Why our Shepherds Hut and Camp is our best kept secret

A bit of scene setting.....

We call our Shepherds Hut camp ‘Camp Isopel’ after the character Isopel in George Borrows famous 18^th century travel book ‘Lavengro’. The Shepherds Hut itself is built on an original chassis which is wonderful to look at and exudes character and history. I hope the below decription helps you understand why our set up is so special and is not like all shepherds huts……

So why is the ‘Camp’ so special.....?

Firstly there is the location:

Not only is the camp close to the beaches of Gara Rock, East Prawle, Salcombe, Millbay and East Portlemouth but it is situated atop the coast plateau. This means that the view from the camp stretches out over South Pool and all the way to Dartmoor. It really has to be seen to be believed. The Camp is located in our top field (‘Hassey’) with its own private access. Often there are sheep grazing in the field and our pigs live 200 yards away. The chickens roam freely and will come and see what you are about as you relax. Staying on a working smallholding is a wonderful experience, sharing the animals home.

The East Portlemouth and Gara Rock area is known for its bronze age activity. In the late 1980s it was discovered that there has been a bronze age settlement in the very field where the camp is now located. Concentric rings or crop circles were spotted from above using the ariel technology of the time (a plane…?). So the bronze age folk clearly thought Hassey field was a good spot.

There is also no light pollution up here on the coastal plateau so the night sky can be absolutely incredible.

In summary the camp is in a stunning location with amazing views, close to the beaches and coastal path, near to Salcombe and East Portlemouth. On top of this the sunsets are wonderful.

Secondly, there is the unique set up

The camp is made up of the shepherds hut (with a wood burner), a five metre bell tent, an awning covered dining area with a picnic bench, a horsebox with a kitchenette at one end and a bathroom / loo at the other. There is also a fire pit and you have access to a fridge and charging points for your phones etc. Mains water is piped to the camp. As a result of the addition of the bell tent families of up to 5 or potentially even 6 can sleep very comfortably in any configuration. The shepherds hut sleeps 2 people and you could put a young one on the floor if you like. The bell tent is huge so you could sleep up to 4 children inside (if your kids are a bit older and like the idea of their own space). You can set sleeping arrangements up however they work for you and your family to ensure you all get some good rest. The bell tent also works as a good space to play games, read and generally chill out if the weather is not so good. This coming year we hope to add and outside cast iron bath tub, so watch this space!

Thirdly, there is the suitability for children and dogs

The camp is fenced in so it is perfect if you have wandering toddlers or a dog. You are welcome to venture out into the fields but the fence means that young children / dogs will stay in easy range if you want them too.

In summary....

We have found that it is hard to get across to people what the camp is, why it is so special and how best to use it which is why I have written this blog. If you imagine a travelling family who set up camp about 100 years ago and decided to stay put for a few months then you will have a good idea what we have created. There is even a washing line for your wetsuits and towels.

So if you fancy something a bit different, like to be close to beaches but also value plenty of open space then ‘Camp Isopel’ could work really well for you (alone, with children and even with your dog).

Please do get in touch if you have any questions. Thank you for reading this.

John, Liz, Joe and Jake.