Further.Space open their first glamping pod site in Scotland

Northern Ireland firm Further.Space has made its first expansion into Scotland with the opening of its latest partnership pod site at Hillhead Farm in the stunning Dumfries and Galloway area.
By Claire Cartmill
Published 24th Sep 2020, 17:00 BST
Further.space at Glenarm Castle glamping pods is the first pod site to be awarded Guest Accommodation Certification and a four star grading by Tourism NI. Pictured at the grading announcement are Samantha Corr, Tourism NI, Randal and Aurora McDonnell, Lord and Lady Dunluce with Peter Farquharson and David Maxwell from Further.SpaceFurther.space at Glenarm Castle glamping pods is the first pod site to be awarded Guest Accommodation Certification and a four star grading by Tourism NI. Pictured at the grading announcement are Samantha Corr, Tourism NI, Randal and Aurora McDonnell, Lord and Lady Dunluce with Peter Farquharson and David Maxwell from Further.Space
Further.space at Glenarm Castle glamping pods is the first pod site to be awarded Guest Accommodation Certification and a four star grading by Tourism NI. Pictured at the grading announcement are Samantha Corr, Tourism NI, Randal and Aurora McDonnell, Lord and Lady Dunluce with Peter Farquharson and David Maxwell from Further.Space

Despite the challenges facing the tourism industry, Further.Space which is based in Carryduff, is still investing and bringing unique glamping pod to the Scottish market with an investment of over £135k to this exclusive three pod site.

This is the fifth site to launch from Further.Space and partners in recent months with a further investment of £250k in Carrickreagh Bay right at Lough Erne and £150k in Thornfield Farm at the iconic Dark Hedges.

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Amounting to over £500k investment in 2020 so far, it reflects the growing popularity of ‘luxury glamping’ among travellers. This is also mirrored by the summer occupancy levels across the other four Further.Space Northern Ireland pod sites, which achieved 100% occupancy across July and August.

The first of a number of planned sites in Scotland, Hillhead Farm is a farm diversification project in a ‘Dark Skies’ area, so set up with minimum environmental impact in a strict planning zone.

Each pod sleeps four with a double bed and bunks for kids. They are fully furnished with a washroom, kitchenette area and also heating so perfect for all year round. They give you all the comforts of home, but in a spectacular location in South West Scotland – perfect for travellers who are looking for more of an ‘outdoor staycation’, which is resonating strongly across the domestic market at the moment.

The local hosts Michael and Jennifer are very excited to partner with Further.Space and bring this luxury glamping experience to Scotland.

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They explained: “We cannot wait for guests to experience the breathtaking views of our farm.  We are blessed to look out at them every day to the stunning valley below. We want people to enjoy nature and get away from the hustle and bustle of our busy lives.  The area is also brimming with outdoor things to do and see. We are actively encouraging people to go and explore all the area has to offer.”

However Further.Space are still looking forward to starting their journey in Scotland with more Scottish sites. And plan to invest over £1million in pod sites in both Northern Ireland and Scotland.

This includes a sixth site opening in Northern Ireland in October 2020 bringing their unique partnership model to the sector despite challenging times.

Peter Farquharson, CEO of Further.Space added: “We are so proud to partner with local land owners to diversity their business or farm. We are bringing unique experiences to the market place.

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“The staycation market is also really embracing this type of stay that combines luxury in an outdoor setting. Contactless check-in, ensuite shower room, comfy bed, stringently clean and smaller remote locations are just what travellers are looking forward at the moment. So we are continuing to invest in people and places, despite all we have had to overcome in recent months”.

The first pod site to open in July 2019 was Glenarm Castle in July 2019 with an investment of £250k.

Developing a partnership with Glenarm Castle Estate which is owned by Lord and Lady Dunluce, it was the first glamping pod site to be awarded 4 stars by Tourism NI achieved in November 2019.

Lady Dunluce, of Glenarm Castle added: “Achieving 4-star grading is an important milestone for us as it reflects the pride in our Estate, plus the luxury and the comforts we wanted our customers to experience. We have had many people from the Island of Ireland travel and stay with us, but we have also received visitors from all over the world, such as USA, Canada, Belgium, Netherlands, Australia, Italy, Germany, Spain, France, to name a few who are looking for this level of comfort, but giving them the option of something a little different.”

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Related topics:DumfriesGalloway