A family farm in rural Lancashire has increased its income potential through environmental payment schemes, wind turbines, and glamping pods. Raymond and Diane Kellet, along with their children Alison, Rachel, and Andrew, operate the 220-acre Mill House Farm near Cockerham.
Originally purchased in 1962, the farm has transitioned from dairy farming to a mixed beef, sheep, and arable operation. The shift was driven by decreasing basic payment scheme payments, prompting the family to diversify their activities.
The farm’s diversification includes a borehole, wind turbines, and glamping pods. The Kelletts’ involvement in entry-level and higher-level stewardship agreements since 2006 and their consideration of sustainable farming incentive options demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability.
Additionally, the glamping pods initiative stemmed from a trip where the couple saw the potential for similar accommodations on their farm.
“Raymond just stood around, looked through the cabin, and suggested the farm could do with some of these, and that’s how our journey started,” Diane said, as reported by the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) on June 28.
In 2020, the family faced challenges with planning applications due to the pandemic, but with the help of the CLA’s advisory service, they overcame these hurdles. The first glamping pods were installed in 2022, with additional units added later.
CLA members Lune Valley Pods constructed the pods, and Sykes Cottages manages bookings.
Recalling the early days, Raymond reflected on the initial stages of the plans. “We had a lot of fun preparing the site, which was an evolutionary process. It was quite a learning experience in that we had to acquire and apply new skills as we went along,” Raymond said.
Another aspect of the glamping pods is sustainability. Borehole water is treated for use in hot tubs, which are heated by air-source pumps. Additionally, wind turbines power the pods, which use LED lighting and photocell technology. The farm also offers an immersive experience with alpacas, goats, and chickens.
Each pod features a private outdoor patio area with a hot tub, fire pit, or barbecue, offering guests a secluded and comfortable space to relax. Designed for couples, the pods include a double bed, sofa, smart TV, microwave/combi oven, induction hob, fridge with a freezer compartment, dishwasher, and underfloor heating.
The owners underscore plans for the property, which include installing solar panels with battery storage for electric vehicle charging points and expanding the number of glamping pods.
Another highlight of the business plans is using 40 to 50 acres of the farm for a small-scale solar park, which would be under-sown with wildflowers to enhance their sustainability and green credentials.
The family is also committed to reducing its carbon footprint and enhancing biodiversity. They plan to plant additional native and fruit trees, wildflowers, and hedges and are considering introducing some rare breeds in the future.
For more information about Mill House Farm, visit millhousefarmpods.com.
Featured image by Mill House Farm via millhousefarmpods.com.
