A Derbyshire designer has blown his life-savings creating three luxury glamping lodges with lakeside views, BBQ cabin and an outdoor cinema.
Carl Insley, 47, launched Driftwood Lodges Luxury Glamping, this month (July) – and bookings are already flooding in.
The adult-only facility in Dale Abbey, Derbyshire, has taken three months to create and Carl, who has a background in interior designer, has done most of the work himself.
He said: “I have invested my life-savings into this new project, so I really want it to work for me. I had a dream – and this is it.
“I have nine acres of land here in Dale Abbey, and it was crying out for something like this. I knew I could create a really spectacular, romantic experience for holidaymakers and I’m thrilled with the finished product. Derbyshire is such a fantastic county to explore and guest can come here while they explore the Peak District.”
Each of the three lodges – which look like little Hobbit houses – offer stunning views of the fishing lake, and inside no expense has been spared to create a truly luxurious but natural woodland experience.
Each lodge, which were sourced locally in Derbyshire, comes complete with a four-poster bed, en-suite, log burner, a cosy loveseat and luxury soft dressing. There is also a wine fridge, a modern tea trolley stacked with a selection of teas and coffee bags and a private BBQ area.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Carl worked 12 hours days landscaping the site to accommodate the boutique lodges and building furniture to go inside. He designed and created wardrobes, tables and bedside lamps for each of the lodges and says the project kept him focused.
Carl said: “It has been a real labour of love but I have enjoyed every single second. This part of Derbyshire was crying out for a luxury glamping venture and I was lucky enough to have the space to do it.
“Views of the fishing lake are simply stunning and now I can share them with all my guests.
“There’s just one thing,” he smiled. “There’s no Wi-Fi. I want to encourage guests to forget about the pressures of technology and enjoy some special time together, in a place where they are going to love.”
It costs £120 per night, for two people, to stay in one of the lodges and the price includes a breakfast basket. Logs for the wood burner are free. On the weekend, from Friday to Sunday, the minimum stay is two nights.
To find out more and to book a lodge, find Driftwood Lodges Luxury Glamping on Facebook or call Carl Insley on 07745 173476.
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