The Hoot

• Sleeps: 2 (+2) or 3 adults
• Bedroom: 1
• Bathroom: 1
• Minimum stay: 2 nights

Perfect for couples and small families in serious need of rural relaxation, The Hoot is a quirky and outrageously charming horse box, cosily converted to sleep up to three adults, or two adults and two children as lucky guests… and their well-behaved dog!

Located in a generous one-acre paddock, you’ll be immersed in fresh, green Wiltshire countryside that’s strewn with tempting footpaths/bridleways (a very handy map for which is provided on arrival), to help you test those walking boots to destruction. The owners also allow guests to bring their horse along, so you can saddle up and explore the area horseback too, should you wish. The stabling and paddocks are about 500 yards away from The Hoot, in the owner’s livery yard (must be booked in advance, extra charge applies).

Resembling a stylish studio apartment, there’s an open plan living, dining and kitchen space to relax in together, with rustic features that include a wooden galley-style kitchen, a crackling wood-burner, and bench dining seats positioned right by the window.

This is off-grid living, so there’s no distracting TV to be found (though there is intermittent Wi-Fi that you can access in The Lodge if you really must check in with hectic life back home!)

What better excuse to pour a refreshing glass of wine, and relax in the afternoon sunshine on your raised wooden deck, to a natural soundtrack of birdsong and gently rustling leaves? There are plenty of lanterns waiting to accompany you into the star-studded evening, if you find it hard to tear yourselves away.

When it’s finally time to turn in, simply climb up to the sleeping platform comprising a queen size bed, and drift off into a sound, silent night’s sleep under fresh-laundered sheets and snuggly duvets, as you listen out for those owl hoots! Additional sleeping space can be created in the seating area if needed.

Wake up to fresh coffee and a tasty home-cooked breakfast, perhaps eaten al fresco if the sun happens to be shining. When you’re ready, freshen up in your private bathroom, equipped with a piping hot water shower, and prepare for a day of doing exactly what you like.

At a glance

• A cosily converted, dog-friendly horsebox, set in a generous one-acre paddock in the soothing Wiltshire countryside.
• The off-grid and solar-driven retreat sleeps up to three adults or a family of two adults and two children, on a queen size raised sleeping platform and on the sofas in the lounge area.
• Welcome hamper or basket on arrival day, with home made loaf cake, biscuits, jam, butter, bread, milk, orange juice, and eggs from the onsite hens!
• There are kitchen facilities, a barbecue in the garden, and a private bathroom.
• Sit out on your raised deck with morning coffee and let the joyous birdsong ease you into your day – what bliss!
• Take an invigorating country walk, or head into nearby Bradford-on-Avon or Frome or to stock up on supplies. The famous Chalk Horses of Wiltshire are close by and well worth a visit, too – in fact you can see the Westbury white horse in the distance from the top of the first footpath/bridleway!

Features

• Dog Friendly
• Family Friendly
• Off-Grid

More information

Happily, this could involve any number of glorious activities! You could start by testing out those aforementioned paths with your pet in tow, or exploring the local area on two wheels, as there are some wonderful cycling trails.

In need of some supplies? The owners recommend heading to nearby award-winning White Row Farm Shop for some tasty local produce. Bradford-on-Avon is also nearby, with its famous picturesque canal and historic buildings, where you can wind your way through independent shops. The market town of Frome is a short drive away, ideal for shopping sprees and long, lazy lunches alike, whilst the popular city of Bath is also close, for some excellent sightseeing.

Prefer something a little more traditional? Enjoy a picnic by the river, or enjoy a welcome tipple in one of the friendly Southwick village pubs, the wisteria-covered Farmhouse Inn or 18th century country inn The Poplars, both within walking distance from The Hoot.

What better way to while away your lazy holiday hours, before returning to The Hoot for a sizzling sunset supper on the barbecue?

Things to note

Please note that there is other accommodation sharing the site, including a Shepherd’s Hut that may be hired with the horsebox for a slightly larger group. You may hear occasional noise from the working yard nearby. This is an off-grid and solar-driven experience, as such there are no 3-pin electric plug sockets in the accommodation. Intermittent Wi-Fi is available should you need, and there is an excellent 4G signal.