A CUMBRIAN farming family are making the most of a boom in Lake District staycations, diversifying their farm to accommodate guests.
Snittlegarth Farm near Ireby. has been in the Green family for around 80 years and has been grass let since 2001 after foot and mouth.
Snittlegarth is inside the Lake District in the Northern Fells. The decision was made to stop livestock farming due to stress and lack of income. Before diversifying into tourism accommodation in 2007 the farms income relied solely on grass letting. In 2007 two log cabins were installed into the farm and have run successfully ever since.
In 2021, father Rod made the decision to expand the tourist accommodation and get planning permission for 5 open living lodges, this decision was made because of the pandemic and the increase in popularity of tourism in the Lake District and the love for ’staycations’.
Rod’s daughter, Jemima said: “These lodges have been very popular due to their distinctive positioning with panoramic views up to Binsey, the farm is lifting with British wildlife which is what encourages most of our guests to come back, especially the red squirrels.
“It has been great to see the same guests coming back over the past 3 years since the new lodges have been up and running as well as our very loyal guests coming back to our log cabins religiously for over 15 years.”
After seeing the success and popularity of the lodges Jemima decided to invest herself into the farm by buying a Shepherd’s hut that would be situated on the farm.
Jemima has watched the market over the years after finishing her degree of Agri-Business at Harper Adams University and had noticed the popularity over cosy short breaks such as pods, trees houses and shepherds hut and so the decision was a no brainer.
With the help from her Dad and after some hard work the brand new Shepherds hut called “The Ewe” is up and running and inviting guests.
Jemima said: “It is the perfect dog friendly short break for couples who are wanting a stay in the Lakes. It is nestled into a secluded woodland surrounded by farm animals and wildlife.”
Jemima hopes to expand her business with further tourist accommodation in the future, she wishes to spend the rest of her life at Snittlegarth as this is her home which is deep in her heart and she loves the thought of being able to farm it herself one day.
To find out more about the accommodation at Snittlegarth you can visit: https://snittlegarth.co.uk/
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