Over the last few years many farms across the Lakes have diversified their businesses offering luxury staycations for couples and families to enjoy.
What we found at the Castle Guards Farm Retreat was the dream of one such farming family done to the highest of standards on the edge of the Western Lakes.
Following a career as a travelling pharmaceutical drug rep and after the birth of her eight children, Emma Hind decided to make a change, four years ago her and husband Jonny decided to invest in four glamping pods at their family farm and haven’t looked back since.
Emma said: “Just over four years ago we diversified part of the farm so that I could be at home for the children, it was just something that I could do from here on the farm and running a business but still be here for the children as well.”
When we arrived at the pods it was clear to see how much of her heart Emma has ploughed into the business, with the warmest of greetings from the welcoming host who admits herself it’s the people who visit that give her the greatest joy – with the many returning visitors from Cumbria and beyond becoming friends over the years.
It must be said the landscape in the blistering May sunshine provided the perfect backdrop for the venue, however the cosy wood fired hot tub would provide an inviting space for anyone visiting in the colder months.
The pods are spotless clean, high spec and give a warm homely feel for any visitor to enjoy a calming and relaxing retreat in the most stunning of settings.
Although there was only two of us on this occasion, the six bed ‘Highmoor’ pod would be the perfect little getaway for young families wanting to be situated on the edge of the stunning Lake District.
Later on in the evening, it was a total joy to be able to relax in the wood fired hot tub staring at the dark and starry Lake District skies.
Every little detail has been thought for guests to have a complete staycation experience – whether it being the welcome biscuits provided on arrival, the handy honesty shop offering guests the chance to grab items they may need for over the weekend, and the personalised gowns provided whilst enjoying the stay.
And despite the obvious delight at the quality of the pods the thing that really gave the whole experience the extra ‘wow factor’ for me was the passion Emma had for the ethos she was wanting to create at the retreat.
Its very much a family affair with Jonny making sure everything was equipped for the initial build and the whole family helping in the running of the venue- from the boys collecting and providing firewood to the hot tubs and fire pits, and Emma’s daughter assisting her mum with the day-to-day turnover of the four luxury hideaways.
She said: “They all kind of have their own little helping hand in the business. They are brought up knowing it and working with it now, so one day they will take the business forward.”
There’s also a big emphasis on supporting local business, with breakfast and BBQ packs being provided from local butchers Tony Harrisons in Cockermouth, birthday set ups and flowers from Gift and Stitch in Aspatria, welcome biscuits from Delicious Doughnuts and Delights at Aspatria and Chocolates from Choc of the North in Cockermouth. This 'love of local' extends to their one full-time employee, who was also sourced locally.
Emma admits ‘there is still potential for doing different things’ with opportunities for people to host ‘full site takeovers’ where people can rent out the full site for a weekend to cater for things like hen parties and birthdays.
The family have exciting plans for ventures in the future, and if the stay of other guests is anything like ours it is rest assured that the future of Castle Guards Farm Retreat looks extremely bright.
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