‘s Jules Hudson has shared the “highs and lows” of his “frustrating” labour of love.
The presenter has admitted that bureaucracy and red tape nearly destroyed his dream project of building a getaway that he plans to escape to once he retires.
The 54-year-old has put his all into a shepherds hut development called Mole Hill, that he’s made available to the public, but what he’d hoped would be an easy side hobby and business, being a small venture, proved a bit of a headache.
When asked by Glamping Business Magazine What about the highs and lows of creating his own camping site, Jules replied: “I’m not a great fan of paperwork and bureaucracy, so the planning process was really frustrating…
“We also had to have two new power connections to both our home and to the hut site, all of which took up time and money.
Escape to the Country Jules Hudson admits to ‘highs and lows’ in ‘frustrating’ ordeal (Image: BBC)
He said ultimately, however, it was worth all the energy put into the delightful Herefordshire property. “The reward of actually spending time at home project managing, designing and building most of it was just great.
“I also think that being hands-on allows you to constantly adjust what you’re creating as you focus ever more on what you’re making, and how your guests are going to use and experience it. It was all planned, but it had space to evolve.”
Mole Hill Hut is a large en-suite shepherd’s hut in the corner of a three acre sheep field, with panoramic views of the Wye Valley and the Black Mountains in Herefordshire.
“It sits by The Trough, a bespoke break-out cabin carefully sited to take in the stunning sunsets we have here,” Jules explained. “Mole Hill Hut was conceived as a couple’s retreat – a getaway from it all, including the job and the kids.”
Aside from building projects, Jules has recently shared news . The archaeologist and television producer,s best known for his appearances on shows Escape to the Country and , but has now turned his attention to furniture-making.
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Earlier this year, Jules took a 12-week furniture-making course at the Boat Building Academy in Lyme Regis and he recently launched The Jules Store in Hereford. The new store features a stunning range of handmade furniture and other items created by the presenter.
Ahead of the opening on Saturday (November 16), Jules said: “[This is] the start of something exciting which I hope you’ll enjoy too.” Jules received an influx of supportive messages as fans congratulated him on the impressive new venture.
One wrote: “Congratulations Jules, so happy for you!” as another posted: “Wow!! Those items you’ve shown are amazing. That first washstand for me is stunning! But love them all. Are they all ‘one off’ pieces? Fabulous work Jules… a dream come true.”
A third added: “Look at that smile on your face Jules. You’re brilliant. The idea was brilliant and here you go it’s wonderful.”