Below a pond and tucked behind a hedgerow on the edge of a permaculture smallholding, our charming shepherds hut is the perfect hideaway for those looking for an eco farm stay or self-made retreat.
'Muggans' (named after the Mugwort that grows by the steps) is entirely off-grid and has everything you'll need for a comfortable and memorable getaway, including a wood burning stove to keep you cozy, a wood fired hot tub to soak in under the stars and pizza oven for luxury campfire cooking.
The space
The perfect space to create your own nature retreat.
The hand made traditional shepherds hut sits tucked behind a hedgerow and below a large pond on a wooded smallholding overlooked by Tap o' Noth hill fort, an important ancient Pictish monument.
Furnished with antiques that are both beautiful and practical, the hut has a feeling of nostalgia that nods towards the 'back to the land' movement of the late 60's/70's when large numbers of people left the cities to follow their dreams of self sufficiency, often in mobile transport like gypsy wagons, buses or shepherds huts.
The Hut
The green wavy tin clad hut is hand built using natural and reclaimed materials and its design is based on a traditional shepherds lambing hut. Furnishings include a cute wee log burning stove that will keep you very toasty on chilly nights and is great for frying a pan of bacon or boiling a kettle for tea, a comfy raised double bed perfect for catching up on some needed peaceful sleep, large double glazed windows allowing plenty of natural light and beautiful views in all directions, battery powered lanterns for providing the perfect romantic atmosphere, wooden dining table and chairs offering fantastic views of fields, woodland and hills while you eat your wood fired meals, a Welsh dresser housing enamel mugs, plates and bowls, cast iron cookware, tea, sugar, cooking oil, cutlery and many other antique bits and bobs that are both quirky and practical. Double glazed and fully insulated, the hut is warm even with thick snow on the ground and with a stable door you can allow in a breeze on hot days too.
Kitchen and Cooking Facilities:
Immediately outside the hut you will find the Weltevree ‘Outdooroven’ for all your campfire cooking needs. It simultaneously allows for grilling over hot coals, baking in the pizza/bread oven and frying/simmering on the stove top. Sturdy cast iron cookware is available for cooking on the open fire. There is a large picnic bench for outdoor dining.
On really wet days the indoor wood burner can be used to boil a kettle and for speedy water boiling there is also a Kelly Kettle. All of these options really helps you practice your fire building skills!
There is an outdoor sink for washing plates and cooking equipment with drinking water available from the tap. During freezing weather, if the water supply pipes freeze, we will provide bottled water for all your needs.
Toilet:
A few paces from the hut is your own private compost toilet with wash hand basin.
Outdoor Shower:
Attached to the end of the hut, concealed behind a private hazel hurdle fence and willow hedge, you'll find our outdoor shower.
To use the shower first remove the shower bag from the hook (make sure the shower head is closed) and fill with some cold water from the toilet tap, then heat some water in the kelly kettle or on the stove top and fill to your preferred temperature. Hook the shower bag back onto the pulley system and pull the cord to raise the bag to the right height and secure the cord. Pull the small black lever on the shower head to have a five minute shower. There is some eco shampoo and conditioner available to use.
Outdoor wood fired hot tub/bath:
The only bathing facility (apart from the pond!) is the luxurious HIKKI wood fired hot tub. This stylish Swedish built hot tub is easily big enough for two adults and is very relaxing and therapeutic. Soaking neck deep in warm water, either under the stars or as the light is fading, with bats darting above you, the sound of bird calls and trickling water from the near by pond and the moon rising over the fields is an unforgettable experience. The bath is filled with spring water and will be filled for your arrival. Due to the need to conserve water we can only fill the hot tub once every two days, meaning the water is to be kept in the tub and reused (to ensure the water and surrounding water systems stays clean we recommend avoiding using soaps and shampoo in the bath). We can refill on request if your stay is longer than three nights. PLEASE NOTE: During the winter months (roughly late Nov - March) the hot tub may not always be available due to the water pipes freezing and/or deep snow. We can't control the weather and apologise for any disappointment.
Pond/natural swimming pool: NOTE: As of October 2025 the pond is unavailable to swim in due to the summer's drought.
The pond is directly behind the hut and is a haven for wildlife and a perfect place for reflection and relaxation. At certain times of the year (weather and water level permitting) the pond is perfect for all your wild swimming/cold water immersion needs. Please do swim with care as there are no life guards at this natural swimming hole!
The surrounding land:
The hut and private garden sit behind a hedgerow and is enclosed in a wood or brash hedge. There is over an acre of mixed broadleaf woodland with wild raspberries, wild flowers and grassy banks for you to explore, relax and really connect with nature.
The farm:
The shepherds hut is located on an 8 acre ecologically designed small farm and forest garden homestead called Tap o' Noth Forest Farm. Run by James and Rosa, the farm is home to a small herd of dairy goats, geese, chickens and ducks and grows organic veggies, fruit trees, herbs and is an official demonstration site for the Permaculture Association (LAND Centre). The farm is designed to be as natural as possible, and over the years has operated a Community Supported veg box business as well as hosting courses and workshops.
Carpark:
Guest parking is situated right off the main road. The walk to the hut is short, walking through woodland and along field edge (forage some raspberries as you go). A wheelbarrow is provided to transport your luggage.
Guest access
You will have access to over an acre of woodland, pond and grassy areas to enjoy. A map will be provided of the farm showing where we ask you not to venture (working farm).
Other things to note
We have provided lanterns but it's still useful to bring a head torch.
It can get muddy so bring boots.
Insect repellant for summer (there will be midges but not as bad as the west coast). Think natural... Bog Myrtle or Citronella.
Your own gas camping stove (outside use only) in case this slow living is too...slow.
