FARMERS on the Welsh border have diversified by creating a glamping site on the family farm.

Kevin Jones and Alice Pond were looking to diversify, and wished to develop a glamping site for tourists at the farm in Kinnerton, near Presteigne.

“Living on the farm, it is our piece of paradise,” Ms Pond said.

“To ensure it will survive an uncertain future and changing attitudes towards traditional farming, we decided that it needed to diversify in another direction. Glamping pods were the natural progression.

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“The beauty of being nestled underneath the Radnor Forest overlooking the Radnor Valley at 1,300ft above sea level we knew it would be perfect.”

Due to the rural nature of the site, which is accessed predominately from an unclassified single track road from Kinnerton, the Powys County Council’s highways consultant required additional passing places to be constructed in the country lane.

The planning permission was approved in early spring allowing Alice and Kevin to set up and open their business in time for the tourist season in the summer.

Hush Hush Glamping is now up and running, starting with the first wooden pod for two – Hare’s Form – with an en-suite bathroom nestled within the 90-acre farm.

Ms Pond added: “We were absolutely delighted with the outcome. The process was slow and painful at times, which was mainly due to Council timescales.

“We opened in July 2019 and have had guests booking and staying with us.

“Many have commented on the spectacular view and how they enjoy the alpacas and sheep, grazing and sauntering past the French windows.

“We are really looking forward to our first full year in 2020.”

The development was made possible thanks to the pair’s work with McCartneys LLP Property Department, with the survey department in Kington getting the ball rolling.