Accommodating A Black Sheep In A Brewery

Hello from sunny Bedale.

Ian has got the grass cut and the gardens tidied. Plans are afoot to chop down the conifers in the courtyard and rethink the area outside orchard cottage.

We have now had 3 weekends full in the farmhouse since the refurb and everyone loves it as you will see if you check out the reviews on trip-advisor http://goo.gl/ODaw We are always thrilled to have such good feedback which has up to now just been through the guest visitor books we leave in each cottage. I must say it seems like a big step and a nerve-racking one to join the world wide web for all to see. We enjoy what we do and we hope it shows.

We have also been busy with the other cottages with our regular customers returning and newcomers already planning their next visit.

This week we attended a familiarisation day at the Black Sheep Brewery in Masham. The idea being to share our experience and to recommend the attraction to our customers. We had a lovely time

meeting other accommodation providers from the local area and Harrogate and York. After a presentation and an interesting yet shortened tour of the brewery with a knowledgeable guide, we were treated to a very substantial lunch. Beef casserole, cooked in Riggwelter beer brewed on site, served with mashed potato and fresh veg, followed by apple pie with wensleydale cheese and washed down with a half pint of any of the 4 cask ales. Our choice of the Golden Sheep was a good one. We bought some chutney from the sheepy shop before leaving with a goody bag and a promise to return soon. They have a very informative and fun website with a list of events covering most months of the year www.blacksheepbrewery.com Ideal as a wet weather afternoon visit or make a day of it by following one of various walks available from the shop and starting at the brewery car-park. Oh and don’t miss the view from the ladies toilet window.

The new series on the Yorkshire Dales Monday 8pm ITV 1 promises to be a winner and well worth a look.

Looking ahead we have Mother’s day and Easter to look forward to as well as the start of the agricultural shows especially the Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate 12th to 14th of July.

Enjoy the extra daylight hours.

Caroline

The Coming of Spring and The Going of The Work Men

The days are getting longer and are slowly warming up, with just the odd frosty morning to remind us that winter is not quite over yet. The birds are singing and the daffodils are poised ready for their welcoming splash of colour. The hares are running in the field and Ellie still thinks she can catch them. She forgets she is only a little dog.

The farmhouse is nearly ready. The decorator has finished and the carpets are laid. The scaffolding has all gone to reveal a very different looking house. We have been busy wi

th cleaning, cleaning and more cleaning as well as buying new light fittings, cushions etc. It seems never ending and I must admit panic did set in a little bit this last week, but it has all being worthwhile as we see it coming together. Amazing really what a couple of months work can achieve. It was the 5th of January when we started emptying the house ready for work to start and our first customers arrive on Friday the 11th of March.

The 'Visit Britain' assessor/inspector called to check that standards were still up to 4 star levels. Of course she was pleased to see all the on-going improvements we have made since she was here a year ago and gladly gave us our 4 stars.

Once a month I meet up with some local ladies called the Burneston Belles or ‘Ladies that Lunch’ if you like. We visit local eateries and February was the turn of the Fox and Hounds in Carthorpe. Actually we were there December and January as it is not far to travel if the weather turns nasty. It is a family run pub with friendly staff where nothing is too much trouble. The food is always excellent with a set menu served Mon to Thur 2 courses for £14.95 or 3 courses £16.95 including evenings. Al-a-carte is also available with an extensive specials board using seasonal local produce. An enjoyable couple of hours was spent catching up with the girls and Coffee was served with freshly made shortbread and truffles. A score of 10 out of 10 was given. I might drop a hint to the boys for a Mother’s Day treat.

We visited our son and girlfriend as they settled in their new house in Newcastle. It took just under an hour passing the Angel of the North on the way, which never ceases to amaze us. Last year we actually parked up and walked around it. Definitely a worthwhile stop.

Well I think Ian will be cutting the grass before too long, as the gardens beckon to be tidied and brought back to life after the harsh winter weather. Looking forward to visiting Constable Burton Hall to see the daffodil displays from the 12th of March.

Never know we might even get away for a few days.

Caroline