Located in the peaceful Northamptonshire countryside, Dome from Home marks Crossover Lodge’s very first project. Offering two spacious Crossover Lodges Large, guests can enjoy the best of both worlds: the beauty of nature and the comforts of modern living. Inside each lodge, you’ll find cozy beds and top-notch facilities. Outside, there’s a relaxing shaded area, a BBQ for those tasty meals, and a wood-fired hot tub for ultimate relaxation. Dome from Home is where outdoor fun meets indoor comfort, all wrapped up in one unique glamping experience.
In this exclusive interview, we have the pleasure of speaking with Liz, the visionary behind Dome from Home. Through her insights, Liz not only shares her personal journey with the Crossover Lodge but also offers invaluable insights and tips that truly define what makes staying at Dome from Home (Crossover Lodge) so special. Join us as we step into Liz’s world and discover the essence of the Crossover Lodge experience.
1. After two years of searching for the right glamping structures, what led you to choose the Crossover Lodge for your luxury site in Northamptonshire?
Our original plan was to buy traditional safari tents and then, while we were at a Glamping fair, we saw the Crossover Lodges. We were blown away! They looked amazing and were unique. Once inside we saw how well designed and well made they were. They were also beautifully furnished, we were very impressed. From the oak doors and shelving to the modern steel frames, it is immediately obvious that the Crossover Lodge is in a completely different class to other glamping options. We went for the 2 bedroom Lodge as it fits so well within our boutique site, providing our guests with space and luxury.
2. What contributes to the full experience of your guests beyond providing luxurious accommodation?
At Dome from Home, guests are provided with an all round luxury experience including a wood fired hot tub from Finland and the OFYR BBQ. Guests also love the privacy of having their own bathroom. TV and Wi-Fi are also very much appreciated. Each lodge has its own south facing sun deck, ideal for socialising or just relaxing with family and friends.
3. How do you regulate the climate (temperature) inside during the different seasons?
Each dome is fitted with a “Stylish” Daiken air conditioning unit, which is also a 5 kilowatt air source heat pump. This is linked to solar power, providing green, sustainable, clean heating at a minimal cost to ourselves and the environment.
4. With 2 years of operating, what are the experiences of your guests who have stayed in the Crossover Lodge?
Our guests regularly give us 5 star reviews and our net promoter score has been 100% throughout our first full season. Further, we have a rebooking rate of 10% within the same season. Our guests are clearly impressed from the moment they first see our lodges, always commenting on the scale and the quality when compared to other glamping holidays. the reviews of our clients can be seen on our website domefromhome.co.uk
5. What is your opinion on the Glamping structures, and have they met your expectations?
We really love our Crossover Lodges (we call them the Domes from Home!) and take great pride in them every time we introduce a guest to their accommodation.
We have been really impressed on how robust they have proved to be, having easily coped with the full range of British weather, including numerous storms. They still look new and inpressive. The quality and durable nature of the Crossover Lodge has fulfilled the economic case of investing in a top of the range product, to provide a high quality premium service to our guests.
6. What advice do you have for companies looking to offer upscale Glamping Tents, like the Crossover Lodge?
The Crossover Lodge provides a guest experience which clearly stands out from the competion. The steel construction of the lodge and interior fittings are more durable than other structures we have seen, providing the owner with an asset that has a longer economic life than less expensive alternatives. The construction of both lodges was initially completed within a day; the internal fit out taking a further 2-3 days by the professional and friendly team from Crossover Lodge.
Bas and Charlotte and their team provided us with expert advice from start to finish. Charlotte was very helpful in assisting with our design concept, working hard to work with our unique site environment.
Other practical tips are as follows;
- In case of bad weather, consider offering guests the option to use a microwave as an alternative to outdoor barbecuing, which may not be desirable during rainy conditions.
- To ensure the safety and comfort of young children, provide anti-roll pillows for those using the top bunk.
- During cooler weather, guests appreciate amenities such as hot water bottles, fluffy blankets, and warm bedding to stay cozy.
- Store soft furnishings indoors during the off-season to maintain their quality and extend their lifespan.
As we finish our journey through Dome from Home, we want to say a big thank you to Liz for sharing her insights with us. Her love for creating an amazing glamping experience really shines through.
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