A boutique retreat with big ambitions
The Sleepy Owl is a stunning boutique, family-friendly retreat in North Devon. Nestled in a 20-acre valley with treehouses and a barn conversion, it’s the kind of place where guests expect tranquillity, comfort – and of course, reliable WiFi. Because in today’s world, even a countryside getaway needs a strong internet connection.
The challenge
Despite investing in a VDSL connection, speeds were painfully slow and unstable. Load balancing could only do so much. Guests were left frustrated, and the team knew it was holding them back – from offering reliable guest WiFi to running their own systems efficiently.
As Jay, the owner, put it:
“Guest access to a good and steady internet when they are on holiday is a must-have.”
Our approach
We carried out a detailed site survey, pinpointing the best location for a Starlink dish and installing a secure fibre backbone to connect the whole site. To futureproof things, we also ensured each property had a projected signal path, with load balancing to give resilience if one service ever failed.
Alongside this, we tackled compatibility issues, managed the cabling, and provided ongoing support to ensure the setup wasn’t just fast – it was rock-solid reliable.
The results
- Stable, fast connectivity across all four properties
- Broadband speeds of up to 300Mbps, even in a rural valley
- Futureproof resilience with load balancing between VDSL and Starlink
- Happy guests and smoother operations for the Sleepy Owl team
Or as Jay summed it up:
“Having Starlink installed across 4 properties means guests now have very stable and fast internet. We’re able to offer TV and streaming, and the team can work from home far more efficiently than before.”
Looking ahead
For rural businesses like The Sleepy Owl, unreliable broadband used to be a fact of life. But with the right solution, even the most remote retreats can offer the kind of connectivity guests expect – without compromising on their setting.
And thanks to our ongoing support, the Sleepy Owl can rest easy knowing their tech is just as reliable as their hospitality.
