David and Felicity Brown
Hoe Grange Holidays
Hoe Grange Holidays is a fantastic example in its field.
Run by David and Felicity Brown, who identified a niche at its inception within a competitive marketplace, the business has enjoyed steady growth without losing the personal touch of a family run accommodation venture.
Set on a traditional family farm 1,000ft above sea level, the business first diversified in 2005 after the couple sold their 120-strong dairy herd after it became unsustainable.
The farm is now stocked with a 70-head suckler herd together with a small flock of 45 sheep, which now offers an agritourism venture specialising in accessible accommodation after initial market research suggested there was a demand for it.
All four log cabins are rated under the National Accessible Scheme, and three cabins have fully accessible wet room showers with height adjustable wash basins. There is a wide range of extra equipment, including profile beds, mobile hoist, shower chairs and rise and recline armchairs and the couple regularly move or even remove furniture to make access easier if the guest requires extra levels of care.
Personal approach
David and Felicity have also invested in an off-road mobility wheelchair with the aim of making the countryside accessible to more visitors.
More recently they have additionally diversified by building two luxury glamping pods, a vintage gypsy caravan and, with the farm adjoining part of the National Pennine Bridleway, they also cater for guests to bring their horses on holiday.
The couple work with a local care company to offer bespoke care packages and can arrange for any more unusual equipment to be hired in if required.
The personal touch of a family run accommodation business reassures guests that every effort is made to ensure their holidays goes without a hitch, from a warm welcome and familiarisation tour, to regular but unobtrusive contact throughout their stay, explains David.