Proud to Present: a Kentish-inspired brand for The Hopper Huts

If you’re from around these parts, you’ll know that Kent is synonymous with growing hops. The landscape was once a tapestry of hop vines, and the industry of growing and harvesting this precious bounty was what the county thrived on. In fact, North Frith Farm was once a destination for hop growing; the very lovely building that we occupy here was used to dry and store the picked hops, specially designed for the purpose. So when Lucy Berry from Gushmere Court Farm told us of her plans to revive some of the last remaining hoppers’ huts to create luxury holiday accommodation, we were all ears…

In decades long since passed, hop picking was a welcome escape for city dwellers who relished the opportunity to fill their lungs with clean, fresh air. The summer landscape at Gushmere Court Farm was once alive with the seasonal hum of activity as  whole families descended upon the farm for their ‘holiday’ – several weeks in the countryside, picking the hops. During these working holidays, families would settle themselves in especially built huts, returning to the same hut year after year for the annual tradition of hopping. The huts were modest-sized, simple structures which were furnished by the workers themselves, who would bring furniture and other essentials with them on the journey down by train.

Whilst it was a break from the norm for hop pickers, the experience was hard work and certainly not a time to relax. Nonetheless, there was a charm and simplicity of time spent on the hops and pickers recall their memories time spent in hopper huts with fondness and nostalgia. Since hop picking became an increasingly mechanised process, the once buzzing collection of hop pickers huts at Gushmere Court Farm fell silent, being slowly reclaimed by the wildlife around them as they entered a state of tumbledown disrepair. However, two blocks of huts remain at the South Street Farm site – though they too are at risk of being lost due to their age and the effects of weather and vandalism.

Keen to preserve their heritage value and bring the history of hop picking back to life, Lucy and Josh Berry are preparing to restore the Hopper Huts to create four self-catering holiday homes. Situated atop a sloping bank which gives way to a wildflower meadow, The Hopper Huts occupy the most delicious sun trap, overlooking the unspoilt Kent countryside. A marriage of modern interiors and traditional construction, guests will enjoy the comfort of thoughtfully designed surroundings whilst being able to observe a traditional working farm and enjoying the beautiful scenery. Within close reach of a wealth of local tourist attractions, guests can immerse themselves in the local lifestyle to their hearts’ content. Bird watching, walking, cycling, golf, horse riding and fishing are all available – and with seaside towns such as Whitstable, Tankerton and Margate only a stones’ throw away, there’s plenty to do and see.

Taking advantage of the recent surge in demand for luxury staycations, The Hopper Huts will be well placed to meet the increased appetite for rural getaways. In the light of the changing travel industry, the already growing appetite for staycations is likely to soar as holidayers shy away from international travel. In fact, the opportunity to tuck themselves away in the countryside has never had such appeal and you are incredibly well suited to offer a relaxing holiday without the anxiety of stepping on a packed plane or busy hotel. The huts are an ideal getaway for anyone looking for something a little different, offering an original holiday experience to couples, groups of friends, solo travellers and families of any age. With the added benefit of being able to book out all four huts, The Hopper Huts are ideally suited to large groups who will enjoy the flexibility and privacy of having their own space.

The brand we’ve created for The Hopper Huts is inspired by the rich heritage of hop picking, and the contemporary styling of the huts’ interiors. We wanted to create something fresh that’d capture the hearts of the farms’ modern day guests that embraced the story of all who’ve stayed in the huts before. On that note, Lucy is doing a stellar job of carefully gathering mementos of the huts’ past as the renovation work gets under way - if you love a bit of a renovation story (think Escape to the Chateau - the Kent version!), I highly recommend following her on instagram.