Reviews

We recently had a fantastic last minute stay at the Birch retreat. Communication pre arrival was brilliant and it was lovely to arrive to a full welcome package of local food and all the essentials that had been very thoughtfully put together. Birch retreat was really well set up and everything had been thought of, including print outs of maps and instructions for local walks. The setting is lovely with great views and we really appreciated how the huts have been set up so you have your own secluded section of the woods, compared to similar types of rentals where there are multiple set close together this was unexpected and a feature we really appreciated.

We spent 2 nights at the Birch Retreat. Before we arrived Christine forwarded really helpful information about the area and what was on. We arrived to a fridge full of very welcome and tasty provisions. The shepherds huts are stunning set in their own wooded landscape. We enjoyed early nights sat around the log burner and switching off. Melmerby is lovely and the people we met were all extremely friendly and welcoming. I would definitely recommend a stay at the Birch retreat if you’re looking to get away and switch off. Thank you to Christine and her team for hosting us.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. The combination of the accommodation being so cosy and homely whilst being secluded within the natural surroundings of the forest made our days here extremely relaxing. Christine was a great host who was very informative and quick to respond to our queries. I would highly recommend staying here and intend on returning in the future.

The weather was cool during our visit,
But Christine our host made it clear that the shepherds hut has great insulation and it did, it was toasty.
Even double glazed windows.
A great little log burner that warmed the whole hut throughout.

We had a fantastic stay at birch retreat, directions to the hut were perfect, we appreciated the fine hamper on arrival and milk,butter , eggs and apple juice in the fridge, I always make a pasta Bolognese for tea and had equipment to do so . As it was still warm we spent the last of the evening light outdoors and then paid a visit to the local pub which took about 15 minutes as we’re not too quick, it was quite the adventure returning in the dark. We spent the Saturday with breakfast sandwiches and then went to Penrith where we restocked with a few goodies. We went back to the pub for tea ( we pre booked) and returned cosy in the hut with the log burner on. The toilet and shower and toiletries we perfect. We went well cosy in the bedrooms and even had to open the windows to cool.
It was a fantastic weekend and would highly recommend your huts to all our friends.

Birch Retreat is such a beautiful place to stay. It is located in a peaceful and quiet forest in Melmerby. It was just what my family and I needed. If you are looking for a special place to have a holiday then this should be on your list.

The shepherd’s hut itself has been carefully designed and is well built. We had all the things we needed. It is part of the Rowley Estates and the hosts are helpful, generous and responsive. I am looking forward to returning when I get the chance.

We had a brilliant weekend at the Birch Retreat. It is secluded and peaceful with incredible views of the woods and fields. Melmerby is a nice village and we were able to explore some of it during our stay.

Christine was superb and quick to respond to any questions I had.
I would say this is the most relaxing and enjoyable place we have stayed at through Airbnb.

A little piece of paradise in Melmerby! Clean, well thought out, well appointed and beautifully situated. Highly recommend!

Lovely shepherds hut in a beautiful forest setting. It is surprisingly spacious and well equipped. The owner was very attentive to our needs and a very nice hamper was ready for our arrival. Would definitely recommend staying here in this unique setting.

Great stay at a unique property. The shepherds hut made excellent use of space and was finished to a high quality. The location is great, secluded enough but then also a 15 minute walk from the village and pub.