31 May Karen Birch’s Journey from Farming to Farm Stay
At Skortskær Farmstay in Denmark, Karen Birch invites guests to reconnect with nature, enjoy the farm-to-table lifestyle, and embrace the beauty of Denmark’s wild side. Let’s dive into the story of how this remarkable Dane transformed her family farm into a haven for animals and nature enthusiasts.
Wild on Purpose
The farm is not your usual bed and breakfast. Upon arriving, visitors are greeted by happy farm animals of all kinds, a testament to the caring woman that Karen is. Skortskær Farmstay in Denmark is a hectare of countryside where animals roam and crops grow for consumption. Karen’s farm to table approach has led to a biodynamic landscape, which is not just visually pleasing, but also contributes to the overall health of the local ecosystem. The farm is built around her ethos of “wild on purpose”. Instead of meticulously manicuring her lawns, she allows local flowers and plants to grow freely, creating a habitat that supports native insects, which in turn provide food for local birds and bats.
“We have bats and all kinds of birds that just fly across the fields. We get very large herds of geese, canadian geese, white geese grazing in the spring and the fall. We also see foxes, eagles, deer, wild hares, pheasants. And I can see more and more wildlife coming the more that we in Denmark think of preserving and giving room for the wildlife, but we can use much more.”
And while not wild, the lively assortment of friendly farm animals are an integral part of the farm’s ecosystem and homey atmosphere. From free-ranging chickens and a few turkeys, to pigs, ponies and a herd of goats, Karen’s animals are colorful characters bringing an undeniable vibrancy to the farm, creating an atmosphere of warmth and companionship. Just beware of King, Karen’s pet duck. “Yeah, he bites if you don’t pet him. So you got to pet the duck. That’s important.”
Glamping at Karen’s Farm
The journey to becoming a successful glamping and farmstay in Denmark has been an evolutionary process for Karen and the farm. Initially purchased by her parents in the 80s, the property was part of a larger industrial farm. However, in the late 90s, her parents decided to sell the larger farm and keep Skortskær for their retirement. The farmhouse was designed with accessibility in mind, built to be wheelchair-friendly.
When Karen inherited the farm in 2016, she saw the potential for something more. What started as a single room for a bed and breakfast soon expanded to three rooms, two cabins, and, finally, two glamping tents. The spacious tents, made in Scandinavia, offer a unique and immersive outdoor experience. The tents have been ideally placed near a small pond for a beautiful water view, while the entire property offers a breathtaking view of the ocean from two sides.
From the starlit skies to the sounds of wildlife, from the tranquil ocean views to the homegrown food, every aspect of the farm is a testament to Karen’s commitment to sustainability and reverence for nature. Whether visitors choose to stay in the cozy bed and breakfast rooms or experience the novelty of her Scandinavian glamping tents, they are guaranteed to leave with a renewed appreciation for the beauty of the natural world.
The future looks promising for Karen and her Danish countryside haven. The bookings are plentiful and people love the experience. She is planning to continue offering glamping experiences and extend their service to guests. While they already serve delicious meals including breakfast, she and her personal chef (her husband, lucky Karen!) are even considering opening a restaurant on the property.
Karen’s Tips for Prospective Glampsite Owners
Karen’s experience serves as an inspiration for other farmers or property owners who might be considering venturing into the world of glamping. She has some advice for those considering setting up a glampsite.
One of the key considerations is to think about who you want to attract. As Karen puts it, “I’m not really the big party type, I must admit. I’m more about calm and wellness, have peace of mind and enjoy the outdoor life and nature. That’s more like me.” Her glampsite and farm reflect that, and so do her visitors. Skortskær Bondegårdsferie offers a sanctuary with fluffy animals, rather than a site for loud parties.
Karen also emphasizes the importance of being mindful of safety, especially in terms of preventing wildfires. Beyond that, she recommends new hosts to repurpose and recycle furniture to keep costs down and add character to the site. You don’t have to be an interior designer to create a nice space. “Look, I’m not that good at it. I use whatever I can get my hands on. I don’t use any Ikea furniture.”
Karen uses Campanyon because regular OTAs (online travel agency) don’t match the identity for her type of accommodation. “I wanted to try something else and more Scandinavian because I’m not a hotel nor a camping ground. It’s a bit difficult to tell guests what I am and what their expectations should be. And I think Campanyon represents me a lot better than other platforms.” The platform allows Karen to showcase her unique farm and attract like-minded visitors who appreciate her commitment to sustainability and natural beauty.
“I changed my name from bed and breakfast to farmstay because it represents me better than b&b. People expect a lot of things from a b&b. Some are more like small hotels. I don’t really think that represents us and as a farm holiday we are more loose. Guests’ expectations have to be aligned with what we are and that’s quite difficult if you’re advertised on a standard online platform where you can’t express yourself enough.”
If you’re looking for a unique holiday destination in the company of nature, pet animals, and good companionship, Karen Birch’s Skortskær Farmstay in Denmark is just what you’re looking for.
