Marlborough Magazine March 19 | Page 10

10 HOME & GARDEN Liz and Sonia developed the Canopy Camping Escapes brand, directory and bookings website. They work with landowners around the country, some who have developed a hut or tent accommodation on their own and are looking for help in promoting it, and sometimes they work with landowners who have sites they see as having fantastic potential and develop something that will work there. Homeware company Citta worked with Canopy Camping Escapes to decorate the Fox Hut on the West Coast and the outcome is amazing - a venue that is warm, welcoming, and provides a restful environment for guests. Just what you’re after. Citta’s marketing manager, Casey McPike, says the company creates enduring design staples as well as limited edition seasonal collections for customers’ homes that are always fresh and original. “Through exceptional design and functionality, we make sure that everything we sell will be a pleasure to use every day. We love the idea that you would keep a furniture piece in your home for a long time. There is a big focus on quality and focusing on building things that last,” Casey says. HOME & GARDEN Canopy Camping is still growing, and Liz says the company is looking for more properties to team up with. “You may have something existing on your property already, that you think suits the glamping accommodation genre, or you may want to start something from scratch. Whatever the case, we can work with you to develop a final product that will appeal to the market.” They take care of proactive marketing, bookings and enquiries. For every booking for each campsite, Canopy Camping earns a percentage commission. Creating ongoing occupancy for campsites is their responsibility and core business, so they work hard to maximise occupancy. Marlborough glamping opportunities There are four Marlborough and Kaikoura region offerings in the Canopy Camping collection. Three of them are child-free, but the Fossicker’s Hut in Wakamarina can sleep four with two beds for children. Marlborough Magazine writer Cathie Bell and her husband Anthony had the chance to stay a night at Taylor Pass Hut, and they heartily recommend it. Canopy Camping Escapes, "Because the great outdoors can be great indoors too" INTRODUCING YOUR NEW The hut is on the Jentree property, up the Taylor Pass valley, about a kilometre up once the road seal stops. Cellphone coverage stops long before you get there, and the first thing you notice when you stop the car is the quiet… it’s just the wind in the trees, the crickets and frogs in the river, and the moaning of sheep. My ears kept straining to hear more, but there wasn’t anything else - no road noise, or any other noise of modern life in town. Our host Victoria Leov greets us as we arrive and guides us to our accommodation for the night, a purpose-built hut that reminded us of a railway carriage. The hut is well-set up, gorgeous with a queen-sized bed on a raised platform, a kitchen bench with all the necessities underneath it, and a neat bathroom with great shower and composting toilet. The hut looks out on a small river, with ducks and frogs. Sheep and cattle graze in the paddock, and both species are known for coming to investigate the food on the picnic table in front of the hut - Victoria says they were hand-raised and are still very friendly. It’s possible to have a mountain biking lesson with Victoria’s husband, Justin Leov, an internationally-renowned 11 mountainbiker. He’s building his own tracks on the hills above the property, and runs training classes at Jentree. But we’re interested in far more sedentary pursuits… It’s our first night out together away from our children for some time - thanks to Liz our intrepid babysitter! - and we are both enjoying the peace. After a glass or two of wine, enjoying the view and the quiet, Anthony bathes in the outdoor bath, complete with lavender bath foam from a local producer. The cloud clears and the stars come out. Sleep is quick to come in the warm comfortable bed. Later in the night, we’re grateful for the cosy duvet when the southerly storm hits. The rain pounds heavily on the roof and the wind roars in the trees, but we are safe and warm inside, tucked up in the bed. It’s easy to stay occupied with a good selection of books, magazines, and games Victoria has stashed away in a cupboard under the bed. When morning comes, it’s hard to leave the hut. We have had a wonderful stay, and feel refreshed despite the storm still howling in the morning. All our friends will be hearing about just what a wonderful place Taylor Pass Hut is. www.canopycamping.co.nz | www.facebook.com/canopycamping TEAM SARAH & GAIL ARE THRILLED TO BE WORKING TOGETHER TO DELIVER THE SAME IMPECCABLE STANDARD OF SERVICE YOU KNOW AND LOVE. New owner and operator, long time Marlborough local, Sarah Kernick, has been hairdressing for several years and is loving her new role with iHair, especially with Gail by her side! Gail Silcock has been part of the iHair team for 6 years and has exceptional skill and product knowledge. Sarah and Gail keep their product knowledge fresh and up to date with Joico training and can also source products to meet clients specific needs. THE PERFECT DUO TO LAUNCH IHAIR INTO 2019, COME ON IN FOR A CHAT! 29 MARKET STREET, BLENHEIM • PHONE: (03) 972 2235 Open 7 days a week . Lunch from 12-3pm . Dinner from 6pm Group dinners available - bookings essential 776 Rapaura Road, Rapaura 03-570 5700 [email protected]