It was my birthday on Tuesday and my good friend Jane took me out to breakfast as a birthday treat.  I’ve heard in the past how fantastic Yeo Valley Canteen is and it more than lived up to its expectations.

The food was superb; the views were wonderful; and the only downside is that I can’t recommend it to our guests as it’s booked up for lunch for at least 6 weeks in advance.  All evening events are fully booked for the foreseeable future.

As a happy co-incidence, Rod and I were watching Michel Roux Jr’s Hidden Restaurants last night and what should be featured but the Yeo Valley Canteen.  Michel was also blown away by its offering (available on iplayer if you get a chance to watch it) and if you ever are in a position to book in advance, it comes with our highest recommendation

It may still be a little chilly here in Dulcote but Spring is definately on its way and the garden is starting to burst into life again.  Our white magnolia looks absolutely stunning this year and the little pink magnolia we planted last month has already begun to flower.; as have the gorgeous white with a touch of pink camillias (one of our many many purchases from The Plant Emporium in Wells marketplace).

Last night we were counting the number of trees we have planted in The White House garden over the past year and surprised ourselves by realising the total number was 14.  So as Spring continues, we will have lots of fruit tree blossom to enjoy.

All we need now is a little sunshine to enjoy and we have finally made it through another Winter!

One of the things I really love about living and working in the countryside is the stress free environment and  relaxed atmosphere.  By no means does this mean we don’t work hard, but the environment is so good that often, work doesn’t feel hard.

A great example of this was earlier this week, when I had a meeting at a PR agency near to the Somerset levels.  The office is in a gorgeous setting with huge picture windows overlooking fields and farm buildings, and the owner’s dog (the most beautiful chocolate brown spaniel I’ve ever seen) is very much a central part of the team.

Mid meeting, the dog barked and I was amazed to see a pheasant peering through the glass.  Apparently, it was fed a hot cross bun last week (far too early in my opinion…..) and since then has been back every day in the hope of more…….

Had a lovely few days with my daughter Melanie and it was so good to be able to spend some time with her without any distractions.

So much to catch up on, so much good food, so much champagne……

One of the nicest parts of the trip was a visit to Sacre Coeur.  Hot wine in a cafe while we had our portrait painted

But now its back to reality.  Our guests are returning so better go, I have breakfast to prepare…..

The White House are now back from their travels: well rested; full of wonderful memories; and ready to begin work in earnest.

Well, that’s true for most of us, apart from me………………

I’m off to Paris tomorrow to see our elder daughter Melanie for a few days.  Feel a little guilty and definately making up for the lack of a break over the past many months but very excited to spend a few days, just Melanie and I.

So, off the  rabbit food diet until I get back again (forced on me until I can get back into my trousers after far too much good food and wine….)

And see you when I get back.  Au reviour…….

We have worked hard all year and are just about to take a well earned break.  Very excited that we are flying tomorrow and that finally it is our turn!

The White House will be well looked after in our absence and we are taking the opportunity to completely refresh The Old Barn while we are closed in February.  The bathroom has already been ripped out and on our return it will have a luxurious re-style, with a complete refresh and repaint as well as a a complete re-fit of the bathroom.

I will post pictures when we get back but meanwhile, the suitcases are packed; Bob is just about to leave for his own holiday in Happy Landings (the absolute best and kindest animal shelter we have ever found); and I am frantically completing final pieces of consultancy so that we can jet off with a clear conscience.

Phones and computers will be left behind, with the wonderful Jane looking after bookings for us, as well as sharing cat sitting with the lovely Ros.

Over and out and see you when we get back!

Wandering around the vegetable aisles at our local supermarket at the weekend we noticed a distinct shortage of some of our favorite vegetables.  Looking further, we saw notices explaining why.

Apparently there is a vegetable shortage due to a perfect storm of poor growing conditions on the continent and we have now reviewed a number of news articles on the subject.

The children were delighted, laughingly expressing relief particularly at the shortage of spinach, but we quickly reassured them (and also you……)

“You have no need to be concerned!”

As the image below shows, although our vegetable garden is clear at this time of the year, we still have a plentiful supply of spinach……..

We’re not just a host… we’re a Superhost!

Hot on the heels of our booking.com guest review award, we have received a futher confirmation that our guests love staying at The White House!

We received the following email from airbnb, and whilst the number of guests from this channel are much fewer than those from booking.com, they are beginning to grow.

And we couldn’t be more pleased….

“Congratulations, Mary,

You did it again! You’ve been a Superhost now for 2 quarters. In the year leading up to 2017-01-01, you qualified by earning 5-star reviews 87% of the time. Your response rate was 100% with no cancellations.

You’ve delighted and supported your guests, and we think that deserves to be rewarded. “

We are delighted to have received a guest review award from booking.com for the second year running:

It’s always good to see positive results from our attempts to give a really good guest experience and while the wording of the accompanying letter made us smile (in a very cheesy way) the meaning behind the award means a great deal to us.

The award text read:

“Congratulations on winning a booking.com guest review award 2016!

Your outstanding average score is the outcome of months of consistently glowing reviews, each one reflecting another great guest experience that you created.

Every time you went the extra mile.  Every time you helped a stranger feel at home.  Every time you made someone’s day.  These little moments left a big impression on guests – and it showed in the reviews they gave you.

Thank you for sharing your hard work, dedication and passion with so many guests in 2016.  It’s a real privilege to have you as a partner”

So a huge thank you to all of our lovely guests who made the award possible, and for showing your appreciation.  It means so much…..

Booking opened last week for the “Sixteen” concert at Wells Cathedral.  This year’s concert is scheduled for 9^th September, and we’re thrilled that we’ve managed to get front seats!

Tickets are selling fast but I think there are a few remaining and I would definately recommend attendance if you are able to get here.  Sixteen is one of the world’s most renowned choirs specialising in Scared Renaissance Choral Music.  This will be our third annual concert at the Cathedral to listen to the choir and I can’t imagine ever tiring of hearing them….