How do you protect a small farm for the future, how do you make it sustainable for future generations?
For Jamie and Clare Robinson, these weren’t just questions but the inspiration behind a bold new chapter in their family’s farming story.
With young children and deep family roots in the countryside, they wanted to build a legacy that stayed true to the land. At the same time, they wanted to offer something refreshingly different.
Inspired by their love of nature and their appreciation for time away from city life, Jamie and Clare saw the potential to transform a quiet corner of Clare’s family farm into something special. A beautiful patch of woodland, affectionately known in Clare’s childhood as the “Weetabix field,” offered the perfect setting. It was nestled beside a canal, surrounded by wildlife and just a short walk from the local pub. It was the ideal escape just waiting to be shared.
The idea of glamping ticked all the boxes; close to nature, family-focused and rooted in the land they love. But the journey to create their idea wasn’t easy.
A Dream Built on Determination
“We’d always talked about doing something with the farm,” Jamie explained. “Having lived in busy cities like London, Hong Kong and Paris, we knew how important it was to escape now and then. Just that time out enjoying nature helped you reset.”
Their original idea involved shepherd huts, but after attending The Glamping Show in 2021 and stepping inside a TruDomes geodome, everything changed.
“The domes just offered so much more space and light. It felt like somewhere you could properly unwind,” Clare said. “They instantly felt right for the kind of relaxed, longer stays we wanted to offer families.”
Clare & Jamie chose a combination of four domes; one 6m, two 7m and one 8m dome. They opted to provide truly self-sufficient spaces to include bathrooms, kitchens, skylights, porthole windows. There was even a “doggy” porthole to make sure four-legged guests felt welcome too.
Their vision is for each dome to be available to book individually while also offering guests the option to hire the entire site, making it the perfect setting for extended family gatherings or exclusive group retreats.
A Family Effort
Every part of the setup has been carefully thought out to create an experience that’s both comfortable and close to nature. There’s a pizza-making area, a firepit for evening gatherings and a woodland play area perfect for children to explore. It’s a place designed to bring people together, slow things down and make memories.
Jamie & Clare worked endlessly to create their dream. They involved their twin boys throughout the journey, as well as help from Clare’s father, plus repeated use of his tools and equipment!. “As soon as we had put the domes up, even before we had chance to put the floor down, we camped in one of the domes as a family. The kids loved it, they thought it was the biggest adventure.” Clare said. “We’ve also had all hands on deck from so many of our friends, including literally we had a deck-building weekend with friends from all over coming to help build over 400m2 of decks for the domes. We’ve been lucky that so many have stepped up to help us, they’re all part of this!”
That hands-on approach helped refine every detail, ensuring guests would enjoy the kind of stay they would want for their own family.
Looking Ahead: A Space for Wellness and Retreats
Clare is also a qualified yoga teacher and see great potential in the site as a future retreat location. With its peaceful woodland setting and calming atmosphere, the space feels ideal for hosting yoga and wellness retreats. A decked outdoor area is being considered for the future, offering the perfect platform for open-air classes surrounded by trees, birdsong and fresh countryside air.
“This space has such a calm, grounding feel,” Clare said. “It’s something I’d love to share with others. It’s the perfect spot for people to unwind and reconnect with nature and with themselves.”
Jamie is also a former international rugby player and the pair care about staying fit for their kids. They have thought about incorporating more sport and/or fitness opportunities into the site in the long-term for the more active guests. The walking trails and cycling opportunities abound nearby. Moreover, bike racks will also be provided.
Opening 2025
After years of planning, patience and hard work, Jamie and Clare’s glamping dream has finally become a reality. The site opened recently and all ready to welcome new guests.
“We’re so looking forward to welcoming our first guests,” said Clare. “We’ve put our hearts into creating something really special and cannot wait to share it.”
Whether it’s families enjoying quality time, couples seeking peace and quiet or groups planning an unforgettable woodland escape, this is a place for everyone. Slow down, breathe deeply and truly switch off.
Find out more about Westcott Woods at their website or book a stay via their Airbnb link
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