A Fife farm which diversified into agritourism last year is seeing the green shoots of recovery as Covid-19 restrictions continue to lift.
Bonerbo farm, which has been in the Stevenson family for more than a century, first welcomed visitors to two new luxury lodges in April 2019 and enjoyed a promising start – until the pandemic saw the project lose four months of income this year.
Jessica Stevenson said: “After months of being closed, we are now receiving a steady stream of inquiries and the lodges are fully booked until November.
“We have also introduced a number of coronavirus-related measures including providing hand gel for guests, purchasing extra bedding and we also invested in anti-viral fogging equipment which sprays soft furnishings in the lodges.
“Cleaning the lodges between guests takes approximately 50% longer than previously.”
Ms Stevenson said the lodges were specifically chosen for their floor to ceiling windows to allow panoramic views across the Firth of Forth, and fitted out with furnishings that can be kept fresh.
She said: “We find that people come here for a total break and to get away from it all, so visitors tend to use the lodges as a base to tour the area.”
Ms Stevenson added that while the pandemic might be encouraging people to have staycations, agritourism was already becoming increasingly popular – a trend she believes will continue.
Ms Stevenson said: “It has mostly been couples and small families that have booked so far, but we are in early discussion with some golf providers.”
Bonerbo grows cereals across 700 acres of owned and leased land. Wheat is sold to Diageo and oats to Quaker.
The business also offers grain storage facilities and has two wind turbines which supply the grid with enough electricity to power 1,000 homes per year.
jmillar@thecourier.co.uk