Embracing Simplicity: Less is More at Crowdy Hall

Crowdy Hall is a rural, off-grid retreat in the countryside of County Durham, England. International Glamping Business spoke to Founder Alasdair Brown on his ‘less is more’ approach for this handcrafted site.

Q: Can you tell us about the history and inspiration behind Crowdy Hall? How did the idea for a glamping site come about?

Crowdy Hall was inspired by my time in Puerto Nariño, a remote village in Colombia, where I experienced a community living contentedly off-grid. This epiphany combined with my interest in sustainable living, led to the creation of Crowdy Hall—a place to reconnect with nature, unplug from modern distractions, and learn the basics of a more sustainable lifestyle. The goal was to provide guests with a truly off-grid experience where less is more, offering them a chance to slow down, relax, and appreciate the essentials of life.

Q: What makes Crowdy Hall unique compared to other glamping destinations? Are there any special features or amenities that set it apart?

Crowdy Hall offers a fully off-grid experience in handcrafted eco-cabins with sustainable features like solar power, wood-burning stoves, and compost toilets. The unique charm of each cabin lies in its upcycled design, featuring reclaimed materials—such as mining lamps and Victorian medicine bottles—as part of the decor. We also encourage guests to embrace a digital detox, with a dedicated box for storing phones. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with nature and experience life at a slower pace, all while staying in eco-friendly accommodations.

Q: Can you describe the types of accommodations available at Crowdy Hall? What can guests expect in terms of comfort and facilities?

Our accommodations are bespoke, eco-friendly cabins built with sustainability in mind. Each cabin includes a king-size bed, a cocooned sofa area with a wood burner, and an ensuite bathroom with an eco-toilet and shower. Guests can also enjoy a deck with a wood-fired hot tub, perfect for a relaxing retreat. The cabins’ interiors are one-of-a-kind, featuring repurposed items such as vintage cow feeders for sinks and ancient mining lamps for lighting, offering a truly rustic and unique stay.

Q: What kind of activities and experiences do you offer for guests? Are there any local attractions or outdoor adventures nearby?

Crowdy Hall is a great base for exploring the Durham Heritage coastline, Barnard Castle, Beamish Museum, and the city of Durham—all within a 30 to 40 minute drive. Onsite, we offer an off-grid living experience with opportunities to light your own fire, enjoy wood-fired hot tubs, and explore the local countryside. Guests also have the chance to visit our sister farm’s solar-powered brewery and taproom for a taste of locally brewed ales.

Q: How do you ensure a balance between luxury and sustainability? How difficult is it to operate off-grid?

We define luxury as the appreciation of simplicity. Guests are introduced to a 12V electric system, fire lighting, and a hot tub heated by thermosiphon technology, all of which require a bit of effort but result in rewarding, memorable moments. Luxury at Crowdy Hall comes from connecting with nature and gaining a deeper appreciation of life’s basics, rather than conventional pampering. Operating off-grid requires mindful management, but it’s a gratifying experience for those willing to embrace it.

Q: Can you provide some insights into the dining options available at Crowdy Hall? Do you offer any unique culinary experiences or local specialties?

Guests are encouraged to bring their own ingredients for a self-catering experience. For local specialties, we recommend visiting nearby artisanal stores or attending the local farmer’s market, held on the first Sunday of each month. We also offer our very own sustainably brewed ‘Hopper House Brew Farm’ ales. For dining out, Sedgefield is home to award-winning restaurants like ‘The Impeccable Pig’ and ‘The Pickled Parson,’ both known for their delicious food and local real ales.

Q: Can you share any memorable stories or feedback from guests who have stayed at Crowdy Hall? How have they described their experience?

Guests have shared many touching stories, from seeing their first shooting stars to enjoying a much-needed digital detox. One family’s baby, who had never slept through the night, finally did so at Crowdy Hall, giving the parents much-needed rest. Others have told us that the peace and simplicity of the retreat have helped them reset emotionally after life’s challenges. These moments of calm and connection are exactly what we hoped to offer.

Q: What are your future plans or upcoming developments?

As we look to the future, we aim to expand the ethos of Crowdy Hall to other sites across the UK and Europe, offering consultancy on off-grid, sustainable living. We also plan to sell our current cabins, allowing new owners to continue the legacy of Crowdy Hall. Those who are interested can contact me directly at a.brown@crowdyhall.com for more details.