Lockdown Renovations for our Staycation Guests
posted 10th July 2020
Last week we were thrilled to be listed on the Guardian as one of the top 10 UK campsites. What a boost, just as we're getting ready to welcome hoards of holiday goers itching to get away over the coming months!
In this blog we take time to review all the changes that have been made to our glamping units to ensure our guests are comfortable and safe in the post-Covid-19 'new normal' that we venture into.
1. New showers and toilets
For social distancing purposes, each of our yurts are fully self-contained with their own shower, fridge/freezer and composting toilet. And what luxurious showers and toilets they are too! The boys have been absolute troupers digging, building and proofing throughout the torrential rain and thunderstorms that we've had over the last 2 weeks.
Glamping like this is magical - simply something different. You might struggle to go home once you've experienced living in a yurt this high class! It's quite a remarkable feeling to have absolutely every home comfort one needs within a 5m diameter space.
2. Poo with a view
I'm sorry, but this composting toilet needed its own special category. Our camping toilet has been famed as being one of the best #loowithaview on Instagram, but the latest timber construction that Steve and the boys are completing is truly something special.
Can you think of anywhere else in Scotland where you can poo with a view of the Lakeland Fells? Steve, our carpenter, is a genius. We'd be so very lost without him.
3. Deep cleaning operation
Mud, dust, and soot is something you get very used to when staying in a forest; dirty boots and messy hair are much more our way of life.
Luckily, we've got Clare from Nith Valley Cleaning Company to get us back up to standard. Having been closed for the best part of 5 months, it's been quite the operation to make us sparkling again! All of our units have had a thorough deep clean, with each of the toilets and showers now containing anti-bacterial spray and wipes which we will ask guests to use after each visit to those areas.
4. Renovating Nith Barn
Offering bunkhouse accommodation for mountain bikers has always been a big part of our business, but with the government still banning group activities, we have turned our bunkhouse into holiday cottage instead. Nith Barn is looking stunning, and can now sleep families of up to 7 people, with Esk planned for renovation later in the year also.
A huge thanks goes to Donna, Will, and their little boy Sam, who have freely volunteered 2 weeks of their time to help us get ready to reopen. We couldn't have done it without them!
5. Taming the grounds
Whilst most people this week seem to be getting excited about their post-covid haircut, we've gotten excited about having our grass cut. It was wild!
Special thanks go to Tam, our gardener, who has undoubtedly had one of the hardest jobs getting Marthrown back to her former glory. 3 months of growth (particularly with no planes polluting the air!) has made Marthrown a bit of a jungle. Tam is an expert with the strimmer though, and blade by blade, nettle by nettle, we're starting to feel like 'us' again.
6. Creating a games area!
With the marquee not scheduled to go up this season, we've instead turned the woodchip area into a games court for all the family. Basketball hoops and badminton nets have just arrived, so hopefully that will be yet another string to our bow as to why Marthrown is perhaps the best staycation venue ever.
"Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish."
John Quincy Adams
Today's quote of the day and truer words have never been more felt. Our doors will open for staycation holiday guests on Friday 17th July.
We cannot wait to welcome you for your much-needed break. We still have some units available (mid-week offers available), so please enquire now via the website or call Pam in the office on 01387 247 900.