You might think that Nick and I just hibernate all winter, and like bears we amble out when the spring comes … if only.
The reality is quite different. In fact, we’ve never been busier! I thought I’d share some of the exciting projects that we’ve been involved with recently and give you a behind the scenes look at some of the practical stuff that we have been busy with.
The Inside Story
We polled dozens of guests a few years back to find out if there was a preference for a dishwasher or a washer-dryer and discovered that a washer-dryer was the firm favourite with our guests. BUT, towards the end of last year we repeated the survey to find that a dishwasher was now the firm favourite.
“The guest is always right”
So we pulled out the washer-dryers in Pond Meadow and Little Leighs Cottages and replaced the machines with dishwashers. Now all the three-bedroom cottages have shiny new dishwashers installed. In fact, Beech Cottage has both machines since there’s a bit more space in this cottage kitchen.
So far so good, except we know that many guests staying in the three-bedroom cottages are families often with young children. You know how messy life gets with kids sometimes!
Project Laundry Commences
Nick has adopted the role of builder to replace the ancient tin roof of the workshop. He has plumbed and installed two washer-dryers in part of the workshop that will become a dedicated mini laundry for our guests to use.
This mammoth project is ongoing as there are some major internal structures to be seen to, as well as some cosmetics, but it is nearing completion! This coming season, you’ll have the best of both worlds.
I’m happy to report that our guests over Easter have been delighted to discover that there’s a dishwasher in the kitchen. No more arguments with the kids as to who is going to wash and who is going to do the drying up = happy holidays! We hope that you’ll agree.
Rooms with a View
Our cottages are available throughout the year, and we welcome guests in all four seasons. We took the huge decision to invest in double-glazing our two and three-bedroom cottages. During the last few months, so far, we’ve replaced 11 windows and 3 more doors!
No more steamy windows, there’s improved ventilation and naturally it’s an environmentally savvy decision.
Importantly, all the windows now open fully, providing fantastic views of the gardens and grounds beyond. There are new updated fire safety standards and since there is no central bar in the framework, then fire escape routes are more easily achieved. Likewise, the new thumb-turn locking on the double-glazed doors means that no key is needed to lock the door from the inside – again a preference for fire safety and security.
We love it when a plan comes together!
Cottage Makeovers
Each of the cottages has been freshly painted inside, and I’m sure that you’ll agree that Beech Cottage is looking resplendent in pink!
I’ve enjoyed the task of updating the soft furnishings in the double bedroom in Ash Cottage which now has much brighter look, and we’ve installed a TV in there too for extra creature comforts. The Roundhouse, Beech Cottage and Pond Meadow also have a few new features too like mood lighting and new décor.
Of course, there’s a very long list of tedious jobs that are necessary to do over the winter season to maintain the high standards of the cottages. Think, grout, sealant and varnish to name but a few because 18th century buildings need a lot of TLC!
The Great BBQ Switcheroo!
Forgive me if you’ve read my recent story on our Facebook page, but I think it’s earned the right to appear in this blog post … after all, this has been a pretty major improvement to the facilities here at Trenannick Farm Cottages. Our guests over Easter christened them! There’s another traditional BBQ in the grounds near the fire pit too!
Sitting comfortably?
In a leafy hollow not far away, one of our beloved old BBQs, fondly known as “Rusty,” had seen better days. Rusty had valiantly charred everything from sausages to marshmallows, and once even a pair of flip-flops (don’t ask). But, alas, every hero’s journey must come to an end. It was time to bid farewell to our smoky, spluttery companion.
Our pet alpacas joined us for a solemn ceremony, as Rusty was demolished and moved to the great BBQ graveyard – aka Bude recycling centre.
Enter stage: not one, but two, ultra-modern masonry BBQs we call “SizzleMasters!” Sporting four adjustable grilling heights, budding alfresco charcoal chefs can show off their culinary skills and then move onto logs and firewood, so the whole family can sit cosy around the integrated fireplace. With plenty of space to grill for the hungriest of gatherings our SizzleMasters promise gourmet delights and perfectly cooked family feasts!
As the first BBQ gathering commenced, a SizzleMaster preened and posed, effortlessly grilling like a pro. But amidst the triumphs of perfectly seared veggies and the juiciest burgers, a lone alpaca could be seen in the paddock, shedding a tear in tribute to dear old Rusty, whilst our friendly chickens are looking forward to any leftovers!
RIP, Rusty. Long live the SizzleMasters!
Ground-works and Green Fingers
You’ll no doubt have read that we’ve fenced all the dog-friendly cottage gardens, and this has been well received not just for our doggy owners but also from families with very young children.
Nick and I have extensively widened the entrance to the alpaca paddock which now provides a lovely view from Beech Cottage, and we’ve worked really hard with all the gardens and grounds. If like us, you’ve experienced a few storms over the winter then you’ll understand that has meant a fair amount of remedial tree work. We’ve also implemented more improvements to soakaways and drainage across the estate.
My greenhouse has won me a few dividends too. I’ve been experimenting with propagating various shrubs and had a lot of success. Our guests often remark on the stunning hydrangeas here and I’ve successfully planted my new flowering shrubs around the grounds and look forward to seeing them grow. Sadly, I’ve given up on growing tomatoes and vegetables – I must be only partially green-fingered!
I hope you enjoyed reading my latest blog about our winter antics and we look forward to welcoming you to the magic at Trenannick.
Jules
