Camping has come a long way from heavy canvas tents and toilet blocks that linger uncomfortably in the memory, and nowhere is that more apparent than the emergence of shepherd's huts. Essentially a curved roof structure on top of cast iron wheels - but with all sorts of whistles and bells thrown in - they have become an option for campsite and caravan park owners, and a cosy home from home for numerous holiday-makers.
Stuart John, of Abercorran Farm, near Laugharne, Carmarthenshire, finally has planning permission for five shepherd's huts after a lengthy planning process which cost him a five-figure sum in reports and other costs. He is sure to save money on the shepherd's huts, though, as he makes them from scratch.
Always keen to try something new, the self-employed builder put one together during the evenings some years back. It took him around six months, and he sold it on the website eBay for £4,000. "I knew there was a market for it," said Mr John, speaking from his farmhouse, which he shares with his wife Andrea, her two teenage daughters, and four monkeys. "People were commenting, saying they looked good." You can get more Carmarthenshire news and other story updates by subscribing to our newsletters here.
