Building Looking Glass Lodge: From Woodland Vision to Sustainable Retreat in Fairlight

In this episode of Yours for the Making Robin Johnson speaks with Lindsey and Rik Goodman about designing building and running Looking Glass Lodge in Fairlight East Sussex. The conversation follows their journey from an early idea of a small shepherd style retreat to delivering a striking glass fronted woodland lodge with near full occupancy. Lindsey and Rik explain the influence of family history and woodland stewardship on the design, the planning challenges of building in an area of outstanding natural beauty, and the financial pressure created by specialist glass requirements and rising material costs during Covid. They discuss sourcing locally, designing for calm rather than activity, switching from build mode to marketing overnight, and learning what guests actually value. This episode gives a clear view of the emotional financial and practical reality of building a high end retreat in the UK countryside.Key Topics CoveredCreating a woodland lodge in Fairlight East SussexFamily history land stewardship and local contextMoving from shepherd hut idea to full lodge buildPlanning permission in protected landscapesSustainable building choices and ground screw foundationsSpecialist glass and wildlife light controlBudget pressure and borrowing decisionsImpact of Covid on building materials and timelinesHands on building and project managementInterior design biophilic principles and tactilitySwitching from construction to marketingGuest experience calm privacy and doing nothingLocal suppliers community support and repeat guestsFinancial viability occupancy rates and long term valueEnjoying the show?Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Key Moments:00:00 Introducing Looking Glass Lodge and its location01:10 Family history and woodland background02:33 The original shepherd hut idea03:41 Design ambition grows with the site04:25 Location led design and woodland immersion05:32 Planning permission challenges06:41 Wildlife protection glass and light control07:27 Budget pressure and committing to the build08:23 Covid impact on material costs09:14 Stress coordination and competing priorities10:03 Mental strain during the build12:53 Deadline pressure and opening on time14:00 Transition from building to marketing15:26 First guest feedback and confidence16:52 Supporting local suppliers and makers17:47 Designing for rest not activity19:14 Guest behaviour and repeat bookings20:05 Research inspiration and Scandinavian influence21:17 Biophilic design and material choices23:11 Interior decisions and practical compromises25:14 Would they build again27:28 Financial reality and sustainability28:12 Occupancy rates and success32:14 Guest privacy and low contact hosting38:35 Advice for anyone building a retreat39:06 Research commitment and loving the project40:06 Advice to their younger selves42:14 Where to find and book the lodge