Who's got a Glampsite?

[Sorcha3]

Y'all I am specking out a glampsite investment and working on logistics. The site is well situated in a highly desireable tourist location and would be the only one of it's kind for many many miles. But I am wondering if anyone here has a glampsite and has run into any issues I am not forseeing? 

We will have a "Basecamp" with wifi and showers. The tents will be spacious with large beds and all the comforts of home. We will have "Poo's with views" as well as private latrines for those who don't wish to greet the open air during that time of the day. But I feel like we're missing something we should be anticipating? 

Would love some thoughts from experienced glampsite creators! 

[Breanna]

Sounds pretty exciting to get started @Sorcha3!

I took a look around the Community Center and see that @Rjgaurora3-Juno-Com0 is an experienced with Host "glampsites" in Maine.

@Debbie1190 also has a beautiful Shepherd's Hut in the UK and might be able to offer some thoughts as well! 

[Debbie1190]

Hi there, thank you for mentioning me, I can't seem to join the conversation? Where do I need to be?

[Breanna]

You're already here @Debbie1190!

You can see @Sorcha3's post above and can just type your reply as a comment. 

[Sorcha3]

Breanna thank you!!! 

I was wondering does Airbnb ever do special features or social media stories on hosts? I really love the community that Airbnb creates and have learned so much through this platform. We're putting a lot of budget into digital assets, photos, and creating visually stunning sites that we're open to asset sharing if we could get additional exposure. Is that something Airbnb ever does with hosts on unique stays?

[Helen3]

Do you need to apply for planning permission.

do you have utilities on site ? 

@Sorcha3 

[Sorcha3]

We had a lawyer and engineer run a land use study! We will need to apply for some permissions if we wish to expand but fortunately the zoning and rules/ regulations for this property are highly flexible. Though I have to schedule a meeting with the local fire marshall regarding creation of an evacuation plan in case of fire that we will need to have on file in the event of emergency. 

[Sorcha3]

I'm very curious about setting up Glamping sites in the UK. I'd really like to invest in a country property with land there and do a similar blueprint to what we're doing in Oregon USA once we've worked out some kinks. Have you find the planning permissions difficult? I've heard that they can be tricky when it comes to planning permissions.

[Helen3]

I haven't ever applied for planning permission for a glamping site @Sorcha3 

you would either need to find somewhere with planning permission or find land where you would be eligible to apply for it.

of course if you don't get planning permission the land will be of limited use.

your idea of buying a country house with attached land depending on the location and local planning regulations could be feasible

have you looked into whether you could get appropriate visa to live and run a business here? 

you'd also need to look into potential supply and demand many uk locations have oversaturated markets 

and our weather isn't really suited to glamping where you need to go outside to shower or go to the toilet.

there is a market of course but weather here can limit your season.

[Debbie1190]

Hi there @Sorcha3 , that sounds very exciting and very attractive (even the poo with a view!). I'm not sure I'm the best person to advise you as I am in the UK where for instance things are maybe different re rules and regs.

I have a single Shepherds Hut at the bottom of my garden. There are not many others in my vicinity, and I've done very well up til the end of this past summer. It has gone very quiet, but we've had appallling weather for months now, and there is a bit of a recession in the UK at the moment. 

I do have 65 x 5-star reviews and they are due to the fact that the Hut is very well equipped (and I do make an effort to be good host). I've thought of everything people might need whilst glamping. Many glamping sites are very basic and I'm sure there is a specific market for that. But I felt that people are in my garden and so I need to kit it out well. I had great fun doing it. You might like to invite friends who you can rely on for objective feedback to stay a couple of nights to test it?

I also looked for quaint and quirky things which everyone seems to really love. You can't really go wrong if the accomodation is comfortable, clean and well kitted out- I'm sure you'll be successful. Good luck with your venture! Thank you for asking me to join the conversation Breanna. 

[Sorcha3]

Debbie thank you so so much for weighing in. Your insight is SO helpful. I think this really affirms our design plan. I have a sourcer based in Morocco who can source moroccan decor at reasonable prices. We will be using Canvas tents and recreating the experience of being in a bedoin tent in the sahara desert in the foothills of the Pacific Northwestern Mountains in Oregon. So I'ts encouraging to hear how well your unique and intentional decor does with guests! We are hopeful out aesthetic scheme does the same! 

Also I am super excited about the poo with a view lol. It's silly, and will actually be pretty spectacular (views of 2 10K+ ft mountains overlooking an Elk dotted valley).