(L - R): Jonathan Armitage of NEL Fund Managers with Dave Harris-Jones of Laverock Law Cottages and Glamping.

Northumberland sustainable tourism business flourishes with new romantic getaway

An award-winning Northumberland sustainable tourism business is introducing a unique romantic getaway with the help of a five-figure investment from the North East Small Loan Fund Supported by The European Regional Development Fund.

Dave and Harvest Harris-Jones set up Laverock Law Cottages and Glamping 11 years ago on a two-acre site at Lowick near Berwick-upon-Tweed after restoring three semi-derelict cottages, which they now offer alongside a handcrafted shepherd’s hut made from local timber.

As part of the next stage of the business’s development, Dave and Harvest are building a heart-shaped treehouse in a secluded location on the site which will sleep up to four people and which is scheduled to be available before the end of September.

A £25,500 Small Loan Fund investment secured through regional fund management firm NEL Fund Managers is now enabling Dave and Harvest to complete the fit-out of the treehouse’s interior, which will include a wood-burning stove, oak flooring, a fully-fitted kitchen and bathroom and locally-sourced artisan crockery.

Laverock Law Cottages and Glamping has won a range of national and regional awards for its commitment to sustainability, including golds in Visit England’s Sustainable Tourism Awards, the North East England Tourism Awards and the Northumberland Tourism Awards.

The cottages, which are powered by renewable electricity, all have low carbon heating and hot water systems, while the wider site offers abundant wildlife habitats, wilding areas and electric vehicle charging points, with bikes available to borrow to minimise car journeys in the local area.

Bespoke joinery firm Northumbrian Woodworks in Rothbury was commissioned to build the treehouse structure, which will be available to book via the Airbnb and Canopy & Stars websites, as well as directly from the owners, from mid-September.

Dave Harris-Jones says: “There’s nothing in Northumberland like our new treehouse and we’re now putting the finishing touches to what’s going to be a wonderful addition to what we offer our visitors.

“Every aspect of the treehouse has been designed to the highest standards to give visitors a little bit of countryside luxury and it will also give us an extra degree of flexibility when it comes to accommodation for guests who book any of our experiences.

“We’ve always been passionate about sustainability and the wonderful place in which we live, and have succeeded by following an ethical and sustainable ethos that means visitors can enjoy a great holiday accommodation with minimal environmental impact.”

By Matthew Neville – Correspondent, Bdaily