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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Would you stay here?

150 replies

janetlane · 03/03/2018 15:27

Not AIBU, but need high traffic so here goes...

Husband has been unsatisfied in his job for a while now and looking for a career change and he wants to set up his own business.
He has always wanted to run a campsite kind of thing and has recently got into the tiny house craze.

So i was wondering would people like to stay in tiny houses? An alternative to camping pods, so you get a bit of home comforts while still kind of camping haha/

OP posts:
ScreamingValenta · 03/03/2018 18:49

No issue at all with paying more - perfectly reasonable to factor in possible extra cleaning, as long as the charge wasn't ridiculous. We expect £20 - £40 per week 'dog fee' based on previous experience (we always holiday outside school holiday peak as we don't have DC.)

We only have one dog so limit on numbers wouldn't be an issue for us. As the houses are small, from what you're saying, I can't imagine people with lots of dogs would want to book them simply because there wouldn't be space - perhaps limit to two dogs?

crunchymint · 03/03/2018 18:49

I don't think people will stay and relax on site in a tiny house. It has to be seen as a cheap base for walking/active holidays, for people who don't want to camp. In camp grounds the people I see staying on site are those with massive tents.

Original poster
janetlane · 03/03/2018 18:52

crunchymint Good idea, our aim is for people to get out and use us as a bed, but because we would have a comfy bed and kitchen space / living space then if they want to stay then they could

OP posts:
Loyaultemelie · 03/03/2018 18:53

Actually I would, I'm not a camper at all, I need a loo and a bed! That sounds quite appealing. We have looked at some parts Wales a few times and accommodation within budget and not a b&b with nowhere to eat or buy supplies nearby has been limited.

Original poster
janetlane · 03/03/2018 18:57

Loyaultemelie I agree, i need a loo, shower and bed to be super comfy haha. I also agree not everyone wants to have to use a B&B especially if they like to cook for themselves.

OP posts:
crunchymint · 03/03/2018 18:57

If the pub nearby does good food, has real ale and a good rating on Trip Advisor, that would make me more likely to book.

Belindabauer · 03/03/2018 18:59

I'm not sure tbh.
I prefer luxury so won't do camping,
Depends on the cost, it would have to be cheaper than a b & b.

ScreamingValenta · 03/03/2018 19:01

I'm the same as crunchy - a cosy pub within 15 minutes' walk is an essential for us - or an onsite pub, as long as it is a proper, quiet pub and not a club with horrible loud music and 'entertainment'.

Storminateapot · 03/03/2018 19:05

Sounds lovely, friends of ours holidayed as a couple in a shepherd's hut last year and loved it. With the whole George Clarke Amazing Spaces thing I think it's very popular.

SmokedPaprika · 03/03/2018 19:05

Elmley NNR has brilliant 'shepherd hut plus' accommodation, have a look at their website, sorry I can't link. Absolutely beautiful.

crunchymint · 03/03/2018 19:08

I have just had a look at Elmley. TBH I never understand paying those prices for a posh hut.

honeyroar · 03/03/2018 19:09

I think people would stay and relax if there was a nice view and a little terrace/deck outside.

I love watching the Tiny House programmes on American tv. I wouldn't want to live in one, but would happily stay in one. Some are too pokey though, go for a bit luxurious. I quite like the ones with mezzanine bedrooms. I wouldn't want to be unfolding beds. I'd be interested in to how planning laws apply (we would like to do something like that one day). Our planning dept is quite good about tourism prospects.

Re the hot tub, I knew someone that had a couple of holiday lets, and they had a hot tub and a Swedish barbecue hut (wooden round thing that had seating round the edge and a huge BBQ in the middle, looked like a hobbit hole). The guests at the properties had one nights free usage of both, and it could be hired for further nights if they wanted,

Original poster
janetlane · 03/03/2018 19:11

Crunchymint ScreamingValenta Their is a pub within max 5 mins more like 2 mins walk from the site and is a proper country pub. There is also a mini corner shop and a butchers and bakers a 5 min walk away. Within 15 mins is multiple pubs, a supermarket and lovely world class walks.

OP posts:
greendale17 · 03/03/2018 19:11

No way

MerryMarigold · 03/03/2018 19:13

I've seen gypsy caravans and these kind of barrel structures which looked really cool. I think it would be nice to have some in 'groups' maybe built around a shared shelter/ fire etc. for family groups poor larger families.

crunchymint · 03/03/2018 19:14

OP how much are you planning to charge? I really think that is key,

MerryMarigold · 03/03/2018 19:14

Poor = OR

From the prices generally, they are not for the poor!

Original poster
janetlane · 03/03/2018 19:14

HoneyRoar Hubby and i watch them too and got the inspiration from there. We think they would provide a perfect little retreat.

Elmley looks lovely, but as said it can be a bit steep price wise and we would be a bit cheaper.

OP posts:
Original poster
janetlane · 03/03/2018 19:16

MerryMarigold Lovely idea could suggest that to hubby.

CrunchyMint Honestly maximum £80 a night, which you pay in some place for a hut with shared showers. But i would like to be cheaper if possible

OP posts:
Original poster
janetlane · 03/03/2018 19:17

Greendale17 Why not?

OP posts:
crunchymint · 03/03/2018 19:18

You need to look at the prices of places nearby OP. And if you are not competing on price, ask what you are offering that is unique.

Viviennemary · 03/03/2018 19:19

I'd hate it because I'm quite untidy and wouldn't cope in a small space. But I'm sure it would appeal to people. However, big caveat. Don't sink your savings into this venture without taking advice from experts first. Electricity to site and plumbing and and and. But I always see problems so wouldn't be any good as an entrepreneur.

Original poster
janetlane · 03/03/2018 19:21

Viviennemary We have looked at those things and it is possible. I'm untidy too haha, but you're on holiday so let go haha.

Crunchymint There is a place about 50 miles charging £110 a night for no shower and a poor quality kitchen.

OP posts:
crunchymint · 03/03/2018 19:24

Janet That is a ridiculous price and I am sure they get few takers. You need to look not just at the worst but at the best. I have stayed in Wales in some lovely accommodation that has not been expensive.

crunchymint · 03/03/2018 19:26

This is from only £35 a night and has a wood burning stove.

goglamping.net/glamping-north-wales-shepherds-hideaway/