It’s been a busy year planning and preparing for 2 more pods in the orchard, taking our number of pods to 4, this gives us luxury glamping accommodation for 2 couples and 1 or 2 small children in each pod.

The 2 new pods are British built, they were delivered from Morecambe at the end of March, over 3 metres long, each weighs 3 tonnes and arrives complete with the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom fitted.

Rob, Gideon and Phil had been working hard throughout February preparing the bases and services, and the pods were towed into the orchard on trailers by a Massey Ferguson tractor and then lifted over the cherry trees and into place by a 40 tonne crane using a 12 foot spreader bar – it required a few logistics and some nice dry weather.

Fortunately, we were lucky with both, the sun shone, the pods landed perfectly on each base and the services lined up beautifully!

Chris our electrician has pod 3 connected and operating, we just need the gas engineer to complete the installation this week, and then we’ll have hot water as well as lights, heat, the hob, microwave and fridge in action. Not to mention the integrated Bluetooth sound system.

Rob and I have installed the large corner sofa (which doubles as the very comfortable extra bed for family guests).

The living area in each is spacious, with spectacular views across the orchard and the North Downs.

We are now working on the landscaping around the porch in front of each pod to accommodate the outside furniture and firepit/BBQ.

It’s very pleasant work surrounded by fantastic early blossom, the early varieties are in bloom – the trees either side of our Early River pod are beautiful. The rest of the orchard is still to come, so it’s not just us who are busy – the bees are working hard pollinating this years cherries…

We’re hoping these 2 pods will be ready to receive guests in May, we’ll keep you posted and you can follow their progress on Facebook, Instagram and twitter.