Murgatroyd
Cranborne Chase
Cranborne Chase International Dark Sky Reserve · Inside
Overview
Murgatroyd is the largest of Ash Farm's shepherd's huts, with everything you need to settle in for a proper long stay in the Dorset countryside. The bedroom has a comfy king-size bed, beautiful linen and a dressing and hanging area, alongside a full bathroom and a superbly equipped kitchen complete with a butler's sink, marble work surfaces, Nespresso machine and a welcome pack of treats. There's a dining area, an enormous sofa piled with cushions, and books and games for slow afternoons, kept warm in winter by a wood burning stove. Outside, a firepit that doubles as a BBQ sits beside your private wood-fired hot tub, with rugs stashed under the sofa to wrap up in while it heats. Dogs are warmly welcomed, and if you're lucky, Alfred the ragdoll cat may drop by to say hello.
- Stargazing from hot tub
- Yes
- Southern aspect
- Clear
- External lighting
- Low Impact
- Other buildings
- Partial
Stargazing guide
Murgatroyd's private deck opens onto the wide Dorset sky, all within the Cranborne Chase International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the darkest places to stargaze in southern England. As the roomiest hut, she's ideal for a longer stay, which means more chances to wait out the clouds for that perfect clear, moonless night. Warm the hot tub, dim the lights inside to keep the deck dark, and let your eyes adjust. In summer the Milky Way stretches overhead; in winter Orion, the Pleiades and a brilliant Sirius dominate the view.
Moon conditions
Waxing Gibbous · 85%
Cloud forecast
Checking tonight's sky…
Next 7 nights
Practical information
- Mobile signal
- Patchy
- Winter access
- Yes
- Nearest pub
- The White Horse
- Nearest shop
- On-site honesty shop
- More about this stay
- Visit
Other dark places
Book directly with the host
No fees — you arrange it with them



