Pilgrim’s Rest - rural off-grid retreat

Shepherd’s hut in Herefordshire, United Kingdom

  1. 2 guests
  2. 1 bedroom
  3. 1 bed
  4. Half-bath
Hosted by Louise
  1. Superhost
  2. 6 months hosting

Listing highlights

Top 1% of homes

This home is one of the highest ranked based on ratings, reviews, and reliability.

50-min drive to Bannau Brycheiniog National Park

This home is near the national park.

Self check-in

Check yourself in with the lockbox.
Escape to Pilgrim’s Rest, a charming off-grid shepherd’s hut overlooking Snodhill Castle. Nestled in four acres of meadow, it has its own enclosed garden and barn. Perfect getaway for couples, solo travellers, pilgrims and those seeking to unplug.

Enjoy simple living with a wood burner, solar-powered lights, Woodee Fire Pit and stunning countryside views. Explore local walks, Hay on Wye and the Black Mountains. Reconnect with nature and recharge your soul in this peaceful countryside haven.

The space
Pilgrim’s Rest is an off-grid tiny home with solar power for lights, phone/tablet charging, and fridge (on timer). Built by my dad, it has thick wool insulation, and a traditional wood burner for cosy evenings by the fire.

It has a fold-down comfy bed with a custom thick foam mattress (wider than a standard double but slightly shorter). It will be made up for you when you arrive.

When the bed is folded away it makes room for a practical white wooden table and two benches with thick stripy seats. Sit here, enjoy your breakfast, read, play games or do a little work. The views out of every window are spectacular.

We have a separate compost toilet in its own little hut for a truly eco-friendly experience.

Within the enclosed garden is the barn where you can sit on a beautiful old settle and look out over the meadow and the rolling countryside beyond. There is a picnic table so you can sit in the evenings or if the weather is inclement; eat, play board games and relax into nature. If the weather is good, make use of the badminton set, tennis rackets, boules or even our tug-o-war rope provided. Bringing a dog? We have balls and a thrower to play with.

In the barn you will find everything you need for the Woodee Fire Pit. There is wood, kindling and natural flamers plus matches to get the fire started. If you’d like more wood, bags of kiln dried split logs are available to buy for £7.50/bag. In a big plastic box under the table you will find all the utensils, bowls and cooking items you will need to cook on the Woodee. There is also a sturdy grill, cooking tray and Dutch oven to go with the stainless steel fire pit which is just outside. Haven’t cooked over fire before? Then we can teach you. Get in touch and we’ll arrange a lesson.

Bottled drinking water is provided in glass bottles; tap water is not recommended for drinking. There will be plenty available, but should you run short we are just a phone call or text away.

Bedding and tea towels are included; please bring your own towels.

There is a small sink inside; no shower or bath! However we have several washing up bowls available for outdoor washing up; Hot water can be boiled using the Le Creuset kettle on the hob.

Guest access
Access via a single lane country road, over a ford, through a beautiful blacksmith’s hand-forged gate.

Private enclosed garden area within a 4 acre meadow with stunning views of Snodhill Castle ruins and the Golden Valley countryside. You are welcome to roam in the meadow. If there are sheep please ensure the gates are closed or you will have visitors in the garden!

On the route of the Golden Valley Pilgrim Walk—perfect for exploring Herefordshire, Hay-on-Wye, the Black Mountains, and attending the Hay Festival.

Other things to note
The shepherd’s hut is off-grid; there is no mains electricity or water, it’s a perfect space to unplug and embrace a simpler, slower pace. Depending on your phone network you can get 5G. There is no WiFi.

The skies are dark, stargazing here is amazing!

Bring binoculars - you are entering God’s country and wild visitors include red kites, owls, deer, pheasants, rabbits, and nesting swallows and wagtails.

Occasionally, sheep may graze in the meadows, so there may be sheep poo, cute lambs and inquisitive neighbours.

Cooking lesson experiences are available: learn to cook a full English breakfast or a delicious evening meal over the Woodee fire pit (advance booking required).

Snodhill Castle is directly in front of you. There is a lovely walk to it from the meadow up the lane. It’s a fascinating site and great to explore.

Bring your walking boots! There are lots of local walks straight out of the meadow, or take a short trip to the black mountains. The Malvern Hills and Brecon Beacons are also on our doorstep.

Where you’ll sleep

What this place offers

Free parking on premises
Pets allowed
Backyard
Indoor fireplace
Fire pit

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Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 22 reviews.

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Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for cleanliness

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Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for check-in

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for communication

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for location

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for value

Where you’ll be

Herefordshire, England, United Kingdom

Meet your host

Superhost
22 reviews
5.0 out of 5 average rating
6 months of hosting
My work: www.thewoodee.com
Lives in Hereford, United Kingdom
I am a happy hardworking mum of four living in a rural village near Hay on Wye in the beautiful county of Herefordshire. I help my husband run his traditional roofing company and I also run my own business - Woodee Ltd. I design and make beautiful fire pits and handcrafted artisan tools for wood burners, fires and fire pits. I am passionate about heritage crafts and local materials making the Woodee Range out of local Herefordshire materials such as Oak, Ash and Hereford Bull hide. I work with traditional craftspeople such as blacksmiths, tanners, glass blowers and joiners. I love walking and cycling. Family is everything. I love my life!

Louise is a Superhost

Superhosts are experienced, highly rated hosts who are committed to providing great stays for guests.

Host details

Response rate: 100%
Responds within a few hours
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Things to know

Cancellation policy
House rules
Check-in after 3:00 PM
Checkout before 11:00 AM
2 guests maximum
Safety & property
Carbon monoxide alarm
Smoke alarm
Not suitable for children and infants