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Rural Diversification Interior Designer

@aucottinteriordesign

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Sonia Aucott
Designing Hospitality Venues for Farms, Vineyards, Country Estates & Equestrian Venues
Co-founder @ruraldiversificationcollective

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✨A Re/Introduction ✨

I’ve connected with lots of lovely new people recently and thought it time to re/introduction myself.

In Autumn ‘24 l began a journey of pivoting my business into the fascinating world of rural diversification. Guided by my wonderful mentor, Julia Begbie I went back to basics. Re-establishing my core values which are my faith, integrity and truth, dignity and respect and creative excellence, they inform everything I do.

Having done an enormous amount of research on rural diversification I began to see how aligned it was with my values. From the raw honesty of the farming landscape, the production of food and the extraordinary people who shape this world, all roads seemed to lead down the proverbial farm track.

There are many forms of diversification and with farmers and landowners now in the position where diversification is necessary (rather than it would be nice to), we aim to support them with developing hospitality venues which generate recurring sources of income.

That might be converting existing cottages into holiday accommodation, transforming an old barn into an events space, and so much more besides. Whatever their chosen route we design interiors that are deeply rooted in place, complement the heritage of their land and are created to enhance the guest experience.

If you’d like to know more about the services we offer, or talk about a project you’d love to bring to life, do reach out at sonia@aucottinteriordesign.co.uk as l’d love to hear from you.

#farmhospitality #ruraldiversification #interiordesign taken in West Moors, England, United Kingdom by @aucottinteriordesign

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7 months ago

It’s time to meet another valued member of the Live Life Connected community, Sonia is the Founder of @aucottinteriordesign, here’s a little about her business:

“We specialise in helping farmers, landowners, vineyards and equestrian businesses transform their spaces into hospitality venues that can generate recurring sources of income.

With more than 20 years of experience across a wide range of sectors, we understand that creating a successful hospitality space is about much more than how it looks.

We work closely and sensitively with our clients to understand their vision, while bringing the commercial awareness needed to create interiors that are beautiful, compliant and genuinely fit for purpose.

Ultimately, it’s about helping our clients make more from the spaces and opportunities they already have and creating something that works beautifully for both the business and the people who visit it.”

Sonia is extremely talented in her field and a valued member of LLC! Dorset business networking, business networking, networking brunch, Bournemouth networking, Poole networking, friendly networking group taken in Dorset, UK by @aucottinteriordesign

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20 days ago

🌿🌾 Land Use Reimagined 2026 🌾🌿

There are just under 6 weeks to go until our Land Use Reimagined event and we’re thrilled to announce our headline sponsor, @nfu_mutual.

James Prewett from the Winchester, Alton & Wickham office will be speaking alongside our other speakers about the work that they do to support farmers and landowners.

And we’re thrilled to also have the following bringing their wisdom and experience of diversification to the room:

🌾 Stuart Beare from @tulleysfarm
🌾 @codymoircultivate from @worthy_earth
🌾 Callum Stark from @thepadelfarm.york
🌾 Sophie Brendel from @thornfalconwinery

Tickets are selling well so don’t leave it too late to book yours! They’re available to buy through the Rural Diversification Collective website. Link in comments.

📆 Wednesday 21st October 10.00am - 3.00pm
📍 @barnsgroveclubhouse White Lane, Basingstoke, RG29 1GF

There are also exhibiting opportunities available so if you’re a rural professional please DM me if you’re interested.

And if you’re a farmer, land or vineyard owner looking to diversify your land, come and join us for a day of insight and advice from the people who have already done it.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Farm diversification | farm hospitality | rural diversification | glamping | farming | vineyard | farm to fork

James Prewett @nfu_mutual

Stuart Beare @tulleysfarm

@codymoircultivate @worthy earth

Callum Stark @thepadelfarm.york

Sophie Brendell @thornfalconwinery taken in Barnsgrove Clubhouse by @aucottinteriordesign

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24 days ago

🌿🌾 The Glamping Show 2026 🌾🌿

As co-founder of the @ruraldiversificationcollective I’m really proud to be partnering with Stephanie Curtis-Raleigh and co-hosting the Land Diversification Day at @theglampingshow in September.

Steph and I connected on Linkedin and I could immediately see the incredible work she does within the Glamping industry, not only organising national events, but international ones too.

So it’s a real honour to be invited to work with her on the opening day of the show and to also be speaking on From Concept to Guest Experience: The Details that Matter.

It’s a privilege to also be sharing the stage with Dawn Woollam from @dudley.peverill, Mike Clarke, Arkle Finance, Richard Sigsworth @theomargroup, Neil Baxendale, Gemma Chance @ohanamua, Cheryl Sparey and Alette Bastiaansen @farmcampsnl

If you’re heading to the Show this year, do come and say Hello as it would be great to see you.

📆 From Thursday 10th September
📍 NEAC, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2LZ

Glamping | rural tourism | farm hospitality | rural diversification

Register for free at https://lnkd.in/dsvRwCA taken in NAEC Stoneleigh by @aucottinteriordesign

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a month ago

Ever wondered what a working farm diversification success story actually looks like?

Join us at Land Use Reimagined 2026 on 21 October, hosted at @barnsgroveclubhouse near Basingstoke. Jo Butler and family have transformed a former dairy site into a destination that’s redefining what rural land can do.

Barnsgrove is a 500-hectare working arable farm, where you’ll also find:

• Co-working space — private offices, resident desks and hot-desking
• Meeting and event spaces for hire
• Wellness treatment rooms
• Two indoor padel courts
• Café, bar, gym and exercise studio

All built without diluting the core farm business. Proof that #farmdiversification can add income while protecting what’s already working.

Spend the day with farmers, landowners, vineyard owners, rural business operators, and expert rural diversification suppliers. Hear real-world case studies on hospitality and land-use diversification — all over locally sourced food.

Barnsgrove, White Lane, Greywell, Hampshire RG29 1GF
21 October 2026, 10:00am–3:00pm

Tickets are on sale now — grab yours before they go

#RuralDiversification #LandUseReimagind #Hampshire

Guest Speakers: @worthy_earth @tulleysfarm @thepadelfarm.york @thornfalconwinery by @aucottinteriordesign

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a month ago

🌿🌾Speaker Announcements 🌿🌾

Following one of the most challenging Summers in living memory farmers and landowners are now in the inenviable position of needing to diversify their businesses more than ever.

For our Land Use Reimagined Event in October we are bringing together some of the most inspiring pioneers of diversification and we’re thrilled to announce our speakers as follows:

Stuart Beare of @tulleysfarm - The visionary behind Tulley’s Farm, one of the UK’s leading names in immersive seasonal attractions and rural diversification. Under his leadership, Tulleys has grown into a year-round business that seamlessly blends farming heritage with cutting edge production, live entertainment, and themed experiences.
Stuart will share insights from his journey, highlighting both the challenges and rewards of building a modern rural attraction business from the ground up.

With individual talks from each speaker and a lively panel discussion in the afternoon, the day promises to be informative and inspiring.

Tickets are available to buy through the @ruraldiversificationcollective website: https://ruraldiversification.co.uk/product/land-use-reimagined-2026-rural-diversification/

📆 Wednesday 21st October, 10am - 3pm
Pin 📍 Barnsgrove, White Lane, Greywell, Hampshire, RG29 1GF

Farming | farmers | rural diversification | farm to fork | farm hospitality

Cody Moir of @worthy_earth - Began in 2020 when a quarter acre of disused farmland in Martyr Worthy, Hampshire was transformed into a flourishing market garden. They have since continued to manage 9 market garden sites across Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey. Their gardens provide fresh, organically-grown produce to the local area and serve as a naturals hubs of social engagement and learning.

Callum Stark - @thepadelfarm.york Farm - Callum is a 6th generation farmer that has diversified his farm through developing a Padel and Wellness Centre on his site. His farm operations remain fully-functional but the new developments are helping him weather the storm that is the current UK Farming Landscape. The Padel Farm is bringing wellness back down to earth.

Sophie Brendel - @thornfalconwinery Winery - a sustain taken in Barnsgrove Clubhouse by @aucottinteriordesign

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2 months ago

🌿🌾, Rural Diversification, Farm to Fork, Glamping, Farm Hospitality 🌿🌾

These aren’t buzz words but rather a cultural movement which is expanding at pace.

With an ever greater need to revert to analogue and IRL experiences, take a digital detox and decamp to the countryside, the demand for rural destinations has never been greater.

Coincidentally, the need for farmers and landowners to diversify has also never been greater.

Whether it be creating new events spaces, outdoor accommodation, farm shops, ticketed events, immersive wellness retreats, farm to fork supper clubs, festivals or vineyard tours, the countryside is the place to go.

And for those seeking new, beautifully crafted, authentic experiences, rooted in the land and sharing the best it has to offer is a movement which is growing unabated.

If you’re a farmer, landowner, developer or investor looking to develop a new rural destination l’d love to connect and see what we can grow together.

Those brave enough to take the leap now will be the ones reaping a different kind of harvest for years to come, regardless of the weather.

Farming | Farm diversification | Rural diversification | rural hospitality | agritourism

Email me sonia@aucottinteriordesign.co.uk by @aucottinteriordesign

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2 months ago

Bravo, Lisa, on launching the Only Farmers Official App – another brilliant example of supporting British farms through diversification. 📱🌾

Clarkson’s Farm continues to shine a spotlight on the challenges facing British farmers while celebrating the innovation, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit that keep so many rural businesses thriving.

It’s a reminder that modern farming is about so much more than producing food.

Today’s farms are creating experiences, building communities and developing new, sustainable income streams that help secure the future of family farming.

Farm diversification can take many forms:
🌾 Farm shops
☕ Cafés and restaurants
🚜 Machinery and commercial storage
🏕️ Glamping and holiday accommodation
🎣 Fishing lakes
🦙 Alpaca, llama and other animal experiences
🐮 “A Day on the Farm” experiences
💻 Rural workspaces
🎪 Events and wedding venues
🛒 Farm vending machines
🍸 Distilleries and breweries
🥩 Butchery courses and skills workshops
🍄 Foraging walks and educational experiences
📱 Direct-to-consumer businesses and digital platforms

Every farm is different, and so is every diversification opportunity.

The most successful projects build on a farm’s existing strengths, make the best use of its assets and are underpinned by a clear, robust planning strategy.

Every successful diversification project starts with an idea.

The right planning strategy is what transforms that idea into a thriving rural business.

Have you signed up to the app yet? 📲

What examples of farm diversification have impressed you recently? I’d love to hear what’s inspiring others.

#Exdell #FarmDiversification #ClarksonsFarm #RuralBusiness #Planning #LandDevelopment #RuralDevelopment #BritishFarming

@thetallirish @clarksons_farm @onlyfarmersofficial @diddlysquat.farmshop @diddlysquat.farmshop @thefarmersdogpub @harrietcowan_x @cooper_kaleb @runcheerfulcharlie by @aucottinteriordesign

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2 months ago

🌿🌾 Heritage, Stewardship, Legacy 🌾🌿

It’s not exactly a snappy hook but I hope l’ve got your attention because these are the values which are important for the clients I serve and the people who grow your food.

As l’ve immersed myself in the world of rural diversification listening to farmers and landowners, these are the values which they speak of time and time again.

🌱Heritage - sometimes their families have been working the land for generations. They know it intimately and understand what makes that place utterly unique and can’t be replicated anywhere else. That is their USP.

🌱 Stewardship - as current custodians of that land they understand the weight of that heritage and that they have a responsibility to nurture it and make it profitable, whatever that looks like for that family.

🌱 Legacy - they are ever mindful of who they are doing this for. While they will be responsible for their land, if only for a generation, they look to a future where their children and grandchildren will hopefully want to take it on and so question what state do they want to leave it in.

When working with rural clients these are themes we explore before a planning application has been submitted or architectural drawing has been prepared.

Because how can you design if you don’t understand their cultural history and values, how that impacts their daily activities and what they want to leave to their families?

It’s only once we have that knowledge that we can begin to design the concept of what their development will look and feel like.

I believe this really is the first step in developing a rural diversification project and everything else - planning, architecture, construction, and daily operations can only be designed and built on from there.

For anyone else that works in this field (pun intended) what are your experiences of working with rural clients and what do you see are their values and motivations? I’d love to know if they’re the same.

Heritage | Rural tourism | legacy | rural hospitality | land diversification | farming by @aucottinteriordesign

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2 months ago

Everyone talks about Jeremy Clarkson.

Everyone loves Kaleb Cooper.

We adore Lisa’s enthusiasm and creative ideas.

But the real story behind Clarkson’s Farm?

Farm diversification, planning strategy and supporting British Farmers🌾🇬🇧

Because without it, there would be…

• No farm shop.
• No restaurant.
• No car park.
• No new enterprises.
• No additional income streams.
• No future opportunities.

Behind every successful diversification project is a planning strategy that understands the vision, navigates planning constraints and unlocks the full potential of the land.

Ideas create opportunities.

The right planning strategy transforms those opportunities into thriving rural businesses.

#Exdell #ClarksonsFarm #FarmDiversification #RuralDiversification #Planning #RuralDevelopment #LandPlanning by @aucottinteriordesign

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2 months ago

https://ruraldiversification.co.uk/product/land-use-reimagined-2026-rural-diversification/

Farmers all over the UK are finishing their harvest earlier than they ever have done before. Yields are down and the need to diversify is more important than ever.

As Interior Designers we support farmers and landowners who are looking to develop hospitality venues that will generate recurring sources of income.

That might turning a disused barn into an events space or converting existing cottages into holiday accommodation.

It can be overwhelming to know where to start with planning and feasibility studies, architecture and construction.

We’re hosting an event in October where you can hear about real world case studies from the people who have already done it. Come and meet with other professionals who can support you through the process and leave informed and inspired.

Farm diversification | land diversification | farm hospitality | rural tourism by @aucottinteriordesign

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2 months ago

🌿🌾 Magazine Article 🌾🌿

I’m delighted to be featured in the latest This is Glamping magazine.

I talk about our recently completed Pig Sty project and
the opportunities available for Farmers and Landowners who are looking to diversify into hospitality.

The @ruraldiversificationcollective is also proud to be collaborating with the @theglampingshow The Glamping Show in September and will be headlining the Land Diversification Day.

Our articles are on pages 26-29, go check it out! Link below.

Land diversification | farm diversification | rural tourism | farm hospitality | glamping

https://issuu.com/parksmanagement1/docs/think_bigger_july_2026_international_glamping_/27?ff by @aucottinteriordesign

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2 months ago