Open Air Business April 2017

GLAMPSITES
luxury glamping and their location
means that you can step back from
everyday life completely if you wish.
How did you choose your interior
decoration?
It was a joint effort between us – my
wife, Mandy, chose the colours and I
sourced the vintage features such as
the clocks, maps, books, and sheeprelated
items from flea markets
and auctions. We often don’t know
where the items are going to go
when we first buy them.
What challenges have you faced?
The main challenge is cash flow –
you can be cash-rich in the summer
and cash-poor in the winter.
What are your plans for next
season?
We have already doubled in size
ready for the 2017 season, and are
now planning further expansion for
2018-19. Our plans are top secret
at the moment, so you will have to
wait and see!
Describe your average day midseason
Because Tor View is not our only
business no two days are the same,
but we do our fair share of hut
changeovers and administration.
Do you enjoy the business and
why?
Managing shepherd’s huts can
be hard work, especially in the
winter! However, I enjoy seeing
guests’ reactions when they first
open the door to the huts and see
what we have created. I also enjoy
reading guests' comments after
their stays, and they obviously
enjoy the experience as we have
had many repeat bookings! It is
also pleasing to put the field to
good use and carry on a link with
my grandfather through the type of
accommodation we offer and the
names of the huts.
What other outdoor hospitality
sectors do you operate in?
The Old Milking Parlour is our twobedroom
barn conversion close to
the field with the huts. It is 4-star
and VisitEngland Gold Award rated
(www.theoldmilkingparlour.co.uk).
It operates as a separate business
and offers a different rural holiday
experience to Tor View.
What advice could you give
to someone coming into the
industry?
Stay in at least three other similar
sites. Always assume that building
a glamping spot will take longer
and cost far more than you think
(trust me on that from experience!).
You should also offer additional
services/add-ons (such as hot tubs
and outside ovens); and ensure
that repeat customers always see
ADDRESS BOOK
ACCOMMODATION
Blackdown Shepherd Huts -
01460 929774
www.blackdownshepherdhuts.co.uk
HOT TUB
Hikki – +46 706 370 820
www.hikki.se
BBQ & PIZZA OVEN
Hikki – +46 706 370 820
www.hikki.se
BOOKING SYSTEM
Bookalet - 01234 834716
www.bookalet.co.uk
something new, even if that is just a
refurbishment.
Congratulations on your Visit
England Gold Award. How did
you prepare for the accreditation
process?
We were really pleased to have
achieved this award. As we have
held a Gold Award at The Old
Milking Parlour for almost 10 years
we knew the standard which would
be expected, and our assessment
score was just short of 100%.
DIRECTORY SITES
Quirky Accommodation
www.quirkyaccom.com
Cool Stays
www.coolstays.com
INSURANCE
NFU Mutual
www.nfumutual.co.uk
DETAILS
Thrupe Marsh Farm, Wells,
Somerset, BA5 3HB
01749 841401
www.torviewshepherdshuts.co.uk
26 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM