A LAKE District business is celebrating moving to a new location following a lengthy planning application process.

Herdy Huts, comprising a number of stylish ‘shepherd huts’, was sited at Great Langdale National Trust campsite since 2012, until a classification issue forced owner, Sarah Pike, to find a new location.

Following an 18 month liaison with local planners, described by Ms Pike as ‘very stressful’, permission was eventually granted for Herdy Huts to locate to Rydal Hall, with permission to expand to five huts and a compostable toilet unit.

“This has been a journey of persistence and passion and the news – when eventually received – was just fantastic,” said Ms Pike. “Not only were the huts (and my income) being saved, but being relocated to one of my all-time favourite places, Rydal, is the cherry on the cake.

"Bookings are already starting to come in for 2016 as the site is so special. With views of Nab Scar and High Pyke and the William Wordsworth home opposite, this site location is hard to beat.

"I love the fact that the shepherd huts also have a literacy connection to William Wordsworth himself, as he refers to them in The Prelude.”

Herdy Huts has grown in popularity since 2012, with many guests now regular visitors. The cosy, romantic huts are what Ms Pike describes as a traditional take on ‘glamping’.

Each hut has a double and single bed, fresh linens, all cooking utensils and a wood burning stove.

“People travel from all over the country to stay here.” says Sarah. “We try and make their stay as memorable and personal as possible, arranging champagne and hampers of local produce for those who require an extra special touch.”

Ms Pike, who moved to the Lake District in 2000, has always been self-employed and has something of an entrepreneurial streak, with the original idea for the business created whilst searching for a ‘shed’ for her eldest son.

“Whilst undertaking my research, I discovered information on ‘shepherd huts’ and at that moment, a light came on!” she said. “Shepherd huts have a rich history, with the earliest reference found from the early 16th century during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Shepherds would actually have lived in shepherd huts in the Lake District at this time and have a heritage here, so I’m delighted to be able to bring them back to the national park.”