May 2006 Newsletter

Hello to you all. A lot seems to have happened since my last newsletter in February, although with the cold northerly wind blowing today I think it was warmer then! Whitsun school holidays are upon us and we have several families who have met at Bosinver and regularly return this week for a get together. We had our silly games afternoon and barbeque in the field and a great time was had by all.

The dilemma of what to plant in Higher Hill’s garden has been solved, much to my relief. It is a steep north facing slope and as the house is reversed is seen from the bedrooms and the living room upstairs but impossible to mow, so lawn grass was not an option. We have gone for grasses, in all shapes, sizes and colours, which only need strimming once a year and I found the ‘Big Grass company’ near Crediton on the internet and a most helpful lady owner did the planting plan and supplied the grasses. All we had to do was planting by numbers and now we are sitting back with interest to watch them grow.

Hillside has gained a new conservatory, which has been really well received as it has a fantastic view over the meadows leading down to the lake and is a great place to sit and enjoy a glass of wine.

Also we have replaced the wooden stairs leading into the garden from the lounge of Jack’s Barn with a beautiful spiral staircase (it’s an original Victorian cast iron one) and a balcony to sit out on and enjoy the view.

Pentree has been rebuilt and extended by 25%. The conversion work was done in the 50’s, so the rooms were square with low ceilings. As the demolition progressed, the old beams and stone walls emerged and the original barn reappeared. We have left the beams and high ceilings and exposed some of the stone so it has a totally different feel. The old asbestos tiles have been replaced with slates and the fireplace and chimneyrebuilt. It still sleeps 4/5 people but is much more spacious and full of character.

I spent a lot of time training for my bike ride over the winter months, aerocycling classes 5 times a week, plus bike rides whenever the weather and free time allowed, preparing for the big day. My cycling friend Janie and driver Carol left on April 8th after being blessed by Bishop Bill, the Bishop of Truro and drove to Scotland, leaving John O’ Groats on 10th. It was freezing, with snow on the ground and strong winds and we wondered what on earth we’d let ourselves in for! However, the training paid off and we managed to complete the 1005 miles in 17 days, staying in Youth Hostels and B&B’s along the way, getting fitter by the mile. We are still collecting donations but we have raised over £10,000 so far towards a head scanner for the A&E department of our local hospital. If you want to read an account of our exploits, go to www.end2endgirls.co.uk

Meanwhile, bookings are looking good with no space now until September, just concentrating on keeping the place tidy and our guests happy. The sun has now decided to shine and it is what summer holidays are all about. Long may it continue.

Speak to you soon.

Pat

Bosinver Farm Cottages

May 2006 Newsletter

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