North Coast Gem: Peatlands Shepherd's Huts Receive Four-Star Award

For those in North Belfast seeking a peaceful retreat just a short drive away, there's exciting news from the North Coast! Peatlands, a unique luxury shepherd's hut accommodation nestled in three acres of mature gardens and woodland near Ballymoney, Co Antrim, has been awarded a four-star grading by Tourism Northern Ireland's Quality Grading Scheme.

This recognition highlights Peatlands' exceptional commitment to offering visitors a secluded and high-quality experience. The two luxury shepherd's huts are celebrated for their superb craftsmanship, distinctive character, and a strong connection to nature. Designed with the modern traveller in mind, the huts are perfectly placed to maximise privacy, allowing guests to truly immerse themselves in the bustling wildlife, trees, wildflowers, and shrubs right on their doorstep.

Steven Kane, Senior Quality & Standards Advisor at Tourism NI, praised Peatlands as a "beautifully executed example of quiet luxury guest accommodation." He noted how the thoughtfully designed huts, high standards of comfort, and genuine, personalised hospitality come together seamlessly. As a small, family-run business, Peatlands offers an ideal base for exploring some of the North Coast's most iconic landmarks and is positioned near Garry Bog, an important biodiverse peatland habitat.

Owners Pete and Emma Hathaway expressed their delight at the four-star grading. They highlighted the scheme's invaluable role for new businesses in helping guests book with confidence and acknowledging the high standards they strive to uphold. "The grading is particularly meaningful for an independent, family-run business like Peatlands, where we aim to offer something a little different: an understated, slow kind of luxury rooted in nature, good food, and meaningful, creative experiences," they shared.

The Tourism NI Quality Grading Scheme acts as a mark of distinction, providing visitors with a clear expectation of the standards of accommodation, service, and cleanliness. Businesses, including hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, and self-catering options, can achieve a grade of up to five stars. This four-star accreditation for Peatlands is a testament to the dedication to creating a truly high-quality and memorable escape for anyone looking to unwind and reconnect with nature.