The Orchard

The Orchard is a shepherd's hut retreat in Ringstead, 0.1 miles from the beach, which is about a three-minute walk. The accommodation is split across three huts. A living hut holds an open-plan kitchen, dining and sitting area plus the bathroom, with a bath and a walk-in shower, and the two bedrooms are in their own huts, one with a double bed and one with twin beds.

Underfloor electric heating runs in all the huts, and the log burner comes with logs. The kitchen has an oven, a hob, a kettle and a toaster, and there is a washing machine, a TV and WiFi. Fuel, power, bed linen and towels are included in the rent. The private garden has wooden furniture.

Off-road parking is for two cars, and the way in from the parking area crosses a small bridge over a stream. Up to two dogs are welcome, but the huts are small spaces: dogs are not allowed in the sleeping huts or on the furniture, and a wet or muddy dog should be washed and left to dry in the outside kennel before coming into the living hut. Smoking is not allowed.

Changeover is on Friday only; another day may be possible by prior agreement, with check-in at 6pm. The nearest shop and pub are both 4.3 miles away, and the Reef café is close by. The Orchard suits a couple or a family who want a quiet base by the beach and do not mind the beds being in separate huts from the bathroom.