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Berry Farm

UK England East Anglia Suffolk Beccles

An eco-friendly shepherds hut based on a working farm near Beccles in Suffolk

Situated on a delightfully secluded parcel of land just west of Beccles, deep in the thoroughly rural county of Suffolk, Berry Farm is a small, co-operatively owned farm in the Waveney Valley. Founded 15 years ago by a group of like-minded friends, they not only supply the locality with fresh fruit, veg and free-range beef from their small herd of Red Poll cattle, they also do it responsibly and sustainably in line with organic and permaculture principles. Happily for the rest of us, they are keen to share it too, with a newly renovated shepherds hut that opened recently to holidaymakers.

The shepherds hut is situated where a grazing meadow meets a stretch of native woodland, on the northern edge of the farm. It's just the thing if you're looking for an eco-friendly, bucolic escape from London – or any other city for that matter. It couldn't be cosier for a start, with a bespoke interior kitted out by local carpenters and craftspeople, with a dresser, a proper – large double – bed at one end and an extra bed-cum-sofa in the middle (with lots of storage underneath), and a wood-burning stove to keep things nice and toasty. Attached, there's a sheltered kitchen area with a small hob and all the pans, crockery and utensils you need, and both spaces have solar-powered, 12-volt electrics, which supply lights, charging points and a cool box. Outside, there's a self-contained garden with a picnic table and fire bowl for campfires and cooking, while a few steps further into the woods you'll find a hot gas-powered shower and a compost toilet for the exclusive use of the hut's guests.

One of the best things about the shepherds hut is perhaps the location, and we don't just mean the farm. The seven commons of the village form a County Wildlife Site, and there are lots of lovely country walks in the vicinity, one of which is a circular route that takes in the very special Locks Inn community pub, which enjoys an idyllic spot right by the river and often hosts live music and community events. Beccles is a handsome riverside town, with a variety of indy shops, pubs and restaurants, and it's on the edge of the Broads National Park, whose rivers and waterways stretch away to the north. Southwold and Cothehithe are both within easy reach and perfect for a day trip. The Broads is best explored off-road – on foot, by bike or of course on the water – and there are several places to rent a boat or a bike in Beccles. Or just set off on foot in any direction – north to Loddon, west to Bungay, following the beautiful Waveney Valley, or east towards Lowestoft and Oulton Broad on the long-distance Angles Way. Each one is as sustainable and enjoyable a choice as your cosy overnight accommodation.

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Details

Suitable For

The wagon has been designed with two people sharing in mind. Either as a couple or using the 6' settle as a second bed. A third guest can also stay at no extra cost.

Pricing

£75 a night - discounts available for longer stays and if you bring your own linen

The Owner Says

Berry Farm is a non-profit distributing enterprise. This means that no one ever takes a cut of profits from businesses on the farm. Instead, any surplus is ploughed back into the project enabling us to meet our environmental aims and secure our future. By happy coincidence, our wildlife habitat management also makes the farm a beautiful place for a getaway.

Set apart from the busier market garden area of the farm, the Shepherd Hut is in a peaceful spot a good distance from any noisy roads or bright outdoor lights that would spoil the view of the stars. Despite this, it's accessible by car and has its own parking space.

Accommodation

One shepherds hut sleeping two people.

Location

Contact Website 01986 781 173 Berry Farm, Berry Farm, Clarkes Lane, Ilketshall St Andrew, Norfolk NR34 8HR

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Getting There

Coming from the south, follow either the M11 and then the A11, taking the A143 turn-off towards Beccles, or the A12, turning off toward Beccles just outside Southwold. The station at Beccles is just 4 miles away so it's perfect if you're travelling by bike and train. Taxis are also available if you would in any case leave the car at home.