's hut, this adults-only retreat is the perfect destination for couples seeking solace from the frenetic modern world.

There’s a calm and leisurely pace to life on the Estate. Most of the time, your nearest neighbours are the deer that emerge from the 100 acre woodland to the dew-drenched fields at dawn. A former dairy farm, the cows have given way to a scattering of sheep and agrarian fields of seasonal crops. So for any city slickers yearning for an authentic slice of rural life, this is the real deal.

While suitably rustic in setting, the shepherds huts themselves are a masterclass in comfort having been handcrafted on site by the esteemed Blackdown Shepherds Hut Company. A double bed, fully-equipped kitchen, en suite bathroom (with toilet and shower), and wood-burning stove sees to it that guests want for nothing, and plans are also afoot for private wood-burning hot tubs. The extra little touches like a vase full of wildflowers from the Estate grounds, plus board games and maps of local walks show an admirable attention to detail. And with the Blackdown Hills (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) tantalisingly visible from the comfort of the cabins, the latter will be put to good use.

Though the grand Georgian mansion may be long gone, there are vestiges of its stately past everywhere, such as the ornamental walled garden, stable block, lakeside grotto, and the quaintly named Gingerbread Cottage, house of the former head gardener. Your helpful hosts can fill you in on the Estate’s fascinating history and are more than happy to offer guided walks around the grounds. And what grounds they are, with innumerable trails to explore and wildlife to spot. As gorgeous as this place is in the full bloom of spring with bluebells enlivening the forest floor, the fiery autumn colours and January snowdrops make a winter’s woodland walk just as appealing, safe in the knowledge, of course, that the wood-fire warmed cosy confines of the hut awaits.

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Facilities

The huts sleep 2 adults on a double bed (towels and bedding included). They come fully insulated and heated by the wood-burning stove. There is an en suite bathroom with shower, toilet and wash basin, plus a kitchenette with 2-ring hob, fridge and a dining table (utensils included). A welcome pack of tea, coffee, milk and a cake is provided, as well as complimentary logs for the wood burner and firepit outside. There is also a pizza oven and BBQ available.

Suitable For

Adults only. No camping, kids or dogs.

Nearby

For walkers and cyclists, the Somerset Levels and Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are easily accessible from the Estate. The latter are visible from the window of the hut and can be explored via the 30km Here Path Trail, while the former's unique landscape is an important habitat for a diverse range of birdlife – be sure to check out the nearby RSPB reserves. A 45 minute drive will get you to the world-famous Jurassic Coast the highlights of which include picturesque Lulworth Cove and Lyme Regis. The awe-inspiring national parks of Dartmoor and Exmoor are also both under an hour away. Historic sites worth a visit include the ruins of Muchelney Abbey, the medieval Priest's House, Muchelney and, of course, slightly further afield lies the iconic Stonehenge.

Food & Drink

Nearby Ilminster and its environs are quite the foodie hub with the Thursday market hosting of range of local produce stalls, as well as the award-winning butchers Bonners (01460 52465). West Country cheeses can be found at Silver Street Dairy (01460 52502) and seasonal fruit and veg at Mike’s Greengrocers (01460 52304). Brown & Forrest Smokery (01458 250875) is an essential stop on the gastro trail, stocking the finest smoked delicacies in their onsite shop and restaurant. Scrumpy fans should seek out Perry's Cider Mill (01460 55195) in Dowlish Wake or, for something a little stronger, there's the Somerset Cider Brandy Company (01460 240 782) in Hambridge. For the pick of the local pubs, just ask Richard and Em. The Five Dials Inn (01460 55359) and The Barrington Boar (01460 259 281) are personal favourites, while the multi-award winning Lord Poulett Arms (01460 73149) in Hinton-St-George balances sophisticated dining with its authentic West Country inn setting.

Enjoy a perfect breakfast, coffee or lunch at the nearby Jordans Courtyard.

Opening Times

March 1st – January 2nd

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The Owner Says

We offer a luxury country getaway for adults in our handcrafted oak shepherd huts nestled in the picturesque parkland of our historic family estate in Somerset. Sumptuously fitted out you can sit back in luxury and relax.

Fully self-catering with kitchen, bathroom and double bed our Shepherd huts ‘Stanley’ and 'Livingstone' are available all year around. You can see the changing seasons through the window whilst relaxing next to a wood-burning stove in winter or watch the sunset while sitting out cooking over the fire pit in Summer. Both have exclusive use, wood fired hot tubs and pizza ovens.

Situated at the foot of the Blackdown Hills, near Ilminster, we are within easy reach of the Somerset Levels and Glastonbury, Dorset’s Jurassic Coast and Lyme Regis, Exmoor, Dartmoor and the North Devon Coast.

Video Tour

Accommodation

2 self-contained shepherd huts each for 2 people.

Stanley

Shepherd’s hut Sleeps 2

Info

Livingstone

Shepherd’s hut Sleeps 2

Info

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Location

Contact Jordans Estate Glamping, Jordans Glamping, Shrubbery Farmhouse, Ilminster, Somerset TA19 9LA

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Getting There

From Junction 25 M5 take the A358 towards Ilminster. After about 8 miles take the 2nd signposted turning to the left towards Ilton. Turn into the drive with black gates, you should be able to see the hut. Use code provided to open gates.

From A303 - take the A358 at Ilminster towards the M5/Taunton. Take the first signposted right turning towards Ilton. After 300 yards turn into the drive with black gates on the right, you should be able to see the hut. Use code provided to open gates.

Taunton is the nearest mainline railway station.

Reviews

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Rated ★★★★★ over 8 reviews

★★★★★

Amazing!

This was mine and my boyfriends first glamping experience and it was amazing! We drove over 4 hours for this and it was worth every minute! From the moment we hit there to be welcomes with a homemade cake to getting out of the hot tub into the shower with local bath goodies. The hosts were lovely and welcoming. Although they weren’t there to welcome us they came down afterwards to make sure we was okay and could work everything. They gave us leaflets and information about there grounds and local attractions to do such as perrys cider shop. It was just so peaceful and relaxing. We are looking to go again in the future and would recommend to anyone!

Jul 16, 2019 by Abbie

★★★★★

Relaxing weekend we needed

Charming little place with the perfect touches, cake on arrival, locally sourced complementaries. The pizza oven was a lovely touch and the hot tub was exactly what we needed to fully relax. The bed is super comfy too! Rich was a pleasure meeting us on arrival and was very accomodating. Loved playing tiny house for a weekend and would definitely recommend! Thank you

Jun 12, 2019 by Jenny

★★★★★

Hot tub under the stars

This was our first glamping experience and it was fantastic! We were in Stanley Hut and it has such a great atmosphere to it. Inside you have everything you need and it has been crafted to such a high degree. The hot tub is amazing (give yourself a good amount of time to heat it up - about 2 hours or so) and the pizza oven was also a lot of fun (we brought some margarita bases and added some of our own toppings). Check the weather before coming in case it is raining and you can't use the pizza oven. We travelled to the National Trust's Dunster Castle & Water Mill which is about 50 mins drive North West of the hut. Great day out. The hut is very special, the hosts are very friendly and helpful and there was even a delicious lemon drizzle cake on arrival. Couldn't recommend it more!

Feb 19, 2019 by Bob & Elise

★★★★★

Beautiful Break Away

As we arrived, I have to say I was at first surprised how close to the road we were - However - this immediately paled into insignificance the minute we were greeted and shown our hut! It was simply beautiful. The hut is spotlessly clean and furnished to a high (and very comfortable) standard, including a nice welcome pack of Tea/Coffee/Milk and Cake! We loved the Fire Pit, cooking outside 2 out of our 3 nights, but most of all loved the wood fired hot tub, gazing at the stars with a drink in hand! The owners were so friendly with nothing any bother, even keeping us stocked up with logs throughout our stay. I have already recommended this place to my family and friends and will most definitely return!

Oct 22, 2018 by Paul Jarmey

★★★★★

Absolutely amazing stay!

What an absolutely stunning shepherds hut, beautifully crafted and full of character. Couldn't have asked for more welcoming or friendly hosts. Relaxing in the hot tub underneath the stars was phenomenal, we even saw shooting stars! Our stay was made even more special by all the personal touches.

Oct 9, 2018 by Lucy Green

★★★★★

Absolutely amazing stay!

Oct 9, 2018 by Lucy Green

★★★★★

Such a relaxing time

From the moment we arrived we could see what an amazing site this is that the owners care passionately about. Everything was catered for and for someone wanting to switch off this place ticks all the boxes. Will definitely be back.

Jun 11, 2018 by Damian Quinn

★★★★★

nice peaceful stay

My boyfriend and I had an amazing time staying here. The huts are really well designed and new - We were very comfortable and enjoyed using the wooden hot tub at night. We met the host, Rich, on the first day and he was really welcoming and helpful. A tip: Bring your ingredients to make your own pizzas like we did :) Thank you again to Em and Rich

May 26, 2018 by Alicia