Welcome back to our Hypedome Stories series! In this edition, we’re diving into the captivating story of Deerstone Glamping, nestled in the rolling hills of Yorkshire, England, a region celebrated for its stunning landscapes and quintessentially British charm. This unique destination offers a blend of nature’s tranquillity and homely comfort. Join us as we chat with Karin and Chris Greenwood, who transformed their vision into a successful glamping experience.
Q: Deerstone Glamping seems like a peaceful place that's welcoming to everyone – families, couples, and groups of friends. Hence, it caters to various needs and preferences. Can you tell us more about your approach to creating such a versatile experience?
Karin and Chris: Absolutely. Our vision was always to create a space that’s inviting and engaging for every guest. We have a fantastic playground for kids and amenities that cater to all ages and preferences. Our aim is to offer an immersive experience where families, friends, and couples can come together to relish a full weekend away, surrounded by nature. Interestingly, we’ve found our focus naturally gravitating towards full-site bookings – it’s something we’re really excited about. Already, we have about 10 full-site bookings for this year.
Our guest mix is quite diverse. Many who first visited us during our bell tent era have come back to experience the glamping domes. This loyalty shows the lasting appeal of Deerstone. This year, several summer guests returned for our unique winter experiences – enjoying the bonfires and fireworks from our scenic hilltop location, and some are even planning to celebrate special occasions like Valentine’s Day here. It’s a delightful mix of couples, friends, and families, all seeking to reconnect and create beautiful memories.
Karin and Chris at the Deerstone Glamping on their wedding day.
Q: It's clear that Deerstone Glamping offers a truly relaxing experience with its array of features like fire pits, a dedicated dome for movie nights, and luxurious hot tubs. Could you share more about the concept behind Deerstone and how you've crafted this idyllic escape?
Karin and Chris: Our passion for camping and glamping inspired us to create Deerstone as a haven where people can truly escape and immerse themselves in nature. Whether guests are here for the walks or just to unwind, we provide a setting that caters to every need. Imagine having two and a half acres of land to play, relax, and soak in the views – that’s what we offer.
Each dome is a world of its own, offering spectacular views, both at night and in the morning. We’ve focused on making everything as convenient as possible. From the showers complete with shampoos to the small details that make a stay comfortable, we’ve thought of everything. Guests only need to bring their clothes and food – and even food is optional, thanks to the fantastic local cafes and takeaways nearby.
We’re also looking towards expansion. Near our car park, we have unused stables which we plan to transform into a quaint cafe and gathering area in the next year or two. This is all part of our vision to offer a place where people can step away from their daily lives, watch the sunset, and relax.
Q: With Deerstone Glamping nestled amidst rich wildlife and fascinating attractions, could you list the top three must-visit places nearby for your guests?
Karin and Chris: There’s a wealth of beauty and history just a stone’s throw from our glamping site. First, I’d recommend Bolton Abbey. It’s a serene spot known for its natural beauty, historic ruins, and a river beach perfect for a day out. The Ancient Woodland there is breathtaking, especially the Strid Wood area, known for its scientific interest and family-friendly walking paths.
Next up, just a 10-minute drive away, is the Yorkshire Dales. This stunning natural area is home to the famous Three Peaks, and Malham Cove, a spectacular limestone formation known for its Harry Potter film location. The Cove, formed over 12,000 years ago by glacial meltwater, is a testament to nature’s artistry.
Lastly, the historic market town of Skipton, the Gateway to the Dales, is only a 15-minute drive. It’s known for its vibrant market stalls, fascinating Skipton Castle with public access to its well-preserved structures and dungeons, and a delightful range of cafes and shops. Whether you’re interested in local history, shopping, or just soaking up the town’s lively atmosphere, Skipton has something for everyone.
These are just the highlights – there’s so much more to discover around here, from enchanting trails to local events that bring the community together.
Q: You mentioned that before the domes, Deerstone Glamping had different accommodations. Can you tell us a bit about this transition and what inspired the shift to the Hypedome glamping domes?
Karin and Chris: Yes, that’s correct. Initially, we started with bell tents. This was partly a testing ground for us to understand our guests’ preferences and needs. The idea of opening a glamping site actually came to us while we were relaxing in our hot tub! It was during the pandemic year, a time when travel restrictions were in place, and interestingly, the regulations were relaxed to allow extended use of our field without planning permission – from the usual 28 days to 56 days. This opportunity inspired us to explore the glamping concept.
From the moment we opened, the response was overwhelming – we were fully booked from start to finish. This success continued into the following year with the bell tents. Eventually, we secured a license allowing us to operate year-round. However, we faced challenges with the bell tents, especially being located on a hill without much shelter, where it’s very windy. That’s when we discovered Hypedomes. The uniqueness and durability of your domes were unlike anything else in the UK, which made them the perfect fit for us. Switching to Hypedome has been a game-changer, offering our guests a distinct and comfortable experience even in our hilltop location.
Q: What was the first thing about Hypedomes that caught your attention?
Karin and Chris: Well, we wanted something different from the usual offerings in the UK. In our research, we initially noticed the mirrored domes on your website. They were striking, but we soon realized that we were aiming for something simpler. Then we saw the translucent dome option you offered, which turned out to be a perfect fit. Our Opal Hypedomes are distinct and noticeable, yet they blend into our hillside location in a way that’s just right for us. We combined it with slightly dimmed grey panels in the bay window area and this set works great.
Q: And the whole setting looks just beautiful. But not all domes are used as accommodation, right?
Karin and Chris: That’s right. Alongside our six Hypedome Opal M bedroom domes, we have a Grey Hypedome used as a hot tub enclosure for relaxation, and a cinema dome for movie nights. Each dome is designed with practical features like insulated wall panels and an insulated base, ensuring a comfortable stay for our guests while they enjoy the natural surroundings.
Q: Regarding your investment in Hypedome glamping pods, are you optimistic about seeing a quick return?
Karin and Chris: Oh, definitely. It’s been quite a journey, and the feedback from our guests has been incredibly encouraging. They often say they’re getting more than their money’s worth, hinting that we’ve priced ourselves quite modestly. Last year was about finding the perfect pricing balance, and it turned out quite well. Now, as we’ve entered this year, I’m sure it’s the time when we’ll start seeing significant profits. The overwhelming positivity and the demand we’re experiencing make me confident that our Hypedomes were the right choice. We’re ready to see some great results at Deerstone Glamping!
Deerstone Glamping’s story is a vibrant example of how innovative ideas can flourish in harmony with nature. Karin and Chris’s journey from vision to reality with Hypedomes highlights the endless possibilities in outdoor hospitality. Experience it yourself and book your stay at Deerstone while it’s available!
For more inspiring narratives like this, explore our Hypedome Stories series, where each tale unveils unique adventures and experiences in the world of outdoor living.