Member News
A MORPETH-based businessman and farmer has announced the launch of a new luxury holiday accommodation offering in Northumberland bringing four new jobs to the area.
After 20 years of organising safaris to Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands, Philip Gregory from Earsdon Hill Farm, Morpeth and his wife Fiona aim to raise the bar for high-end staycation experiences with their new concept in luxury glamping with the launch of Hillside Huts & Cabins.
The new development, which has been fully self-funded through personal investment is situated in a half-acre of woodland on the family farm and has panoramic views of the Northumberland countryside and coast. Hillside Huts & Cabins has four Shepherd’s huts and cabins each with luxuriously rustic interiors, king size beds, power showers, wood-burning stoves, central heating, and wood-fired hot tubs.
The individually designed venues, which can sleep from two to four, are inspired by architectural designs that owner Philip and Fiona have admired during their travels to various parts of the world.
The huts are made from recycled materials with reclaimed wood, in addition the huts are energy efficient, utilising sheep’s wool and hemp to insulate the walls, while the farm’s own wind turbine generates the electricity. The new business also allows guests to take part in a range of activities designed to improve mental and physical wellbeing.
Philip said: “Hillside Huts & Cabins offers innovative, luxurious holiday accommodation, in a stunning location. Each hut has been uniquely designed with lots of little luxurious touches you probably wouldn’t expect from an outdoorsy-type holiday. All our suppliers of the coffee, tea, soaps, and milk are from the local area, even the huts themselves were made in Northumberland.”
“Not only can guests truly unwind in this retreat, but we also want to put them in touch with nature, by offering experiences such as yoga classes either in our wildflower meadow or in our yoga Tsala, as well as wild swimming at Druridge Bay, wild fitness, massage, and holistic therapies.
“It lays down a new marker for a high-quality, sustainable glamping experience in one of our country’s most beautiful regions.”
Advisers at Robson Laidler Accountants have supported Philip with his three-year vision for the development of the business, having initially assisted him with a grant application that was subsequently withdrawn due to the pandemic. Robson Laidler have since provided Philip with cashflow forecasts, budget analysis and regular business coaching, which saw him release his own personal investment to get his dream off the ground.
Philip continued: “The team at Robson Laidler have been a sounding board for me throughout the whole process, helping me sense check my ideas and utilise the right data to support my goal. They gave me market intelligence and financial modelling, which was invaluable with the decision-making processes. We spoke every single week throughout the pandemic and their support was invaluable.”
Amy Park, director at Robson Laidler said: “It has been a pleasure assisting Philip with the launch of Hillside Huts & Cabins. It has been a long journey, which wasn’t without its challenges due to the pandemic where we had to pivot the business model to get to his vision. With Philip’s determination and focus and with our real time financial information he was able to make business decisions in the knowledge that it was going to be a sound investment.”
She continued, “Our cashflow forecasting and business modelling service is proving to be of real value to clients who often know in their gut where their business is at and where they want it to head, but they need that hard data to make it a reality for them. The information we provide them allows them to see exactly what’s going in their business and to make informed choices.”
“In this current buoyant UK staycation market, I am sure Philip will succeed to make the venue a great success for many years to come. He really has created something very unique.”
Hillside Huts & Cabins is now open to the public and guests can make their reservations online: https://www.hillsidehuts.co.uk/
