A charming stay at The Whistle in Ilminster with Unique hideaways

A charming stay at The Whistle in Ilminster with Unique hideaways

For anyone looking to find an idyllic get-away-from-it-all countryside escape, I have the perfect place for you. Nestled in the heart of West Somerset is an enchanting shepherd’s hut called The Whistle. Surrounded by rolling green hills and no one but sheep for neighbours, it’s a slice of countryside heaven away from the chaos of modern life.

My boyfriend and I were lucky enough to stay here on a press stay with Unique hideaways – and I couldn’t resist sharing this hidden gem with you. I think you’re going to love it.

A luxury shepherd’s hut in Somerset

The Whistle isn’t any ordinary shepherd’s hut. The owners have thought of every detail, from small touches to big luxuries, to make this an extra special place to stay. Surprisingly spacious inside, The Whistle features a king-size bed, a fold-out dining table, a sofa, a fully stocked kitchen, and a toilet and shower room. 

The Whistle Bed

The bed is irresistibly snug with its big squishy duvet and comfy mattress. It even has a TV hidden in the end of the bed, which can rotate 360 degrees depending on whether you’d like to watch it from the bed or the sofa, or while cooking up a storm in the kitchen. 

Cake and Tea

For a seemingly small space, the rustic kitchen is impressively equipped. It features a gas hob, gas oven, fridge with ice-box, kettle, toaster and even a Nespresso machine. Plus, you’ll find all the crockery and utensils you could possibly need for cooking up a romantic meal for two.

A dreamy outside space

The real show-stopper of this shepherd’s hut is its outdoor space. Make use of the outdoor shower on warm summer days, or ramp up the heat in the wood-fired hot tub for chillier days. I recommend firing up the hot tub after dinner, where you can have a romantic soak under the stars, glass of wine in hand.

DeliVita Pizza Oven
The Whistle Pizzas

For alfresco cooking, there is both a barbecue and a state-of-the-art DeliVita pizza oven. The owners will provide you with some pizza dough if you don’t fancy making it yourself. Then it’s up to you to choose your own toppings before tucking into a delicious, crispy pizza as the sun sets.

Egg Chair at The Whistle
Marshmallow Toasting

If the weather is good, the comfy patio furniture is perfect for dining outside, from a classic table and chairs to a giant egg chair for sinking into. For colder days, light the woodburner and cosy up underneath a blanket. Marshmallows are also provided for the ultimate glamping experience. 

The surrounding area

If you can peel yourself away from the sumptuous setting of The Whistle, there are plenty of options for nearby walks, pubs, restaurants and other things to do. On one evening, we went for a stroll across fields and through pretty woodland to the local pub. Here we enjoyed an excellent dinner before returning to The Whistle for hot tub stargazing. 

Hot Tub at The Whistle

For beautiful gardens and grand manor houses, visit the nearby National Trust properties of Barrington Court or Montacute House. Or for a greater choice of cafés, restaurants and shops, head to one of the nearby towns of Ilminster or Crewkerne. If you’re staying for a good few days then don’t miss a trip to the breathtaking Jurassic Coast. 

The Whistle is the epitome of luxury glamping and offers a quintessentially romantic stay with its countryside location and opulent details. If the romance part isn’t your thing, then visit for a girls’ weekend away, or even a solo trip to recharge and relax in peace.


Book your stay at The Whistle or browse other Somerset hideaways. Looking for more glamping inspiration? Discover my guide to glamping in the UK.

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