Keeping Your Shepherds Huts Warm & Inviting During Winter
The sweet little dwelling known as the shepherd’s hut has become a spectacle in the small spaces world over the past 10 years. With their many uses, from a home office to a small sanctuary at the bottom of your garden, a shepherd’s hut truly is one of our favourite small spaces. But let’s face it – the UK in the wintertime is cold, wet and dark. Therefore, a vital part of the planning is considering how to keep a shepherd’s hut warm over the winter, which, if done right, will undoubtedly make the time in your hut far more enjoyable!
Are Shepherds’ Huts Warm in Winter?
In its stripped-back form, a shepherd’s hut is built from a steel base and a timber frame. A layer of insulation, such as sheep’s wool, is usually added to the walls for added warmth, and it is always best to go for double-glazed windows and a high-quality door to avoid draughts.
But even with all of the above, having a primary heat source will make your hut warm and cosy throughout the colder months. Below, we dive into the best heating options for glamping in winter. So, grab your shepherd’s hut planning notebook and a pen!
How To Heat a Shepherd’s Hut?
Wood Burning Stove for a Shepherd’s Hut
One of the best, cost-effective ways to keep a shepherd’s hut warm is with a wood burning stove — a feature you’ll find in most designs. There’s something wonderfully rustic about lighting your own fire and tending to it as it crackles away, providing a steady, comforting heat. For us, a log burner is by far the most enjoyable and authentic way to keep a shepherd’s hut warm.
When choosing a log burner for a shepherd’s hut, the material and design are important factors to be considered. Opting for a cast iron construction over steel is highly recommended, as cast iron retains heat for a longer period of time compared to steel; thereby keeping your shepherd’s hut warmer for longer.
It can be hard to find a wood burner small enough for a small space, which does not compromise on efficiency and heat output. Our Hobbit Stove, with its 4.1kW output, cast iron construction and efficiency rating of 81.4% makes it the perfect log burner for a shepherd’s hut. You could also choose from one of our many small stove accessories to really utilise this little stove.
Underfloor Heating
As an addition to a wood burning stove in your shepherd’s hut, underfloor heating is a great option. This discreet system sits beneath the floor and can be switched on to gently warm the entire space at the touch of a button to keep a shepherd’s hut warm.
Underfloor heating works well with a variety of flooring types — including wood, tile and vinyl – making it a versatile choice to keep your shepherd’s hut warm. It’s a low-maintenance system that doesn’t take up any living space!
One of the biggest advantages of combining a wood burner with underfloor heating is the flexibility it gives you to keep your shepherd’s hut warm exactly how you like it. For a quick blast of heat on a chilly winter morning, the wood burner is ideal. But if you prefer a steady, comfortable warmth throughout the colder months, underfloor heating does the job beautifully. Together, they create a perfectly balanced system that keeps your hut warm, cosy, and inviting all year round. Do you have solar panels? These can be used to generate your underfloor heating to remain off-grid!
Heated Towel Rail
One of the more luxurious heating options, but one that might suit your heating needs. If the bathroom in your hut is located far away from the wood burning stove, or even outside, having a heated towel rail will make coming out of the shower or going to the toilet far more enjoyable ~ adding a touch of comfort to your bathroom on a cold winter’s day.
Blankets, Jumpers and Cosy Extras
Of course, there are plenty of little touches that can make your shepherd’s hut feel even cosier. Think thick blankets, woolly jumpers, and fluffy socks — perfect for curling up by the fire. Soft lighting, such as candles or fairy lights, also adds a warm, homely glow. And for an extra touch of charm, our decorative cast iron hat for The Hobbit Stove is ideal for holding a dish of water and essential oils, filling your hut with soothing aromatherapy scents.
