Case Study – Creating a luxury lodge park to unlock a farm’s land potential

“Pinelog’s one bedroom lodges are the perfect size for the site which has limited access. As well as being of exceptional high quality, they are warm, dry and very well insulated.” Cathy Hodgson, High Borrans Lodge Park

A 1,000-acre working farm in the Lake District has diversified and is maximising the income potential of its land through the creation of a bespoke couples-only lodge park.

In addition to farming sheep and cows, High Borrans Farm in Windermere also boasts seven one bedroom bespoke Pinelog lodges, available for private hire all year round.

High Borrans Lodge Park is a stunning rural retreat that has been developed by owners Cathy and Jonathan Hodgson over the last 18 years when they purchased the farm in 2006.

Cathy explained: “When we moved to the farm in 2006 there were already two dilapidated static caravans. At the time farmers were being encouraged to diversify to improve economic viability. We approached the local planning authority to further develop the site. They were in favour of it, so we began our search for suitable accommodation.”

Site limitations

With limited access to the site as well as the traditional Lake District’s wet and windy weather to contend with, Pinelog’s lodges fit the bill.

Originally, Cathy considered Yurts for the site, but it was while attending an outdoor show one very wet August Bank Holiday that she realised this accommodation would be unsuitable for the Lake District weather. She then discovered Pinelog.

Two lodges were initially ordered for the site. Proving popular, a further five lodges have been added over subsequent years. Today, High Borrans Lodge Park has seven one bedroom Pinelog lodges and a Shepherd’s Hut.

“Pinelog’s one bedroom lodges are the perfect size for the site which has limited access. As well as being of exceptional high quality, they are also warm, dry and very well insulated. explained Cathy.

A bespoke offering

It was important to Cathy that each lodge is unique in order to provide guests with a memorable experience. Each lodge has a king size bedroom and three of them are also dog friendly which, Cathy says, is definitely a selling point.

Each lodge has its own name, reflecting the scenic surroundings – Copse, Dell, Dene, Grove, Hazel, Holt and Spinney. Each of the lodges are unique with themed interiors reflecting their woodland surroundings, while the three dog friendly lodges have an enclosed decking area.

She added: “I particularly liked the fact that I was able to work with the Pinelog team to make every lodge different, from the choice of kitchen, bathroom and flooring down to the furniture package in each one. It’s what makes each lodge bespoke and why my guests love them.”

The ultimate rural retreat

Being nestled in the heart of the Lake District, High Borrans is particularly popular with walkers and cyclists, offering excellent access to the whole of the national park, including places such as Keswick, Grasmere and Ullswater. High Borrans Lodge Park more than lives up to its rural retreat’ label.

Cathy explained: “When we created the lodge park, we envisioned a serene rural retreat for couples away from the hustle and bustle of the nearby honeypot towns, yet offering easy access to all of the tourist attractions. Each pair of guests is able to wrap themselves up in their own private bubble of a Pinelog lodge, kick back, relax and enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of the surrounding farm and countryside.”

The verdict

It’s no surprise that High Borrans Lodge Park consistently achieves five star reviews on TripAdvisor.

Reviewers regularly praise the ‘delightful touches throughout the cabin’ (Chris N), ‘Quiet, clean, really well furnished lodges that feel new and furnished to a very good standard” (Jon C), and the ‘exquisite bathroom with ‘both a deep bath and large walk-in shower.’ (dg57)

Learn more

To discover more or book a stay at the beautiful High Borrans Lodge Park visit www.highborranslodges.com

To find out more how Pinelog’s beautiful lodges can help maximise income on your land, speak to our sales account manager Judy Barwell on 01246 942842 or visit here.