‘It feels more like a lifestyle than a job’
From office job to campsite dream:
This is the story of Camping Schoneveld
Willem, can you introduce yourself and tell us how you got started with this campsite?
I’m Willem Huitema, and we are currently running Camping Schoneveld. This is our fourth season, so we’ve been doing this for about three and a half years now. I’ve wanted to own a campsite for about ten years because I was looking for something different from my office job. I’m really an outdoor person, and camping, DIY projects, and gardening are my hobbies. Running the campsite combines all these passions, so it doesn’t really feel like work to me.
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Why doesn’t running the campsite feel like work to you?
It feels more like a lifestyle than a job. We manage to blend our personal lives with what you could call “work,” making it feel like the campsite is funding our hobbies. We design the campsite to suit our own taste and style. We love a natural look and want everyone to feel at home here right away. This makes the work enjoyable and gives us a lot of satisfaction.
What were the challenges and experiences of starting rental accommodations like glamping tents?
We started with the glamping tents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Campsites weren’t allowed to open at the time, but accommodations with private sanitation were. So, we decided to invest in three glamping tents from De Waard. I did a lot of the setup myself, as I used to be an interior project manager. We first assembled the tents in our barn and made the interiors ourselves. Once the weather allowed, we could set them up outside and fully furnish them.
What tips and advice do you have for other campsite owners looking to add glamping tents to their sites?
Pay close attention to where you’re setting up the tent and choose a design that suits that location. For instance, if you’ve got a nice view on one side, opt for a tent with a large veranda facing that direction. Also, make sure to make the most of the space inside, both in terms of width and height. In our dome tents, for example, we’ve added extra beds above for children. A practical tip: never set up a tent in the rain, as it makes the process much harder. It’s also important to enjoy the process and take satisfaction from doing the work yourself.
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