HIGH LIVING
Sea King chopper will become luxury accommodation
A Thornhill family welcomed a Sea King helicopter to their campsite this week - and will now turn it into luxury accommodation.
Guests at the Mains Farm Wigwams will now be able to stay in the former Royal Navy machine - which has been dubbed the ‘helicopter hotel’.
Martyn Steedman and his wife Louise had the idea of putting the decommissioned helicopter into use after seeing it on its final flight.
“We were just looking for something different,” he told the Observer. “We wanted something unique, and I think this will be the only helicopter you can stay at in Scotland, probably the UK.
“When I saw it flying over the Wallace Monument I thought it would be a shame not to put it to use. We went on the MOD’s equivalent of Ebay and ended up buying it.”
A final flypast of the machines was held in January to mark the end of the helicopters being used for search and rescue missions.
The craft - Sea King ZA127 retired from active service in 1994 and was then used in naval training until 2002. Family fun The Steedmans will now work to get the Sea King fit for guests over the next few months, and it will offer the same luxury as their existing wigwams - with a family of four being able to stay in the craft.
“The plan is hopefully to get it ready for the summer holidays,” said Martyn. “It will be for glamping, the same as the wigwams. There will be a toilet and shower, and we are planning on having the cockpit area as a seating and dining area.”
Martyn bought the helicopter for £7000, and it was transported to Thornhill from Grantham on Tuesday (April 19). Since having the idea to offer accommodation with a difference in a beautiful part of the country, Martyn has seen his business flourish and is always looking for new ideas.
He said: “It was back in 2002, and we were one of the first places to have wigwams. Fifteen years ago I didn’t think I would be doing this, certainly not having people stay in a helicopter.
“We are now getting a few comments on what we’ll get next, people are speculating it’ll be a tank.”
The helicopter also promises to be the ultimate ‘boy’s toy’ for the couple’s two sons Josh (13) and Harry (nine), who are more familiar with farming than a flight deck.
Harry said: “When dad told us what he had bought, we thought he was joking. We were totally gob smacked, but now we can’t wait for our first night on board.”
Martyn added: “My two boys have been sitting in the cockpit and can’t wait to get home from school and imagine they are on a mission. It’s great for families.” Impressive Heavy