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Nestled deep within four acres of tranquil meadowland in the rolling hills of Rutland, Shepherds Rest offers the ultimate romantic, dog-friendly escape. Designed especially for couples and their anxious or nervous dogs, or those solo travellers with an anxious canine in tow. This secluded shepherd’s hut provides peace, space, and security.

Part of the Rutland Rural Retreats collection, Shepherds Rest is one of just three beautifully crafted glamping cabins set off the beaten track. Built to sit beautifully into the meadow surroundings, Shepherds Rest offers a natural calm with handcrafted finishes, gentle natural textures, and the feeling of peace that only open countryside can bring. Each of the three cabins is screened by trees, hazel hurdles, and meadow grasses, creating a lovely sense of privacy and calm. It’s an excellent choice for couples looking to unwind in peace, away from the busier feel of larger sites, and perfect for dogs who are a little shy and prefer their own quiet space. For more reactive dogs, the Woodpecker is best as it is tucked away the most.

For dogs
Every thoughtful touch at Shepherds Rest has been designed with doggy guests in mind. On arrival, each stay begins with a welcoming hamper featuring a bag of natural dog treats, made especially for Rutland Rural Retreats. Guests will find a handy treat bag complete with eco poo bags, alongside two to three dog bowls and an extra-large water bowl to keep tails wagging throughout their stay. In the outdoor storage boxes, there are towels for muddy paws, a selection of toys, and a few small dog throws provided, but guests are encouraged to bring their dog’s favourite blankets for added peace of mind. Each private garden also includes a dog tepee, offering a shady retreat for nervous or tired pups. For comfort and accessibility, doggy ramps are available for smaller or older dogs, along with doggy sun loungers, small paddling trays for cooling off, and a large splash pool at the meadow entrance - perfect for a refreshing dip before or after a countryside stroll.

Its fully enclosed private garden (the largest of the three) gives pet parents peace of mind, with a 1-metre fence perfect for most dogs to relax safely. For those with more athletic or jumpy pups, the Bumblebee cabin provides higher (1.5m) fencing.

Inside 
Inside, guests will find everything they need for a comfortable stay: Hairdryer, two fans, all crockery and cooking utensils, kettle, rechargeable candles, board games, walking books, rechargeable torch, hangers, washing up liquid, handwash, shower wash, and starter supplies for that first evening – cooking oil, tea, coffee, sugar, condiments; we also provide a welcome pack for the humans that typically includes local cake & bread, tiptree jams, chocolates, butter and milk.
a king-size bed in a separate bedroom, a pull-out leather day bed, a handcrafted kitchenette with a Belfast sink, an oak worktop, an oven, a hob, and a fridge. There’s also a stylish en-suite bathroom with an electric shower, flushing toilet, and underfloor heating for a true glamping escape.

Outside
Outside, guests can unwind in the luxurious wood-fired hot tub complete with robes, logs, kindling, and firelighters or enjoy al fresco dining at the picnic table beside the fire pit and BBQ arm. (You will need to purchase the fire pit pack - logs, kindling and fire lighters as an extra when booking, unless you are bringing your own charcoal.) Additional log packs can be purchased on-site. This way, if you don’t intend to use the fire pit, you save.

The area is furnished with outdoor seating and sun loungers overlooking the meadow, ideal for those who love stargazing or quiet evenings with a glass of something sparkling.

Luggage trolleys are provided to carry belongings from the car park, across the wooden footbridge and babbling brook, to your peaceful retreat. Just bring your toiletries, food and your appetite for relaxation!