Brockloch Eco Retreat in Kirkpatrick Durham in south-west Scotland is home to two very unique holiday rental properties – a custom-built eco bothy and treehouse – owned by Julie and George Nicolson. Brockloch has been up and running for the past four years and has been a SuperControl customer since 2015.
Something different
Julie says: “As a small farm, it’s a struggle to make money. We needed to diversify, so we ventured into self-catering. We wanted to offer something different. I had thought of shepherd’s huts but we spoke with a local designer who said they’re not native to this part of the world. He suggested the bothy and treehouse and designed and built them for us.” Their venture has been a great success, with the properties attracting guests from far and wide and lots of press attention (including two appearances on Channel 4’s George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces).
Local influences
Brockloch is just down the road from our office in Castle Douglas and Julie says that was a deciding factor for them when choosing an online booking system: “We were recommended SuperControl by another local self-catering business. We always try to support local – that’s one of the reasons SuperControl appealed to us.”
Stay in control
“With SuperControl, I like the way that people can book online but you still have control over whether you accept the booking or not. “It integrates really well with our own website and, visually, it looks good.”
“People can book online but you still have control over whether you accept the booking or not.”
Boost your bookings
Julie says: “At least 80% of our bookings are made online now and we definitely get more direct bookings now that we use SuperControl. “It’s a no-brainer nowadays – you have to offer online booking. It means guests can book when they want. Prior to using SuperControl, all our bookings either came from our agent or over the telephone.”
Help is at hand
“The Support team were great while we were getting to grips with the system. They’re always really helpful.”