Our Story
Loveland farm is the result of an ever-evolving dream which to this day continues to unfold. A campsite with a difference, a place where sustainability comes first, the beautiful basics are encouraged and life is just that little bit simpler. A space that’s inspiring and completely unique: a solution to the busy modern world.
The idea began back in 2007 when fashion designer Jeff Griffin and his family took a trip to Canada, whilst there they met a man who hung wooden pods in trees. This got Jeff thinking, if we can combine our love for the outdoors and our passion for what we do across areas other than fashion, we could create something really unique. Three years on Griffin put these ideas into action.
Loveland Farm is the home of Griffin Studio, a creative place where people come to relax in an environment that is fun and at one with the outdoors. Working with the local community to create a social atmosphere bringing together outdoor sports, lectures and live music. We dream of building a sustainable future and have developed Loveland Farm using green technologies. Plans for the future evolve consistently, including more Geo-dome pods and converted barns.
The Creators
Husband and wife team Jeff and Karina, began their fashion careers in Milan, in 1994 they both returned to London to set up the Menswear label Griffin (then known as Griffin Laundry). Having graduated from the prestigious Central St. Martins School of Art they spent much of their lives living in the city.
In 2001 they made the big move to the Wiltshire countryside, moving the family and design studio out of Ladbroke Grove and into a converted cowshed on the edge of Salisbury plain. Having consulted for some of the fashion industry’s biggest brands, including Hugo Boss, Kenzo, Mandarina Duck and Converse, the move allowed Jeff and the studio’s design team to think more freely, whilst offer the Griffin’s family a chance to live a better and more active life.
Now based in North Devon, the Griffin Studio continues to design seasonal collections which are sold throughout the world whilst continuing to consult for numerous brands. All this happens at Loveland Farm, as the lines between fashion and lifestyle continue to blur to offer our visitors a truly unique experience.
The Farm
In an area of outstanding natural beauty lies Loveland Farm, a mile from Hartland point in North Devon. The 6 acres of Loveland farm sit between rolling fields with the dramatic North Devon coastline just a stones throw from the site.
Once a working farm, Loveland is now home to the Griffin family and design studio. On site is the 19th Century farmhouse as well as a number of barns which date so far back no one knows exactly how long they’ve been on the site for.
Loveland Farm is just a mile from the centre of Hartland and within easy access to the A39 Atlantic highway and surrounding North Devon attractions. The coastline is awash with great beaches including Woolacoombe and Croyde Bay. Plus just over the water is Lundy Island, with great views from Hartland Quay and the lighthouse.
Sustainability
We try, as a family, to be as green as possible and dream of building a sustainable future, so when it came to developing the farm, this was very much at the forefront of our minds. Every decision was carefully considered, questioning the ways in which we could make it more green using a mindful and considered approach to our products and energy consumption.
We have developed the campsite using green technologies such as our recycled wood chip 110kw biomass system and 5kw solar panels. We take recycling very seriously but feel that reducing the amount of waste we produce is our most important factor.
All of our pods have composting toilets which require no water, electricity or drainage and are environmentally friendly, using no chemicals and producing no pollution. Why do we put drinking water down the toilet and sewage into the sea?
We grow most of our own vegetables but also support many local farmers and small holders in their en devours to live self sufficient lifestyles. We help curate a local farmers market and take part in local seed swaps too.
Our pigs, lambs and ducks are bought locally and raised on the farm and we sell the produce to our guests.
Getting around rural parts of Devon can be tricky without a car, but if you want to keep your carbon footprint in mind when your with us then ditch the car and explore the area on foot, bring a bike or catch the local bus into neighboring villages and towns.
Location
Loveland farm sits in a small valley just a mile from the coast and in an area of outstanding natural beauty just outside the village of Hartland. Just a few miles off the A39 Atlantic Highway, the village sits directly between Barnstaple and Bude on the Devon and Cornwall border. Hartland is a popular tourist spot with visitors coming through to see Hartland Quay, the Abbey and the lighthouse at Hartland point.
Just a few miles down the road is the picture postcard village of Clovelly, an old naval village with it's steep cobbled street. Further up, are the towns of Bideford and Barnstaple, between which runs the Tarka trail, a 30 mile path/cycleway that follows the old coastal railway lines. Then there are the beaches, and we really are spoilt for choice, Woolacombe which was voted Britain’s Best Beach, then there is Croyde Bay and Braunton both popular amongst surfers. Our personal favourite is Welcombe mouth, a sandy beach outlined with dramatic deep slate rocks.