The Hideaway at Baxby Manor
Our Story
The Hideaway at Baxby Manor is an 110 acre farm that has been in the Smith family for five generations. The Smiths are no strangers to diversification; in 1999 the family opened a microlight flying school, which remains a stable income stream and successful business. One of the fields on the farm was not ideal for growing crops, though it was particularly picturesque, surrounded by trees and bounded by a stream. Barney Smith had the idea of opening a campsite, further diversifying and developing another income stream. Barney secured change of use for the land and was granted planning permission for a 40 pitch, 40 camping lodge/tent campsite. Today, The Hideaway has 40 pitches which includes five bell tents and three camping cabins.
The Challenges
The challenge was to develop a sustainable income stream whilst maintaining the integrity and beauty of the land. The camping lodges needed to complement the landscape and the family wanted something a little different to the standard camping pod.
The Solution
After much research, the Smith's discovered Camping Cabins. Camping Cabins built and installed three 17 metre camping cabins with a long porch. Two of the cabins were fitted with a double bed and sleep two, the third has a bunk bed and a double bed to accommodate a family of four. Barney said "We went for the Camping Cabin because we liked the look of them, we wanted something different compared to everything else we had seen. They were better quality and better value, plus we had the option to have them fitted out as we wanted."
The Result
In June 2012, The Hideaway at Baxby Manor opened its doors for the first time and was fully booked. The camping cabins operate at 55% occupancy and paid back within the first 12 months. Barney said "We were told the cabins would pay back in 12 months and, to be honest we were sceptical, but the cabins did exactly that."
The Future
The Hideaway is committed to offering different types and styles of accommodation and in the future they plan to add more. Barney said "We don't want everything the same, I'd love to add a treehouse next year and Camping Cabins will be our first port of call. We know that they will work with us to develop bespoke buildings for our business. Knowing we can visit the factory, discuss our requirements, design ideas and see the cabins being built is perfect."