Sapphire shepherd’s hut is the only guest accommodation within acres of woodlands, orchards, veg gardens, meadows, all managed by hosts who reside in an ecological, straw-bale roundhouse (30 meters away from Sapphire). It is private & peaceful. Relax by natural pool, swim, picnic, and observe wildlife. Experience off-grid living in tune with nature. Sapphire stands amid the U.K's largest, established Forest Garden.Set within a designated 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'. Staying at Sapphire gives visitors the opportunity to experience an “off grid” lifestyle; close to nature, simple, and in a beautifully charming, warm, cosey, comfy shepherd’s hut. She is solar-powered and heated by a powerful wood stove. Close by, there's a simple, outdoor standing tap for washing. Supporting Bio-diversity. Conveniently located nearby,the hosts,have created a beautiful natural swimming pool/duck pond/wildlife haven, accompanied by our 'Tea Den', a circular, 'reciprocal turf-roof' structure. Visitors are most welcome to enjoy this social space. The pool area is a place for visitors to swim, relax in a hammock, read, picnic, or observe the wildlife. We keep a small flock of free-range duck and have 2 dogs. What you need to know: Electricity = Roof Solar panel powers lights and 2 USB sockets to charge phones or other USB items. Toilets; Dry compost loo, a short walk from Sapphire (instructions provided). Heating Wood burning stove heats up the insulated hut space rapidly and efficiently. Wood provided (Wood for outdoor fire has a fee). Guests light and maintain the fire. Cooking. Gas stove is situated at the Earth Oven Bakery, (15m away). Water. Outdoors tap 12 meters from the hut, for all your drinking and washing needs. Out door Camping Shower Instructions 1. Boil water in the kettle (or large pan) on the gas stove. 2. Fill the blue bucket with hot water from kettle & cold water from the standing tap for your desired temperature. 3. Press the ON switch on battery .

We Welcome you to 'Sapphire' shepherds hut, a 'hidden Gem', in the Shropshire hills! We acquired 18 acres of sheep grazing fields for re- wilding in 2005,and transformed the land into the thriving Forest garden, and site for Well-being (retreat), that it is today. All achieved, through vision, love, care 'n' lots of hard work. Karuna 'Insight Design', consists of woodlands (10,000 mixed trees, planted by our family), arboretum, meadows, orchards, forest gardens, organic vegetable gardens, horticulture area. We live a natural, meaningful lifestyle, fully in tune with nature. Our vital, self build home, powered by the Sun (with backup generator) is a natural building , a roundhouse, built from local resourced wood, straw, with lime,'hemp & earthen' wall plaster and floors. Hemp fleece and living 'sedum' roof, act as insulation. This is a vital part of our existence and creative, landscape design,-applied 'Insight Design', as we call it. For 14 years, we have been using compost loos as part of developing our own type of organic, sustainable agriculture. Recycled Poo was used agriculturally, three to four thousand years ago. In Asian countries like China, Japan, Korea and others, society evolved to understand human Poo as a natural resource rather than a waste material. We too know that the fertility from the toilet is valuable ,not a waste product to be flushed way, but compost to grow crops in the gardens, this is a 'closed loop' system in action. We keep small flock of adorable, free range Ducks. They spend most of their time celebrating life on the pure pond waters, filtered by freshwater mussels which help support and develop the increasing level of Biodiversity at this unique sanctuary. If you decide to try natural swimming in the pool, observe how your hair becomes as soft as silk. We have 2 Rhodesian Ridgebacks dogs, Hoshi and her son Honeyboy, they are friendly to people and you will hear them bark on arrival.

There are plenty of walks in this area, of outstanding natural beauty ( Shropshire Hills AONB). Stiperstones Ridge, the Bog, Long Mynd, Carding Mill Valley, The Wrekin. There is an old world pub in the village. Just a few miles away over the Hill,at Ratlinghope you can enjoy food and good, local ales at the Horseshoe Inn,better known as 'Bridges',a great place for Sundowners,where two rivers meet and surrounded by captivating countryside.On from there,the quaint and somewhat unusual town of Bishops Castle(BC), is well worth a visit,you can (the Brewery is just next door,actually enjoy fantastic crafted ale at the 'Three Tuns Pub',the oldest licensed brewery in the country). Also,the 'Castle Hotel' beer garden is awesome, with fantastic views over BC town and surrounding countryside. Quality food! Other interesting Pubs in BC,especially for live music,are- The 6 Bells and the Vaults. Cheers!