Today’s interview is with Phil from Thorpe Farm.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourselves?

Rebecca and I are both in our thirties and we met at university in

Durham. We are both from rural backgrounds. Moving to London after university was inevitable but there was only so long we could stand urban life.

We created Thorpe Farm as an escape from the city. Our shepherds hut offers the same escape to others.

Have you always wanted to run a glamping site? How did you get interested in it?

I took Rebecca to Dorset several years ago as a surprise for her birthday. We stayed in a yurt on a farm. We loved the idea. The yurts were all on their own in the middle of a field and there was farm life to look at and get involved in if you want to. Most of all, the yurt was beautifully fitted out – a perfect blend of comfort and countryside. We never forgot about the idea and when we set up our smallholding a glamping option was not far behind.

What made you pick the location for your glamping site?

The North Downs of Kent is like a secret place that no-one knows about. It is truly rural, has beautiful English villages, thriving communities and yet it is within commuting distance of London. That suited us perfectly when we moved here and it now suits the many guests who travel from the city.

Do you get a wide range of different people from different walks of life or are there certain types of guests who come to stay at your site?

99% of our guests are couples and almost all of them are here as an anniversary or birthday or other surprise. We have had plenty of repeat business and had 2 successful marriage proposals. People have also sent their families and friends. Most couples are younger and come from London but we do have people of all ages visiting and people do travel from all over the country.

When guests stay, do they usually cook on site or do you find a lot like to go exploring and eat out at local places?

The shepherds hut has its own cooking facilities- a kitchenette containing a double burner gas ring – as well as a barbeque and fire pit. But almost everyone goes to our local pub – The Plough Inn at Stalisfield at least once during their stay. They can also provide in hut dining from their kitchen. People love exploring the wealth of good eateries in our area and we usually suggest The White Horse at Sandway, The Dirty Habit at Hollingbourne or The Five Bells at Brabourne.

If there was one activity to participate in, landmark, or place of interest that you would recommend guests visit while staying at your site, what would it be and why?

Walking in the area is wonderful and so we would recommend a country walk followed by lunch at The Plough Inn. Our local pub serves amazing traditional food and drink with a distinct local lean.

What do you think sets your glamping site apart from others?

We are a working smallholding and our guests share their field with just a flock of pedigree sheep. Guests can get as involved as they like in the working of the farm – most just love meeting the animals. Right now we are inundated with lambs and piglets.

What has been the most memorable moment that has happened on your glamping site?

As mentioned we have had 2 wedding proposals. During the first one the guest took advantage of a power cut at the hut to propose to his wife to be. When I apologised for the break in supply he explained that if it wasn’t for the power cut and the candles he might never have found the right moment to pluck up the courage to propose!

Do you provide any services/entertainment/activities onsite or elsewhere for your guests?

See references above to farm life and in room dining.

What plans (if any) do you have for your glamping site in the future?

We do not want to spoil the environment for guests by adding more units. What people love most is the fact that they are all on their own. We do plan to move in the future to a property where we might be able to put more accommodation but only if it was out of sight of others. We love the fact that our guests have the place to themselves.