The Simple Things

Taking time to live well
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Taking Time to Live Well

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Photography: @rachelbraggphotography

Photography: @rachelbraggphotography

Sponsored post | Somewhere to Flock To

Iona Bower July 21, 2021

With summer in full swing, a Blackdown Shepherd Hut provides the ideal getaway to make lasting memories, whether glamping or at the bottom of your garden

August, it’s when most of us tend to make a little extra time to enjoy the best that summer has to offer – sunny days that stretch late into warm evenings, dining al fresco and an opportunity to gather good friends and family to both catch up and make future, long-lasting memories.

After the most unusual of years, exotic travel is still a while off, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create that holiday feeling, especially with the escapism that a Blackdown Shepherd Hut provides – be it in your garden or a rented hut at one of many glamping locations throughout the UK. See shepherdhutbreaks.co.uk for inspiration.

Even if this year’s summer holiday destination is not much further than the bottom of the garden, there are still plenty of ways to switch off, relax and take a break from life’s daily challenges. After all, a change is as good as a rest.

Lovingly crafted, a Blackdown Shepherd Hut offers a bespoke space for you to enjoy time with your loved ones. Picture a cosy hut around which to idle away the hours, with a wood-fired hot tub or a swinging day bed to stretch out on and catch up on that essential summertime reading. As the sun dips, get a fire pit going and gather around to keep the festivities rolling late into the night. For inspiration, visit Blackdown’s display garden in Ilminster, Somerset, where you’ll see its own fire pit, expertly crafted by Fire Pits UK. It’s the ideal opportunity to huddle in a little closer, share stories and good times and to toast marshmallows for a delicious evening sugar kick.

One thing’s for sure, a Blackdown Shepherd Hut is built to stand the test of time – as will the memories made spent enjoying these beautiful spaces.

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Get the festivities flowing

Planning your own shepherd hut shindig? Here are a few ideas to create a memorable get-together

1 Bring out the blankets
Each Blackdown Shepherd Hut is cleverly designed to make use of every inch of space, so you’ll have plenty of storage for additional blankets and cushions. Great for cosying up as the evening temperature cools a little.

2 Don’t worry about the weather
Whether it’s an awning off the side of a Blackdown Retreat Hut, or a Blackdown handcrafted Oak Canopy, there’s a solution to the great British weather. With options including Blackdown’s Oak Canopy Swinging Day Bed, there’s also a comfy spot to relax, come rain or shine.

3 Pretty up your space
Collect a couple of blooms from the garden or some excess foliage and display in small vases, jars or even milk bottles. It’s a simple touch, but one that’s sure to delight your guests.

4 Savour the veggies
Colourful and caramelised on the grill, veggie kebabs will suit all tastes, either as a tasty main or a sensational side. And even if the heavens open, there’s always the hob in your shepherd hut to whip up a last-minute plan B.

5 Sweet like candy
A retro-style pick ‘n mix will go down a storm, as will ice cream or summer fruits. Simply grab a stack of bowls, serve up and satisfy that sweet tooth.

6 It’s cheesy, but… It’s a classic
For those who prefer something a little more savoury, serve up a cheese board with plenty of crackers, chutneys and grapes, all guaranteed to delight your guests.

For more information and inspiration, visit blackdownshepherdhuts.co.uk or follow on Instagram: @blackdownshepherdhuts.

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InSponsored post Tagssponsored post, Blackdown
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Feb 27, 2025
Feb 27, 2025

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See the sample of our latest issue here

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Buy a copy of Flourish 2, our wellbeing bookazine

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Feb 27, 2025
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The Simple Things is published by Iceberg Press

The Simple Things

Taking time to live well

We celebrate slowing down, enjoying what you have, making the most of where you live, enjoying the company of of friends and family, and feeding them well. We like to grow some of our own vegetables, visit local markets, rummage for vintage finds, and decorate our home with the plunder. We love being outdoors and enjoy the satisfaction that comes with a job well done.

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