Yurtshire, in the Nidderdale countryside, is drawing on the power of nature, to create a revitalising experience for visitors from across the Harrogate district and further afield.
The 93-acre site, which features Eavestone Lake, is being developed by Tom Sterne, whose family are long-term investors in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors, in Ripon and surrounding areas.
Located between Ripon and Pateley Bridge, just off the B6265 road, the site with its nine luxurious tree yurts, opened last summer.
Following the high demand of a staycation year, three more units are being added, after planning permission was granted by Harrogate Borough Council.
Plans are also in hand to add spa-type facilities and services, including a sauna, facial and body massages.
The site features the 13-acre Eavestone Lake
Mr Sterne, who has more than ten years of experience of outdoor hospitality-based business, gained through his operation of hire company Yorkshire Yurts and YurtBar, which caters for the corporate entertainment market, told the Stray Ferret:
“I’m using the expertise that I have gained to create a new facility to satisfy the needs of people who are increasingly focused on wellness, lifestyle issues and the environment.”
He pointed out:
“Our site has an abundance of natural assets, including forty acres of forest, a 13-acre lake and the biodiversity that goes with them, from birds, butterflies and insects to clear night-time skies that are perfect for people whose spirits are lifted by looking at the stars.
“The aim is to harness and harmonise with all aspects of the natural environment – woodland, water and wildlife – to provide guests with a restful and regenerative stay that is good for mind, body and the healing process.
“That is why people wanting to find a peaceful and idyllic place to go on retreat, represent a growing part of our business.”
The yurts have been designed to provide a five-star level of luxury
In the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Yurtshire is surrounded by stunning scenery, that would not look out of place on a canvas by the landscape master painter J.M.W. Turner.
Views from the decking of each Yurt site, which has its own private hot tub, underline why nearby Grassington was chosen for filming of the smash-hit Channel 5 programme All Creatures Great and Small.
Each of the nine placements has its own private hot tub and decking area
With Grassington and other attractions, such as Fountains Abbey, Studley Royal, Brimham Rocks and Stump Cross Caverns, drawing more staycationers to Yorkshire, there is scope for Yurtshire to build on a successful first season.
Nicola Warters, pictured here with Tom Sterne, says the yurts provide five-star luxury in idyllic surroundings
Yurtshire manager Nicola Warters, said:
“We are providing the type of luxury accommodation that can be found in a five-star hotel, but instead of waking up surrounded by bricks and mortar, our visitors are in the heart of the woodland and arise to the sound of birds singing.
“Some also come for the pleasure of picking out the star constellations, as they relax in the soothing waters of their hot tub. It’s therapeutic on every level.”
Read more:
- The natural beauty of Fountains Abbey captured on camera
- Stars of All Creatures Great and Small stars seen in the Harrogate district
Ripon to get new luxury glamping site
A glamping site with luxury yurts and hot tubs will open near Ripon next year, to capitalise on the current “staycation” boom.
Yorkshire Yurts, which already operates a similar site called “Yurtshire” near to Fountain’s Abbey, was granted planning permission from Harrogate Borough Council this week to develop the new campsite.
The site on the edge of Eavestone Lake near Ripon will have 12 yurts for people to stay in as well as a spa, fire pits and pizza ovens.
Demand for glamping has soared this year and Tom Stern from Yorkshire Yurts told the Stray Ferret that there’s no better time to expand his business.
He said:
“Staycations are massively on the increase due to Brexit and coronavirus. People want to get away from it all and have a back-to-nature experience where they can stay in a bit of luxury and have the benefits of the great outdoors”.
Read more:
The planning application received objections from local residents who said that it will harm the “peace and tranquility” of the rural setting, but Mr Stern said the campsite will be sympathetic to its surroundings.
He added:
“It’s a beautiful spot, and what we are planning is low key. We are putting a lot into it to maintain the land, planting more trees which will enable us to manage the nearby woodland.”
The camspite will open in Spring/Summer 2021.