Real Project: Twin Cabins in the Woods – Creating a Profitable Glamping Retreat

With the UK "staycation" market booming, more landowners are looking for ways to monetize their woodland or spare land.
This spectacular project (pictured above) is the perfect blueprint for a successful holiday rental business. It features two identical timber cabins nestled in the trees, linked by a massive raised deck with a central hot tub.
1. The "Twin" Strategy
Why build one cabin when you can build two?
- Maximize ROI: You double your rental income potential on the same plot of land.
- Flexibility: You can rent them to two separate couples OR to one large extended family who want to holiday together but sleep separately.
- Construction Efficiency: Installing two kits at the same time reduces delivery and labor costs per unit.
2. Building in the Woods: The Foundation Challenge
Building among trees is tricky. You cannot dig deep trenches for concrete without damaging tree roots, which can kill the trees you want to preserve.
The Solution: Raised Piers. Look closely at the bottom of the photo.
- The cabins and decking sit on tall concrete piers (blocks).
- This raises the timber well above the damp forest floor (essential for longevity).
- Crucially, this method requires minimal digging, protecting the complex root systems of the surrounding trees. It also handles the uneven, sloping forest terrain effortlessly.
3. The "X-Factor" – The Hot Tub
In the center of the image, nestled between the trees, is a hot tub. Data from Airbnb and Booking.com consistently shows that cabins with hot tubs:
- Command a higher nightly rate.
- Have higher occupancy rates in winter.
By placing the tub on the connecting deck, it becomes a shared luxury feature (or private to one cabin, depending on how the gates are set).
4. The Design
These cabins are compact yet cozy, featuring:
- Apex Roofs: To shed falling leaves and rain quickly.
- Large Windows: To frame the forest views.
- Natural Finish: The light wood contrasts beautifully with the dark forest canopy, though we recommend a clear UV oil to maintain this look.
Summary
This isn't just a building project; it's a business in a box. By combining smart foundations that respect nature with luxury touches like a hot tub, this client has created a high-value retreat that pays for itself.
Own a piece of land? Let’s discuss how multiple cabins could turn it into an income stream.
