Getting into high-end holiday lets

Looking for ways to diversify? We spoke to one company that provides sustainable cabins, making use of existing farmland to generate extra revenue, while a rural specialist provides top tips on planning permission.

Sustainable cabin company Endeavour Journeys Ltd supplies portable, high-end holiday lets to farmers who are looking for ways to get the most out of their land. Cabins are created from repurposed shipping containers, with cladding to the exterior and live roofs in order to help blend them into their surroundings. They are typically 20 x 8ft, or 40 x 8ft and need to be placed into fields where they can sit harmoniously with the existing use of land – whether that be arable or animal farming – to give customers a unique experience.

Endeavour Journeys says it works with farmers to ensure the cabins do not intrude into the operation, but provide an alternative income stream as part of the farm’s diversification plans. The company does not charge upfront for the cabin, but instead seeks a share of revenue model based on cabin occupancy with the farmer.

Rural planning specialist Lindsey Wright, of Arcadia Planning and Development, says diversification can be a very positive transition, when approached with the right research and planning, providing a multifaceted business to weather the storms. Making use of existing land to supply high-end holiday lets is an exciting new opportunity for landowners and farmers who want to broaden their business portfolio and support farm income, but there are some restrictions on where cabins can be placed.

Planning guidance and attitudes can vary across the country, with policy open to interpretation and decisions influenced by local issues.