Our traditional shepherd's huts Little Owl and Samphire are crafted to traditional designs. And kitted out with everything you need to make your stay comfortable.
Situated in the Reserve and facing East, Samphire and Little Owl have wonderful wild views. Sit outside is one with the fire pit on and take in the wonderful sound of life on the Reserve.
All taps in the huts and around the farmyard provide safe drinking water.
In your hut there are complimentary breakfast tea and freshly ground coffee. Please ask for fresh milk (dairy or oat) from the Linhay. The traditional kettle boils on the wood burning stove or stove in the camp kitchen
The simple (no-electricity) camp kitchen is shared between Little Owl and Samphire. It has a gas stove and a sink. All crockery, glassware and cutlery is provided. Each hut has a separate set of utensils stored underneath the bed, and a cool box in the camp kitchen. We ask that you leave the camp kitchen as you would wish to find it
The wood burning stove is very effective. You can also use the hot plate for boiling the kettle or warming pots. quickly, and there is a vent to control the rate. The more it is open the quicker the fuel will burn and the hotter the fire. You will only want it on low, it does get toasty. Please do ask one of the team if you need a hand.
The fire will be laid for your arrival, please do let us know if you are arriving late and we can light it for you. As the space is contained, it warms the hut up
Outside there is a fire pit & complimentary marshmallow are provided. Wood, matches and firelighters are found beneath the stove. Please only burn as much as you need. Extra wood should you need it is stored behind the office in the courtyard (an honesty charge £5 per extra bucket).
All of our huts and cabins are designed with year round use in mind. The hut has a 75mm insulated cavity throughout, and Earthwool insulation. This is a breathable carbon-neutral material made from 80% recycled bottles. With the wood burner, Romney Marsh Wool blankets and hot water bottles, we’re sure you will be warm and cosy, even on the chilliest of nights.
Please remove muddy boots before entering. Boot brushes are on the steps, and they will stay dry under shelter outside of the hut. There are hooks to dry out wet clothes. If you get soaked in a rain storm our team can dry wet clothes for you!
A unique aspect of Elmley is that we are off grid, so generate our own electricity. Little Owl has 12V power so there are no plug sockets. You are welcome to charge your phones in the Linhay during its opening hours. There is a LED lantern in the hut for lighting your way. The lights above the bed are touch sensitive, just make sure the switch on the wall by the door is on first.
4G can be picked up across the reserve, but we do recommend you switch off and soak up the nature around you.
If you need wi-fi it can be accessed from the Linhay or from the Farmhouse, or please speak to the team.
Little Owl and Samphire are crafted to a traditional design so the spaces are rather bijou. There is storage space under the bed and hooks in the hut, but please do ask our team if you need to store large bags.
As traditional shepherd's huts Little Owl and Samphire aren't suitable for children. In the Summer months we can put up a bell tent next to the tent for families with older children.