Open Air Business August/September 2018

GLAMPSITES
We chose to make our own pods,
mainly because there were few
options to buy what we wanted,
and secondly the cost. We also
needed something that gave more
room. Although glamping is a new
phase in holiday accommodation,
we felt that like all business
fads the novelty will get over
subscribed and there will be
casualties, but that the better
quality offerings would survive.
Each pod is a livable, spacious
capsule, insulated to the highest
degree. They feature underfloor
heating in the off season months
to take the chill off colder nights,
meaning they are comfortable all
year round. The curved shape of
the pods creates a cosy cave-like
feel, and the front opens up fully
to reveal an unobstructed view of
the sky.
The pods sit nestled amongst
“WE ALSO
HAVE THE
COASTAL
VIEW TREE-
HOUSE, A
BEAUTIFULLY
CRAFTED
BOLT-HOLE
PERCHED 6M
UP IN A TREE
LOOKING
OUT TO-
WARDS WIDE-
MOUTH BAY
AND OPEN
COUNTRY”
the lush and undulating
landscaped lawns, each with its
own individual decked area, with
gas BBQ-oven, outdoor furniture,
and a private external wet room
featuring a heated shower,
flushing toilet and hand basin
We also have the Coastal View
Treehouse, a beautifully crafted
bolt-hole perched 6m up in a tree
looking out towards Widemouth
Bay and open country. Easily
accessed by a stairway, the roof is
clear on the north side and shaded
on the south giving a wonderful
feeling of space, and in the
evenings the LED lighting gives a
cosy ambience or a full moon can
provide the light.
At ground level are the BBQ,
bathroom and secret alfresco
heated shower. First finished
in April 2014, it is for couples
only; already we are aware of
three proposals made there, and
accepted!
What else do you offer?
We have an honesty shop open
during the summer season from
10am – 5pm most days. As well as
our own meat and eggs, the shop
also stocks basic essentials.
On-site, there is a BBQ house for
hire (a £20 cleaning charge) for the
rare occasions when the Cornish
weather might not be at its best!
This is also the ideal spot for
groups to convene, with a capacity
of 12-14 adults.
We also have an on-site shell
craft studio where children and
adults alike can decorate various
items, such as picture frames,
mirrors, terracotta plant pots etc.
or create shell ornaments. This
has proved popular with previous
guests and also with local schools
as an alternative to arts and crafts
lessons.
How did you work out your
brand and how do you publicise
yourself?
We chose our brand to reflect a
mix of location and the activities
of many of the guests we wanted.
The first year we just used the
BUILD YOUR OWN SHEPHERD HUTS
VISIT WWW.SHEPHERD-HUTS.COM
AND CLICK ON THE ‘SELF BUILD’ PAGE
BUILD TO A SIZE
THAT SUITS YOU!
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 39