At Fulshaw Mill, glamping pods offer guests the chance to sleep under the stars in luxurious comfort, writes Bill Bain
IT is somewhat ironic that Gordon McGregor was seeking a more relaxed pace of life when he launched Fulshaw Mill glamping site on the outskirts of Stewarton last summer.
Since then, hundreds of guests have enjoyed a memorable break from the daily grind – but the former roofer and property maintenence expert now admits he has ended up busier than ever before.
Not that Gordon is complaining, however. It’s not as if he is shouldering all the responsibility himself – citing the support and entrepreneurial skills of wife Pamela and several skilled local builders who were vital to realising his dream.
And now, having successfully navigated the ‘very complex’ technicalities of adding plumbing and electrics to a remote field in Ayrshire, his small team are finally enjoying the fruits of their labour by welcoming an abundance of appreciative guests from home and abroad.
“It was certainly a challenge but absolutely worth doing,” Gordon says.
“When we were finally sitting around the firepit on launch day with family and friends I felt a real sense of pride. From design through to completion, we put blood, sweat and tears into Fulshaw Mill.
“We wanted to create a feeling of belonging and warmth. When you wake up ready for a day of relaxing or exploring Ayrshire, we wanted visitors to have a spring in their step.
“I wanted guests to enjoy a wonderful feeling of freedom and happiness as they stepped into the hot tub – or gathered around the fire pit to roast marshmallows with their children. Our breaks hopefully leave people refreshed and re-energised with a healthier mindset as they return to reality.”
Certainly, glamping underneath the stars and exploring the lush Ayrshire countryside can have a considerable impact on reducing stress and improving physical health – depending, of course, on how many burgers and marshmallows have been consumed around the Fulshaw fire pit.
And having experienced the site’s many charms with a stay in the spacious Rowan pod, I can confirm it’s no surprise that Fulshaw Mill was recently bestowed with the prestigious Best New Holiday Accommodation award at the Scottish Business Awards.
Deliberately designed to create a sense of community, the site’s central path links four well-proportioned and deceptively spacious pods located on a gentle downward gradient.
Guests can enjoy complete privacy due to the sizeable wooden fences or, if they’re feeling sociable, join fellow glampers around the communal fire pit and 80-inch TV that lends the site the air of a private outdoor cinema.
And there’s no need to worry about those inevitable downpours – Gordon’s skills as a roofer have come in very handy, with a large sheltered enclove dominating the communal area, filled with comfy couches and beanbags.
If visitors favour a little more space or privacy, nearby Stable Cottage is also available for bookings – a delightfully petite modern abode which also falls under the Fulshaw Mill umbrella.
With such luxurious facilities on offer, it’s little wonder there has been such a boom in glamping’s popularity over the past few years. Offering the best of both worlds, it’s an opportunity to sleep underneath the stars but still enjoy all the comforts offered at deluxe self-catering hotels.
Of course, there are many such sites that have sprung up across the country since Covid-19 restrictions forced holidaymakers to try something closer to home that wasn’t quite as basic and earthy as camping.
Post-pandemic, glamping has not only retained its popularity but grown in demand, with holidaymakers enjoying the great outdoors without any investment in equipment. It also relegates common camping hazards of splinters, sleeping in the rain and waking up with a buckled spine to history.
At Fulshaw Mill – which is easily and quickly accessable from Glasgow – guests are treated to real beds, a fully-functioning kitchen, plush furnishings, underfloor heating, a spacious bathroom with shower and all mod cons such as TV and wifi. Dogs are also welcome.
Location is also a major factor in Fulshaw Mill’s appeal. Although Ayrshire is known for its famed seaside towns, canny tourists will often head inland for the dramatic sweeping vistas that are abundant across East Ayrshire.
The local area also boasts many enticing independent shops and boutiques, none more so than in Fulshaw Mill’s neighbouring town of Stewarton.
Despite having a population of just 7000, the ‘Bonnet Toun’ boasts a bustling high street brimming with independent stores, cosy cafés and restaurants – where the superiority of Ayrshire produce is proclaimed front and centre of every mouthwatering menu.
With Fulshaw Mill now pressing ahead with plans for a larger pod and another that is specifically built to cater for disabled guests, Gordon doesn’t foresee his own social diary becoming free anytime soon – but he certainly has no regrets. “Although I did all this to slow down in my working life I’m delighted it has taken off in this way.
“We have ambitions to grow the site while retaining the small community feel that guests have enjoyed. We love playing a part in attracting people to East Ayrshire and exposing visitors to the many attractions on offer here,” he smiles.
This article was brought to you in partnership with East Ayrshire Council and East Ayrshire Leisure
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