For more than two decades, one tight-knit family has become the beating heart of a seaside holiday park in Devon, turning what started as a job into a full-fledged family legacy.
The Stevens clan, all ten of them, currently work side-by-side at Torquay Holiday Park, creating a rare multi-generational workforce that spans from maintenance to management, kitchen to check-in.
What began with a single family member has grown into a sprawling operation involving parents, siblings, cousins, and even the younger generation, all united under one employer.
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From repairing caravans and handling bookings to scrubbing down accommodation and prepping food in the kitchen, there’s hardly a corner of the park untouched by the Stevens name.
Locals and returning holidaymakers often remark that it’s nearly impossible to visit without crossing paths with one of them on duty.
At the core of this family effort is Ray Stevens, 49, who heads up maintenance, and his wife Tracy, 45, who supports the accommodation department as an assistant manager.
Their daughter Courtney, 18, is training as a chef, continuing the family tradition. Ray’s siblings are also key players: Lee, 44, works alongside Tracy in accommodation management; Sally, 41, oversees maintenance; and Rachel, 39, serves as accommodation manager.
The extended Stevens team includes Demi, 22, who juggles admin duties and accommodation supervision; Harley and Harrison, both 18, who support maintenance and cleaning efforts; and the youngest, Layla, 16, who’s already working as an accommodation cleaner.
Together, this two-generation crew manages a significant chunk of the holiday park’s daily operations.
Their roots at the park go deep. Sisters Sally and Rachel alone boast 24 and 23 years of service respectively, while their inspiration came from their mother, who spent 20 years working there herself – starting out as a cleaner before rising to the role of accommodation supervisor.
Sally recalls how their childhoods were shaped by time spent at the park: “Our mum’s dedication really influenced us.
We’d play here as kids while she worked, and so many of our relatives – aunties, uncles, even our nan – also worked here. It’s always felt like home.”
That sense of familiarity has turned into something much more profound for the Stevens family – a working dynamic based on trust, shared values, and a common sense of humour.
“We support each other through everything,” Rachel said. “It’s not just about work – we laugh a lot, we help each other, and we genuinely enjoy being around one another.
There’s something special about being able to spend time with your family while also being productive and contributing to the same goal.”
According to the family, their unusual workplace arrangement has only strengthened their bond.
Instead of the usual workplace tensions, they’ve created a culture of mutual respect and encouragement.
And while some might struggle to mix family and business, for the Stevens crew, it’s become their greatest strength.
Parkdean Resorts, the company that owns Torquay Holiday Park, is well aware of the value the family brings. General manager Paul Todd spoke highly of the team:
“We really are fortunate to have the Stevens family with us. They’re not just dedicated employees – they’re the backbone of this park.
Watching their journey and the way they’ve grown with us over the years has been incredibly rewarding.”
What sets this family apart isn’t just their loyalty or longevity – it’s the genuine warmth they bring to their roles, and the way they’ve woven family life into the fabric of a bustling holiday destination.
For the Stevens, the park isn’t just where they work – it’s where they’ve built a shared life, one shift at a time.
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