Issue 61

GLAMPSITES
a reputable local riding school, had
acquainted him with the nuances
of the hospitality industry and the
associated lifestyle.
Interestingly, having a camping
or glamping site alongside
their farming enterprises was a
longstanding goal. Our personal
experiences also played a role –
before the pandemic, we frequently
enjoyed glamping staycations for
quick getaways. The appeal of a
serene environment, a home-like
setting, and a relaxed atmosphere
has always drawn us to this type of
experience.
Tell us about your location
and site
Our location is a true gem, nestled
within a wooded coombe that
evokes the rugged charm of
Montana's mountains, adapted to
the British landscape. Situated at
the heart of the Blackmoor Vale,
our expansive 13.5 acre site graces
a sweeping valley resting on chalk
soil – a critical factor in maintaining
impeccable ground drainage,
particularly during the winter
months. The site strikes a perfect
balance, conveniently proximate to
significant attractions like Studland
Bay, Lulworth, and the iconic Durdle
Door. Yet, its rural seclusion offers a
respite from the bustle of everyday
life.
Access is a notable advantage.
Our location is strategically placed
near vital routes such as the A303
and A31, ensuring easy accessibility
to London and a vast portion of the
South of England.
Remarkably, we have yet to
experience location-related
challenges. We are seamlessly
integrated into village life,
fostering strong relationships with
local suppliers and agricultural
producers. The convenience of
being within walking distance of
country pubs and shops further
enhances the guest experience.
One challenge that merits
mention is public transport
accessibility. While our site enjoys
proximity to local train stations
like Gillingham and Poole, they are
still approximately half an hour
away from us. As a result, most
of our guests opt to travel by car.
Fortunately, this hasn’t dimmed the
appeal of our unique location and
offerings.
How did you finance the project?
We were lucky that we had a good
mortgage advisor on board to get
us in the door. Also, the timing was
such that we could benefit from the
government’s pandemic grants.
What glamping accommodation
do you offer?
Loose Reins has three shepherd
huts and three safari lodges. The
shepherd huts run year-round,
have been dressed up to fit our
frontier theme, and are styled as
ranch cabins. The safari lodges run
seasonally, April-October, and have
been similarly styled as pioneer
lodges.
What occupancy levels and price
per night do you achieve?
Excluding the winter closure of
our lodges, our overall occupancy
is around 64%, with cabins being
between 50-60% and lodges being
“THE SAFARI
LODGES RUN
SEASONALLY,
APRIL-
OCTOBER,
AND HAVE
BEEN
SIMILARLY
STYLED AS
PIONEER
LODGES”
70%. Our cabins range from £125 to
£250 per night, and our lodges range
from £175 to £340 per night.
How did you work out your
brand and how do you publicise
yourself?
Our brand identity is deeply rooted
in a captivating frontier theme
inspired by the spirit of the Wild
West. This distinctive approach
occupies a unique niche in the
market. The site’s origins trace
back to its days as a western riding
school, aligning perfectly with
our equestrian background. This
natural connection and history have
unequivocally led us to embrace
and continue this theme.
In terms of publicity, we’ve
found that harnessing the power
of social media has been our most
effective avenue. It gives us an
extensive reach to our potential
guests, allowing us to engage and
interact meaningfully. Additionally,
we’ve established a presence on
various other advertising platforms,
ensuring comprehensive coverage
and visibility across multiple
34 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM