From Steppe to Smallholding
Kents began with two keen adventures, Joe and Liss, wandering nomads with open minds and open hearts. They set off on the trip of a lifetime, to discover unknown cultures and chase childhood dreams, from which they have never looked back since.
Starting from the windswept countryside of Cornwall, they eventually found themselves on the trans Siberian railway, en route to the harsh frozen plains of a Mongolian winter. It was in Mongolia, living with nomadic families and completely immersed in their way of life that the idea to bring Yurts (or ‘Gers’ as they are known in Mongolia) back to the UK cam to them.
With two ‘Gers’ in tow, they headed back to Cornwall, but the adventure had only just begun. The challenging task of adapting a yurt to survive in the coastal climate of western cornwall is no mean feat, and proved to be quite the undertaking for both ancient dwelling and young couple alike. Although yurts are built to survive in one of the coldest, harshest climates on the planet – from sub zero winters to scorching hot summers, they were no match for the cold, damp and dark in the UK. Learn more about Mongolia’s history and climate here https://www.mn.undp.org/content/mongolia/en/home/countryinfo.html
Slowly however, they found ways to improve and alter the original design, eventually creating a hybrid super-yurt, capable of withstanding the torrential rain and wind beset upon them by the Cornish weather.
The following years brought with them many trips back to Mongolia, and over time they built up a friendship and business with a local Yurt maker in Ulaanbaatar, (the capital of the country). Together they forged a new kind of yurt, a perfect combination of both old and new, and along with it a new kind of business relationship, one that benefited both parties.
The environment and the planets well being has and always being close to the hearts of the people of Kents, always looking for ways to keep their carbon footprint down. It has led them down the line of hosting sustainable farming and gardening courses and growing organic natural food to fuel the ever growing work force. Find out more about permaculture here. https://www.permaculture.org.uk/
Kents of Cornwall is now a river with its many tributaries. From hosting eco retreats and permaculture courses, to providing bespoke mongolian yurts and eco infrastructure across the country. Always looking to improve and develop Kents has evolved through many years of hard work, dedication and passion. Oh and don’t forget a surf to clear the mind!
