Holiday lodge diversification project adds value

Manor House Farm near Wetherby has been a family farm for four generations, but the need to create an additional source of income and provide a secure business for future generations has resulted in Carl and Margaret Redfearn and family launching a luxury self-catering holiday lodge business.

Said Carl: "Although we needed to bring in extra revenue, we were adamant that any diversification venture should not distract us from our core farming business. Something we could manage easily, without taking us away from our day-to-day work was vital."

"We looked at many projects but then thought: why not offer visitors to the area what we have in abundance? Space – fresh air - peace and quiet - and a range of environmentally friendly activities like walking, cycling and bird watching."

They decided to offer self-catering holidays in timber lodges. They knew that a basic lodge in a muddy field at the end of a farm track would not satisfy today’s holidaymakers who are looking for well laid out accommodation with good access and all the luxury and facilities similar to, or better than they enjoy at home.

When research provided evidence that this type of project would be viable, the decision was taken to go ahead and planning permission obtained for five lodges.

Although none of the family had experience in the tourism or leisure industry, they combined their skills and Wighill Manor Lodges was born. Carl’s son-in-law Rupert Brown spearheaded the project, with the help of Hoseasons who would market the lodge holidays, and provide customer service and internet booking; and lodge manufacturer Pinelog.

Hoseasons was also able to offer immediate publicity via its website which resulted in bookings from the day the lodges were commissioned. By taking responsibility for handling all enquiries, bookings and payments, Hoseasons would also minimise administration time at the farm.

Bakewell based Pinelog supplied one, two and three-bedroom Nordic Pinelodges. These have a simple design and genuine log cabin feel. As the average holiday lodge has to withstand two change-overs a week over 40+ weeks of the year, the Nordic Pinelodge is tough enough to withstand all of this and offer uncompromising build quality at a competitive price.

Low maintenance timber interiors create a holiday atmosphere and only need an occasional wipe down. exterior colours can be mixed and matched to blend in with the environment.

Pinelog were happy to extend standard Nordic designs to make them more spacious and insulate them to higher building regulation standard. A hot tub was also incorporated in the veranda. "We thought that would give them extra glamour" said Rupert. "After all very few of us can sit under the stars in a hot tub at home. "The lodges arrived late 2010 and were soon fully booked up to the end of April with summer bookings coming in steadily."

Summing up Rupert Brown says: "We are delighted. The new business generated revenue from day one and is dovetailing perfectly with our day to day farming work. The only time we have to allocate to the business is on changeover days but as these are Monday and Friday this leaves plenty of time free for farm work and spending time with the children."

"We estimate that our investment will pay for itself within five years and will help to provide the next generations with a secure future on Manor House Farm."

Links –

www.pinelog.co.uk