A MAJOR project to create a hamlet of shepherd’s huts within the grounds of Lancashire’s
most historic property has helped to protect its future, bosses have said.
The Hamlet - a collection of 28 traditional huts at Grade I-listed Samlesbury Hall, near
Preston, was completed a year ago following a £500,000 investment.
Now, the luxury accommodation is credited with introducing a brand new audience to the
700-year-old medieval home while cementing its status as one of the most unique attractions
in the North West.
The income it generates for the property - run by a charitable trust - is also helping to fund
ongoing maintenance work to ensure the site is preserved for future generations.
Sharon Jones, Samlesbury Hall director, explained the final phase of The Hamlet was
finished in January 2019.
Since then, 8,000 people have enjoyed a stay in a shepherd’s hut on site, drawing people to
the area and delivering a boost to the local economy.
“We had been looking for a way to offer accommodation on site that would sit naturally into
the surroundings of the historic hall for quite some time,” Sharon added.
“We decided to create a hamlet of shepherd’s huts because it seemed to offer everything we
wanted for our visitors and future guests.
“We’ve just completed our first full year and the move has definitely been the right one. The
feedback we’ve had has been excellent.
“We’ve also been able to welcome people who had never been to Samlesbury Hall before.
“They travelled here for the experience of staying in a shepherd’s hut and then fell in love
with the magic and history of this place as well as the surrounding area.
“We’re hopeful it will continue to go from strength to strength in our second year.”
Each one of the shepherd’s huts boasts central heating, European oak beds with memory
foam mattresses, en-suite facilities as well as a charging socket for phones and devices.
Grouped into clusters of two and three, they surround a fire pit to allow guests to enjoy the
simple, outdoor life with toasted marshmallows and precious time away from the stresses
and strains of everyday life.
They have been used all year round by families and friends but also by bridal parties and
their guests.
It has been a busy 12 months for Samlesbury Hall, which enjoys famous historical links to
the Samlesbury Witch Trials and the legendary White Lady Ghost.
Dottie’s Wafflery, located in the Italian Courtyard, also underwent a major expansion which
saw it double in size this autumn.
Sharon said: “It’s certainly been one of our busiest years.
“We’ve learned so much over the past 12 months since The Hamlet was completed, but it’s
been even more successful than we could have hoped.
“The hall has stood here for hundreds of years. Our job is to make sure we look after it for
future generations to enjoy, and The Hamlet is helping us to do just that.”