A MODERN twist on the traditional shepherd's hut has become one of South Lakeland's most sought-after holiday destinations.

The luxurious, environmentally friendly hut only came into use in March, but bookings are already being taken for as far ahead as August.

Susan Mellonie, of Underbarrow Road, originally planned to use the structure at the front of her house as a place for her son to stay when he came to visit, but decided to advertise it on Air BnB in the meantime - and she could never have expected the public's reaction.

"Bookings are coming in every day," said Susan, who lives at the site with three generations of her family.

"I'm really surprised"

The hut, which sleeps three people, contains a sizeable bed and a fully-functioning kitchen with a hob - but, for the more rustic customers, there is also a working log-burning stove.

Susan has gone to great lengths to make sure that the hut is in keeping with South Lakeland's traditional farming heritage, even to the point where the swill basket, which contains logs for the fire, is handmade by Owen Jones, one of the last tradesmen of his kind in Cumbria.

Guests can boil a kettle on the stove, or even use it to bake a potato and poach an egg.

Sustainability plays a key role for Susan, and the bathroom, which boasts a spacious shower, also includes an environmentally-friendly toilet.

The eco-toilet has different compartments, with solids falling into an air-locked, straw-lined container which dries it out, ready for it to be used as compost in the future.

A breakfast basket, containing locally sourced milk from Sizergh, tea and coffee from Farrers in Kendal and artisan bread from Staff of Life, is on hand for every guest.

But there is a unique twist - visitors can roll out of bed in the mornings, go into the chicken hut and collect their own eggs.

Susan said: "I want people to use local produce, shop locally and use local suppliers.

"I want them to enjoy coming to the Lake District, to enjoy being part of the outdoors and living simply and naturally, as far as possible."

The shepherd's hut costs £55-a-night for two people.

To book, visit: www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/9442541