From city to farm: How we helped a family start a successful glamping business
Making the move from the city to their family farm in Northamptonshire, Miles and Hermione had a clear vision from the outset – they wanted to build two luxury cabins nestled in their farmland. The intention was to start a glamping business and they wanted to hit the ground running from the point the cabins were installed. Whilst the design and aesthetics of the cabin were paramount, equally so was the commercial viability of this new business venture. The strategy behind setting up their glamping business was paramount, and with decades of experience working with clients in the glamping industry, we brought a lot of knowledge to the table.
When Miles and Hermione approached Life Space Cabins in 2023 to work together on their new glamping business, we instantly shared a deep-rooted passion and energy for nature and sustainability, and that provided a solid springboard for us to create something rather special.
Ridge & Furrow Farm is located in Northamptonshire, located midway between London, Oxford and Birmingham. Its ease of access and unique location in the quintessentially English countryside made it the perfect place to set up a new glamping business. This project also offered a fantastic opportunity for diversification for the family.
How did we help to build a successful glamping business?
At Life Space Cabins we are no stranger to working with clients who want to set up their own glamping business, and we’re proud to say we have a great track record. As glamping specialists, we assist with all phases of the project development – that isn’t a service many companies offer, in fact we don’t know of any that do it all under one roof! This full-service approach meant that our journey with Miles and Hermione, from concept to installation, was smooth and the end product exceeded expectations.
From the seed of an idea during our initial conversations to navigating feasibility, planning, design, build and installation, together, we created two beautiful cabins; Lark Rise and Bright Water.
Planning permission for farm diversification projects
Miles and Hermione led the way with their planning application, and we supported them with a full drawing package. At Life Space Cabins, we work with a wide range of clients—some prefer a fully supported approach where we handle the whole planning process, while others, like Miles and Hermione, are happy to take the reins. They successfully secured full planning permission for the siting of three glamping units, along with associated infrastructure and dedicated parking spaces. This approval marked an exciting milestone in their farm diversification journey and laid the groundwork for the success that followed.
This project created space for a more fulfilling work-life balance for Miles and Hermione, allowing them to stay rooted in the land while developing a business that complements their lifestyle.
Post installation, the cabins well and truly hit the ground running. Both were swiftly listed on Canopy & Stars and now boast a base level of 85% occupancy year round. We will take that as an extremely positive result!
Lark Rise and Bright Water
Both cabins are unique in their style and sympathetic to their natural environment – orientated to enjoy the views but also retain privacy from each other. This was an important part of the brief, they needed to maintain a separate ‘identity’ with regards to their design layout and privacy. From a design perspective, both cabins feature our signature larch window reveals and Lindab guttering.
The experiential elements they do share are unrivalled, with uninterrupted views of nature over rolling fields and dense woodland, not to mention the wild swimming lake with the bank side sauna, it’s the perfect place to hit reset.
Lark Rise
Small and perfectly formed, Lark Rise is a secluded, romantic retreat designed for two adults. Inside, the atmosphere is warm and intimate, with a darker colour palette used in the furnishings and finishes to create a cosy, calming feel. The walls are clad in beautiful, unpainted reclaimed timber sourced locally from Burgess Reclamation, just down the road from the farm—adding texture, authenticity, and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.
At the heart of the space is a log burner, perfect for curling up beside on cooler evenings. A double bed sits opposite a striking glass-on-glass picture window, a unique feature designed to frame the incredible sunsets this spot is known for.
The compact kitchen includes a two-ring hob, fridge, sink, and open shelving, while the bathroom is fitted with a walk-in shower and thoughtfully selected natural finishes. Every detail is designed to enhance comfort – from woven textiles and soft lighting to locally sourced ceramics.
Outside, the cabin is tucked away beside a small copse, with two hammocks ready for quiet moments and lazy afternoons. The deck provides space for al fresco breakfasts and morning coffee, and to the other side, an outdoor bath offers a perfect spot for stargazing. With loungers and a firebowl completing the scene, Lark Rise invites guests to slow down, switch off, and enjoy the serenity of nature in total privacy.
Bright Water
Inside Bright Water, the cabin offers a light, airy space that invites relaxation with its bright, natural colour palette. The interiors feature handcrafted details, such as the stunning handmade ash ladder leading up to the mezzanine, along with ash storage shelves thoughtfully placed for games and books. The living area is designed to be as functional as it is stylish, with corner windows positioned to frame the bed, allowing guests to enjoy the views while still snuggling up indoors.
With the luxurious king-size bed tucked to one side of the open-plan living area, the kitchen sits at the opposite end, equipped for preparing meals and creating a homely atmosphere. The mezzanine, with its two single beds, is a perfect space for smaller guests or children, making Bright Water ideal for multi-generational living or family getaways.
On the outside, the cabin features natural UK larch cladding and a striking feature truss on the gables, designed to mimic the agricultural charm of traditional buildings, blending seamlessly with the farm’s surroundings.
The cabin’s layout encourages guests to enjoy the outdoors, whether grilling lunch over the firebowl, taking a refreshing dip in the wild swimming lake, or unwinding in the sauna. As night falls, sink into the outdoor bath on the deck, and soak in the starry sky above. Bright Water offers a truly immersive nature experience while providing a comfortable, family-friendly space.
Guest experience for a glamping business should be forefront
We put guest experience first and foremost into our cabin designs for Miles and Hermione, because we know this is what drives solid results. The reality is, if your cabin doesn’t stand out from the crowd and offer guests a first-class experience, you won’t receive a high booking rate. We worked hard to leave no stone unturned, and incorporated outdoor bathing, hammocks, stargazing windows, firepits, cosy blankets and outdoor cooking into our design.
Ridge & Furrow Farm is lucky enough to have a wild swimming lake within its grounds that’s perfect for taking a dip, but if that’s a bit too much not to worry, because you can use the rowing boat or paddleboard instead! They also have a lakeside sauna, making it the ultimate wellness retreat, further elevating the guest experience. Hermione and her mother are the ultimate hosts, and even offer farm tours for those that are eager to explore!
Sustainability and Efficient Construction
At Life Space Cabins, we take a sustainable approach to every project, and Lark Rise and Bright Water are no exception. Both cabins were constructed in our workshop in Devon and delivered to site as fully assembled units. This off-site construction method significantly reduced the environmental impact typically associated with on-site building work, as it minimised disruption and waste on the farm. It also meant that the cabins could be up and running quickly, with the potential for rapid return on investment (ROI) as they started welcoming guests soon after delivery.
Each Life Space Cabin is a carefully crafted, well-insulated shell with double-glazed windows and Lindab guttering as standard, ensuring excellent energy efficiency and reducing heating requirements year-round. The log burner serves as an aesthetic feature, enhancing the cabin’s charm, rather than being a primary heating source. For additional comfort, we’ve also installed underfloor heating in the bathroom and a heated towel rail, providing warmth where it matters most.
Want to chat through your glamping business venture?
At Life Space Cabins we specialise in turning your vision into a profitable, well-designed investment. Start your glamping business journey with a free consultation – let’s discuss how to bring your concept to life.
Email [email protected] or call 01364 705057.
