A couple of cash-strapped farmers have secured a stable income after converting a battered old horsebox – into a £100-a-night HOTEL.
Canny Paul and Anne Ormond spent three months turning a 1974 Bedford TK they bought on eBay into a luxury glamping destination.
They installed a double bedroom above the driver’s cab and fitted a sofa, woodburner and antique furniture in the back.
The completed van is now parked in a corner of their 250-acre farm and boasts stunning views over the countryside around Banbury, Oxon.
Paul, 40, and Anne, 39, rent the van as a romantic getaway for £100-per-night and have already hosted a number of soap stars.
“We thought that a horsebox would make a really unique place to stay and it’s nice to see people using our land,” said Paul
“It may be small, but it can sleep four quite easily, and there’s plenty room. There’s even a little fireplace, which really ties the room together.
“I’ve always been a bit handy with tools and the views are just so lovely that we thought we would be daft not to get involved with a bit of glamping.”
Despite its tiny proportions, the living area boasts a small dining table, a traditional sideboard unit and a sofa bed which can sleep an additional two guests.
Outside there is a small decking area where guests can enjoy the views and a composting toilet and shower.
Paul and Anne, who have three children, also have a converted shepherd’s hut and a traditional gypsy caravan which they use for holiday lets.
The rest of their land is rented to an agricultural company and they have just one acre for themselves, which they use to house Tom the family pet ram.
“We have 250 acres, but the going rate for renting agricultural land is only £60 a year,” said Paul. “That’s not a lot of money when you think about it, so we’ve had to be a bit creative.
“We’ve had a few actors from Corrie and Emmerdale come and stay, and they seemed to have a great time.
“We also had an actor from Hustle, who said it was one of the best night’s sleep they have ever had.”
For more information and bookings visit www.glamptingthorpe.com
