Our guests today are Felicity and David Brown, who own Hoe Grange Holidays in the Peak District and they talk to us about how over the last 17 years they have built an award winning all-inclusive holiday business from scratch on the farm that has been in David’s family since the 1930s.

David talks about how his father, in the 70s, had considered having log cabins on his farm to have holiday guests, but the council weren’t interested. Having taken on the farm and needing to diversify, David and Felicity revisited the idea of log cabins, and after research identified a massive hole in the market for accessible properties. Because they were building from scratch they were able to build the facilities that were needed in a very cost effective way.

They started with 2 cabins, and gradually built up the business. The successful development of their business is down to their ability to listen to people and find out from their guests what their needs were. Over time, they have also built up the various types of special equipment needed and when they have several people ask about something, that’s when they consider adding it to their business.

Originally the farm was a commercial dairy farm, but in 2009 they took the decision to extend their number of cabins and they sold their dairy herd. Their business now is incredibly diverse. Holiday visitors include people who have disabilities, people with autism, dementia and other disabilities, as well as many multigenerational holiday guests, romantic couples or even a bring your own horse on holiday opportunity.

Hearing them both talk, the passion they have for their business is obvious and it becomes obvious that their attitude of listening and developing with their customers has been a huge part of their success.

This podcast is also a must for anyone who is considering setting up a successful inclusive holiday business.

You can find David and Felicity on:

Website: https://www.hoegrangeholidays.co.uk/accessible-holidays-peak-district/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoeGrangeHolidays
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoegrangeholidays/

You can contact us at the following:

Dr Carol Sargent: https://sargentgroup.consulting/
Dr Tom Adler: https://getbide.com/