Sarah Fisher is bringing people back to nature in style.
Two years ago, Fisher, who lives in Sydney, launched Escapology, a glamping site where guests can “reconnect in simplicity and tranquility,” according to Airbnb.
Fisher said a change in his personal circumstances four years ago led him to reconsider the property.
“This is a really beautiful, expansive property that used to be run as a bed and breakfast,” she said. “With the idea of turning it back into a commercial property, I decided to try glamping and see what would happen.”
Fisher said Escapology has grown to include five glamping sites. Four of the tents are A-frames and one is a sturdy 12-foot-by-12-foot tent similar to a yurt. Some sites have themes such as yoga, creativity, romance, and Western/rustic.
“Every site has a bed and all bedding is included,” she said. “We don’t have electricity or running water, but we have battery-powered lights and the outside (lighting) is solar powered. We try to add fun little amenities and make sure we have pots and pans, head lanterns, small lanterns, etc. There is a picnic table and at least two chairs outside, as well as a fireplace with a cooking grate.
Fisher said they accommodate all types of guests.
“We don’t have a minimum length of stay. We have a lot of people who come to try it out and have never camped before. Or if they come year-round and want to come in the winter, we have a small camp heater.” she said. “Most of the people I visit are adults, mostly couples, but sometimes people just want to sit alone…I think that’s great. A lot of my guests are from Long Island, the city, They come from down state, but the other part that I often draw in is people from (Philadelphia).This past year has been really great, and now that locals know about this, quite a lot of people. They started coming.”
Fisher believes the COVID-19 pandemic is what drove people to glamping.
“What really sparked interest was that right after and during COVID-19, a lot of people started realizing how important it was to get out into nature,” she said. “There were very few other options, and then people started realizing what they were missing by not going outside. From there, there was a huge uptick in interest in camping, hiking, and all things outdoors. I noticed that it was increasing.”
Fisher said her own appreciation for nature continues her efforts.
“This is what I do full time,” she said. “I manage the whole property, do all the maintenance and all the cleaning.I hope to slowly open the property up as a wedding-focused venue, probably in two to three years. In two weeks, we plan to open a space for small, perhaps 30-person micro-weddings, and add a tiny little camp store.
“But one of the reasons I was passionate about starting this is that I love nature and I love spending time in the woods,” Fisher continued. “I would love to live in a forest if I could, and I do. I love being able to provide a space for other people to come and find reconnection, where people can take a break from everyday life and explore themselves and each other.” I wanted to create a place where people can sit quietly and peacefully and be surrounded by all that nature has to offer. That’s what excites me. I love giving gifts to others and giving others the opportunity to have the space to experience that too, without making it too much of myself.”
Fisher’s property includes an apartment available for purchase through Airbnb and is known locally for its giant American flag.
For more information, search for Escapology on Airbnb, follow @escapologyllc_ on Instagram, or call 607-435-0251.
