Our Premium shepherd’s hut Blackthorn Retreat sits alone in its own dog-secure 1/2 acre meadow, with wonderful private far-reaching views, and amazing sunrises, sunsets and clear big skies. Perfect for reactive dogs. Up to two large or three medium dogs welcome (even on the bed - we provide throws). A perfect getaway under the stars. Wonderful sole-use wood-fired hot tub available (for a fee). At Blackthorn Retreat we offer a very homely & comfy place to chill out. The hut & 1/2 acre meadow it sits in are very dog-friendly (up to two large dogs, at no extra cost), and designed for guests with or without dogs. Perfect for reactive dogs, as there are no immediate neighbours or livestock. There are no other huts or buildings on site - or within 100m - so the space is all yours, and completely private. We are in a rural location - which is perfect for a country getaway. ⭐️PLEASE NOTE (14/02/24): FOR NEW BOOKINGS WITH STAYS COMMENCING 1st JUNE 2024, THE MINIMUM STAY WILL BE TWO NIGHTS⭐️ For stays of 7 nights or more, a discount of 15% will be applied. ⭐️ DOGS⭐️ *The meadow is surrounded by a new 4ft fence with strong rabbit wire. Whilst we have done the best we can to ensure it’s secure, we can’t guarantee that your dog won’t jump over or burrow under the fence. We provide: -outdoor hot & cold taps for showering dogs & boots etc -throws -dog towels -natural dog treats *Whilst we do provide dog towels & throws for the settee & bed, please also bring your own - especially when the ground is wet - so we can keep everything nice for future guests and doggies. *If you need extra freezer space for raw dog meat, please let us know. ***Dogs should only be left unattended in the hut if crated.*** 1st Apr - 30th Sep: CHECK IN FROM 3:30PM, CHECK OUT BY 10:30AM 1st Oct - 31st Mar: CHECK IN FROM 3PM, CHECK OUT BY 11AM 🌟***WOOD FIRED HOT TUB*** 🌟 The tub is thoroughly cleaned and filled with softened water only prior to your stay; no chemicals are added. It takes around 3 hours to reach the optimal temperature of between 39-42 degrees. ***There will be a charge of £40 for the first night’s use plus £10 per night thereafter - payable one day prior to arrival.***😃 If you are interested please let us know when you book and we can give you our payment details then. You will find towels for the hot tub in the cupboard under the bed, you can also use the robes from the hut. Unlike many other accommodations, we do not charge for any extras (other than the hot tub) - so your hamper, firewood & kindling for the firepit & hot tub are all included in the accommodation rate! We are virtually surrounded by arable fields, with walks on your doorstep and any distance by car. Wonderful & popular cycling countryside around us (bikes can be stored by the hut safely under lock & key). Nearest pubs (dog-friendly) are a 3 mile walk away (or 7 minute drive). Nearest supermarket & shops are a 7 minute drive to the delightful small town of Harleston. Most of the major supermarkets deliver here, (I expect giving them the hut’s what3words address would work, but to our house would be fine). Takeaway deliveries are few and far between, and this isn’t exactly a hotspot for good quality takeaways, although there are a few that we would recommend. We are just 45 minutes to the coast; Norfolk & Suffolk have the most amazing beaches - most of which allow dogs (either on all or part of the beach), and on some you might not see another soul for ages! The Broads are only 20 minutes away (starting at the beautiful town of Bungay), and North Norfolk just over an hour. Beautiful Norwich is 30 minutes, mediaeval Bury St Edmunds 50 minutes, stunning Southwold 45 minutes. Handy too for Latitude Festival. Nearest train stations are Diss (20 minutes drive, and 90 mins train to London Liverpool St), and Norwich (two hours to both Liv St and Peterborough). South Norfolk is very understated and quiet - especially compared to the more popular North Norfolk - and you will often go on walks without seeing a soul. We love it here, and - although it is lovely & quiet - you can be as connected or disconnected as you like (we prefer the latter!😊). You will find on your arrival a welcome basket including locally sourced free range eggs, jam sourdough bread and croissants. Also included will be butter, milk,orange juice,a pack of biscuits,a tin of beans and soup too! Birchalls tea, a Nespresso machine* and hot chocolate provided for your enjoyment. *We are trying out The OddcoffeeCo who sell slightly imperfect coffee pods that the manufacturers won’t sell- therefore ensuring they don’t end up in landfill. They are a bit of a pick and mix but this shouldn’t affect your coffee. Please give us any feedback. 😀 We have spent a month in the hut with our two big dogs just to ensure that we are happy with everything. We definitely are! 😃 We provide all cooking utensils,pots and pans,cups and glasses,there’s a decent size fridge freezer,microwave and 2 ring electric hob if you fancy cooking one night! There are 12 USB sockets throughout the hut. Recycling and waste bins are under the sink cupboard, also outside bins to the right of the laundry/store room. We have a king size Emma mattress which will give our guests a peaceful nights sleep. Extra bedding and throws provided. There’s plenty of storage under the bed and cupboard with hanging rail also. We supply all bedding,fluffy towels, robes and eco friendly toiletries. (Faith in Nature and Miniml)There are eco friendly toothbrushes in the shower room cupboard in case you forget yours, feel free to take away. If your visit is for a special occasion please do let me know.😃 A first aid kit is in the kitchen cupboard for minor ailments. Fire extinguisher and blanket provided for emergencies. There’s a laundry room which you are welcome to use for washing/drying at no cost, plus an iron,board and airier. All spare throws can be found here. A hair dryer and mirror are in the bedside cupboard. We have a 32” Smart tv for your use with Netflix, Prime and all the usual apps. Hyper fast broadband/Wi-fi. There’s an air con unit for hot days, we suggest leaving this on low when you go out,and drawing the blinds and curtains as it can get very warm in the hut! On wintry & cooler days, you can put the heated floor on to keep you warm. Please no smoking in the hut or laundry room, there is a sand bucket located to the right of the hut to put out your butts. We have some outdoor games to keep you occupied on a sunny day in the garden. Please place back inside the laundry room before you depart. Bistro table and chairs, sun loungers amongst other seating and a fire pit, with logs, kindling & natural firelighters provided to right of the laundry/store. In particularly dry weather, we might need to restrict use of the fire pit, as we are virtually surrounded by fields. Under the table we have a selection of board games,also some books to read on the shelf. Please bear with us as we create our outside space, it is a work in progress 😃 During earlier crop-growing times (mid-winter & Spring), the farmers tend to use bird scarers (loud bangs) during the daytime in the fields around us, and you may occasionally hear shotguns in the distance at any time of the year (mostly pheasants). This doesn’t bother our two dogs, but you may wish to take this into consideration. Thanks for reading and enjoy your stay with us! 😃