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The Press?

BBC Countryfile features Shepherd Huts in 100th issue special

8th June 2015

Just one week after being featured in Edge Magazine, Riverside Shepherd Huts has taken its press coverage to a new level, landing a spot in BBC Countryfile magazine.

The national magazine, know for showcasing Britain’s most beautiful landscapes and the most interesting places to stay, has released its 100th issue special, of which Riverside is featured in a ‘We love the Countryside’ advert. Spelling out the word ‘countryside,’ Riverside’s feature comes under ‘U’ for ‘unique stays.’

Your home away from home is just around the corner… this is the central message of the article, focusing on how Jeannie and Dave work together with their customers to create bespoke, personalized huts that are a cosy and relaxing home, nestled away amongst stunning countryside landscapes.

"We were delighted to be featured in June’s BBC Countryfile – particularly at such an important milestone for the magazine,” said Jeannie Richmond, Riverside Shepherd Huts.

"The advert will really help to broaden Riverside’s exposure and increase brand awareness on a national scale, which we hope will result in a number of exciting new enquiries from up and down the country.”

Just click here to access the magazine now!

Shepherd Huts makes Edge Magazine’s June edition

8th June 2015

June has already got off to a great start for Riverside Shepherd Huts, who has been featured in June’s edition of Edge Magazine, the guide to local life in Worcestershire, Warwickshire and the West Midlands.

The article gives the company’s story in a nutshell; from your tea and cake upon first meeting Jeannie and Dave to a finished shepherd hut with all the homely touches, you can discover the process behind creating the perfect getaway.

Customer experience and involvement is at the heart of Riverside’s work, and from day one, Jeannie and Dave are keen to build a warm relationship with their customers and ensure that they have a significant impact in the decision making process.

Riverside’s popularity in line with glamping, the latest countryside craze, is also discussed, with many of the bespoke huts now featuring all sorts of mod cons such as double beds, wood burners and low level lighting so that your time in the countryside is as relaxing and luxurious as possible.

"We were delighted to be featured in Edge Magazine and gain further exposure across the three counties we are closest to,” said Jeannie. "Riverside Shepherd Huts is an expert in its field and works closely with the customer to transform a hut into fully functional, warm and personal home.”

To find out more about Edge Magazine, just visit its website.

Shepherd Huts wins Best of Houzz 2015

18 February 2015

It’s a wonderful Wednesday for Riverside Shepherd Huts, who has been awarded "Best of Houzz” for Design and Customer Satisfaction by Houzz, the leading platform for home renovation and design.

Riverside’s huts were among some of the most popular images on Houzz in 2014 and were chosen by over 25 million monthly users that compromise the Houzz community, including home building, renovation and design industry professionals,.

As well as winning the award in the Design category, Riverside Shepherd Huts was also a winner of the Customer Satisfaction category, a testament to the personalized and bespoke service at the heart of Dave and Jeannie’s work.

"We are over the moon to have won Best of Houzz 2015,” said Jeannie. "The pictures do the talking and it is clear people have recognized the innovation and creativity behind our custom built huts. With a ‘Best of Houzz 2015’ badge on our profile, Houzz users across the world will be able to see how we help tailor each hut to the individual so that they can create their own space with infinite possibilities."

Want to see Riverside’s portfolio? Just click here to see its range of unique, custom-built and innovative huts!

Prices, quality and value

24 September 2014

A message from Jeannie about changes to Riverside Shepherd Huts’ prices…

"We have now been established for just over three years and we’ve been able to maintain the prices and build our reputation for building high quality shepherd huts with excellent customer service.

"Unfortunately, we have seen an increase from most of our suppliers over the last three years and have got to a position where we have to increase our prices.

"From January 2015, we will be showing an increase on the ‘Prices’ page for the standard huts, then – when working out costs for individual customers’ requirements – we will be increasing the prices based on the suppliers used for the individual items.

"We will still produce a quality hut for our customers, which we still consider to be very good value in the shepherd hut world, with great customer service and a 30 year guarantee.

"We cannot increase on our customer service as this is priceless and we consider very difficult to improve on.”

A reviving experience at Goodwood

24 September 2014

Riverside Shepherd Huts’ weekend at the Goodwood Revival was the ideal way to mix business with pleasure – and Jeannie said it was one of their best shows ever!

Thousands of people will have seen the shepherd huts at the show, which took place on the Goodwood Estate in West Sussex from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 September.

Any visitors who didn’t have the time to pop in for a proper look around the huts can contact Jeannie and Dave to ask questions or arrange their own viewing. But this time, they won’t need to dress up in pre-1966 fashions – unless they want to!

Visitors to the Goodwood Revival celebrating the halcyon days of motor racing as it used to be, with all of the accompanying spectacle and glamour of the ‘40s, ‘50s and 60s.

"It was a very successful show with some famous faces popping in and also watching them race,” said Jeannie. "We saw Spitfire and Hurricane planes, and almost everyone made the effort to dress up in vintage ‘40s, ‘50s or ‘60s styles and there was lots of laughter! There were lots of airline pilots, vicars and even monks!”

The days were long for Jeannie and Dave, starting at 7.30am and finishing at 10pm, but they had a great view of the big screen from the hut, with lots of entertainment going on. As Jeannie said, "It was one of the most enjoyable shows we have ever done!”

Goodwood

Shepherd hut is the cover star of lifestyle magazine

10 September 2014

Readers of Warwickshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands’ lifestyle magazine Edge won’t have missed Riverside Shepherd Huts’ appearance – one of the huts was the cover star of a recent issue!

Making full use of the shepherd huts’ visual appeal, the feature article included a full-page photo of a beautiful example of a traditional hut, complete with sky blue finish and its very own exterior sign.

The article describes the flexibility of a bespoke hut from Riverside Shepherd Huts, saying, "Combining rustic charm with a multitude of uses and fitted with everything from underfloor heating to micro-kitchens, the modern day shepherd hut is an eco-friendly space solution.”

Just click here to see the full article online now!

Shepherd huts set for a jolly good show

10 September 2014

I say old sticks, those jolly chaps from Riverside Shepherd Huts will be sporting their most spiffing blazers and nylons this weekend as they crank up the jalopy and motor back to the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s at the Goodwood Revival.

The sell-out special event, which takes place on the Goodwood Estate outside Chichester in West Sussex, is described as ‘a magical step back in time, celebrating the halcyon days of motor racing as it used to be, with all of the accompanying spectacle and glamour of the era’.

Competitors and spectators alike dress in period fashions, with the finest sights and entertainment of the pre-1966 era for all to enjoy.

Alongside the classic cars and motor racing, the crowds will be able to explore an authentic recreation of a high street from the post-war years and browse a huge variety of exhibitors’ stands. No doubt, the Riverside Shepherd Huts display will be one of the star attractions.

"The Goodwood Revival is an ideal place to showcase our shepherd huts,” said Jeannie. "There’s a nostalgic quality about our huts that really appeals to revival enthusiasts, and their stylish designs fit in with the aesthetics of the era. I can easily imagine a group of friends from the 1940s, dressed in tweed and gingham, sharing a picnic from a wicker basket and drinking tea from a tea pot outside one of our shepherd huts. That’s what we’ll be doing!”

The Goodwood Revival takes place from Friday 12 September to Sunday 14 September and more information can be found on the Goodwood Revival website.

Riverside’s roots will be showing at the Moreton Show

21 August 2014

Jeannie and Dave will be returning to the place where the Riverside Shepherd Huts story began when they exhibit at the Moreton Show on Saturday 6 September.

Four years ago, the show at Moreton-in-Marsh in Gloucestershire was the setting for Jeannie and Dave’s very first public appearance as Riverside Shepherd Huts.

This year, they’ll be showing thousands of visitors some of the finest examples of bespoke shepherd huts. It’s a great way to demonstrate the range of options available – such as full-size beds, bunk beds or wall beds, fully-functional kitchens and bathrooms, even solar panels for a hut to generate its own power – and it’s also an opportunity to meet new people and keep in touch with happy customers.

"We’re very excited about the Moreton Show,” said Jeannie. "It means a lot to us after we launched Riverside Shepherd Huts there in 2010. There’s always a lovely friendly crowd and it’s a great day out for families, couples, friends and anyone interested in a country lifestyle. And, of course, visitors will be able to have a look around our shepherd huts, which must be the highlight of the show!”

The Moreton Show is described as having ‘all the charm of a traditional country show and offers something for everyone’.

Competitions are held for horses, cattle (including the National Show of Poll Hereford Cattle), sheep (including the National Show of Cotswold Sheep), goats, poultry, dogs, crafts, flowers and even scarecrows.

There will be more than 300 trade stands selling everything from farm equipment and gardening gear to designer clothes and toys, as well as a wide selection of food and drink in the Country Larder Food Hall. All of this is complemented by a full day of family entertainment.

To pay a visit to Jeannie and Dave’s huts on Saturday 6 September, full details can be found on the Moreton Show website.

And the award for Best Supporting Actor goes to… the Writer’s Retreat!

16 July 2014

A new video featuring one of our favourite customers also includes a glimpse inside his Writer’s Retreat shepherd hut, where he wrote his new book A Year at Otter Farm.

Mark Diacono’s book has been described as a ‘vivid account of living, growing and cooking on his adventurous British smallholding, filled with practical advice, seasonal tales and inspiring recipes’.

Considering Mark’s time spent as Head Chef for the world-famous River Cottage, we’ll definitely be trying out a few of the recipes!

The promotional video shows Mark inside his shepherd hut, cooking up a variety of tasty treats including a spring herb omelette, elderflower and strawberry drop scones and a delicious-looking agretti, fennel and cucumber salad.

You can watch the video below or visit its YouTube page by clicking here...

Talking about his Writer’s Retreat shepherd hut, Mark said, "The build quality is exceptional and the finish first class… I genuinely can’t recommend Riverside Shepherd Huts or Dave and Jean highly enough. Don’t buy a hut from anyone until you’ve tried theirs!”

Take a look at the Writer’s Retreat in Our Huts >

We wish Mark every success with his fantastic new book and can’t wait to try out some of his recipes. Food always tastes better when it comes out of a shepherd hut!

All set for another summer show!

14 July 2014

The huts are being swept and polished as we speak, in preparation for this week’s appearance at the CLA Game Fair at Blenheim Palace.

We’re really looking forward to a great summer show. As well as the wonderful weather and our gorgeous shepherd huts, visitors will also be able to see high quality garden pods from friend-of-Riverside, Bespoke Pods.

Just take a look at bespokepods.co.uk to find out what the fuss is all about.

Meanwhile, we’ll be introducing lots of lovely new people to the joys of shepherd huts. Thousands of people will be pouring through the gates of Blenheim Palace from Friday 18 July to Sunday 20 July.

The Game Fair is split into three main areas – Fieldsports, Families and Culture & Entertainment – with attractions ranging from falconry, fishing, ferrets and food to archery, gardens, off-road driving and good old shopping!

If you’re around Oxfordshire over the weekend, why not pop along and say hello? Tickets can be bought in advance from www.gamefair.co.uk

Win a whole shepherd hut with Hanbury Show raffle

27 June 2014

Riverside Shepherd Huts is rounding up a flock of new fans after offering a very generous raffle prize at the Hanbury Countryside Show.

Jeannie and Dave, owners of Riverside Shepherd Huts, will give away a whole children’s hut to one lucky winner, who will scoop a prize worth thousands of pounds.

The bespoke shepherd hut manufacturers said they were keen to support their local countryside show, which takes place just a few miles from their Hanbury headquarters.

Every one of Riverside Shepherd Huts’ creations is completely unique and tailored to each client’s exact specification. Jeannie and Dave have produced huts for celebrities, companies, individuals and families alike, with features ranging from sofas and solar panels to log burners and loos.

The children’s huts are slightly smaller and can be fitted out as ideal playrooms or dens, giving children their own space and freedom to play.

"We’ve already heard from quite a few excited people who are determined to win their very own children’s shepherd hut,” said Jeannie. "The Hanbury Countryside Show is our local showcase and everyone involved supports one another wonderfully. We’re expecting a terrific turn-out but only one of the visitors will walk away as the owner of a brand new children’s hut.”

The Hanbury Countryside Show takes place on Saturday 5 July and offers a full programme of activities including cattle, sheep and poultry showing, local food and drinks, a craft marquee, gun dog demonstrations, vintage vehicles and amusements for children.

Alongside the generous giveaway, Riverside Shepherd Huts will be displaying a range of their handiwork for visitors to explore and enjoy.

Tickets for the show – which occupies the showground just off the B4090 at Hanbury, Worcestershire – can be bought in advance by visiting www.hanburyshow.co.uk

Pictures of the children’s hut to be raffled at the show can be seen on Riverside Shepherd Huts’ ‘Hanbury Countryside Show Raffle Prize’ Pinterest board.

To stay up-to-date with Jeannie and Dave, and to see pictures before and during the show, just visit the Riverside Shepherd Huts page on Facebook.

Kotlich combo adds taste of the great outdoors

27 June 2014

Riverside Shepherd Huts has found the ideal accompaniment for its bespoke accommodation in the appetising shape of the kotlich – a versatile and stylish way to cook tasty food in the great outdoors.

Jeannie and Dave, owners of Riverside Shepherd Huts, have joined forces with Trish MacCurrach of The Outdoor Kitchen to team shepherd huts and kotlichs together.

A kotlich set includes a tripod, a hanging cauldron-style cooking pot, a grill and a firepit. The Outdoor Kitchen can even provide a recipe book to help shepherd hut dwellers to prepare the perfect pot.

Visitors who come to see Riverside Shepherd Huts during Jeannie and Dave’s programme of outdoor shows can see the hut-and-kotlich combination in action, and imagine the satisfaction of outdoor cooking beside their very own shepherd hut on a long, lazy summer’s evening.

"As soon as Trish set up a kotlich beside one of our huts, we could see that they were made for each other,” said Jeannie. "Shepherd huts are such a great way of experiencing the great outdoors in convenience and with all mod-cons, if you want them, and cooking with a kotlich brings an extra element of being close to nature. The recipes in Trish’s cookbook are perfect for cooking with a kotlich.”

Shepherd hut owners, and prospective owners, can see how a kotlich works by visiting The Outdoor Kitchen website – and Trish’s visit to Riverside Shepherd Huts is featured online too.

For more pictures of the shepherd hut and kotlich combo, just visit Riverside Shepherd Huts’ ‘Cooking with a kotlich!’ Pinterest board.

Spotted! Writer’s Retreat in Gardens Illustrated

Readers of Gardens Illustrated may have spotted a very special shepherd hut taking pride of place in the latest issue’s feature about the top nine in the country.

We were delighted to see our hut – about which the owner, Mark Diacono, said, "The build quality is exceptional and the finish first class” – appear in the article.

Even better was that we were the most well-priced in the top nine!

Have a look at the Writer’s Retreat here…

French Property News

We were delighted to be featured in the December 2013 issue of French Property News, which showcased our shepherd huts – or ‘berger cabanes’ – after we delivered a pair of unique models to the south of France.

Have a read of the article in the French Property News PDF to find out what Maria & William and Adrian & Micha thought about their new arrivals.

It was great to read about how pleased both couples were, especially Maria's comment that, "All we had to do when it arrived was make the beds!" and Adrian's observation that, "We'd always thought that shepherd huts were great fun." He's not wrong!

The Times’ 50 Best Cabins, Cottages & Castles

Who would have thought that one of our very own shepherd huts would burst into The Times’ list of the 50 best cabins, cottages and castles in the UK? Well, it did – and it went straight in with a bang at number 39!

You may have seen our hut from Nash End Farm in the Travel supplement of The Times on Saturday 15 March. The article is available on The Times’ website (account required), or you can come and see our shepherd huts in person by visiting us at one of our 2014 shows.