We offiicially opened on 1st September. We had an "Open Day" for people that had worked here and the village etc. Actually did really well, had about 60 people here (there was free beer) and all the people who had worked here turned up so it was great. Weather stayed good and spent the day doing tours of the house and hiding up in the attic with Dennis. Held a charity collection and got about £70.00 and ?5 euro's. Mick had just got back form France so it was good of him to come.
And then have been pretty much cleaning ever since. And the first guests arrived on 16th September. Two couples (seperately) and both wanted dinner. Which actually went ok. 2 were vegetarians, 2 weren't. Apart from the fritatta being a bit slow (Neil - "you've just got too get it out jane they're waiting, you've just got to get it out" too much bloody masterchef if you ask me) dinner went suprisingly well, all clean plates etc. And breakfast the next day was fine. Slight poached egg disaster "you've just got to be more careful" I've got to be more careful yeah yeah. Made him get the next one out himself. That showed him.
And then the horror of the unexpected guest. About 2 weeks ago Neil got a phonecall from someone who wanted to book a room on the 17th, didn't care which etc just wanted a view. Told her to go on the website and get back to us and let us know which room she wanted. Never heard a thing. Untill 6pm on Saturday when the doorbell rang..... luckily Neil answered I dashed to the kitchen and started working out a menu (hid and let someone else deal with it) but eventually all was well, we had a room, enough eggs etc and all happy.
And the gardens all smart, Neil's built a few new bridges and all gravelled up. Have even managed to grow a few potatoes. Tendency to explode when cooked (not for the guests) but taste ok. Sort of mash without the effort. Mind you thats all thats grown in my comedy vegetable patch maybe thanks to Blackies efforts at fertilising it. Have to wash everything VERY carefully
So have had all the photo's done for the website - lowmillguesthouse.co.uk - and the place looks pretty smart. Have finished writing the website, room leaflets, access statement, terms and conditions, wine list, breakfast menu etc, it's endless. Have been in the local paper. Was wearing a pair of Neil's trousers which were far to short (I only have one other pair) so asked them to photograph my top half only. So there I am sitting in a chair with my ankles far too much in view looking like some Wham tribute act.
And have been in a couple of shops and heard people say its them from the paper etc, yes her trousers are too short.
So that's in the living room, pretty cool. And Neil has started repairing the wheel so hopefully it'll all revolve again properly soon. And bookings are really pretty steady. Which we're pleased about as thought it would take quite a while to get going, especially opening at the wrong end of the year. Some are comimg just B & B but quite a few will be eating. Fritatta's off the menu.
That's the large room, all got names now. And Dennis thinks its time to put the heating on. Have got a parrot (Peter's) staying with us at the moment which is nice. Find yourself talking to it. Replies about as much as Neil (prob more). Nearly a year since we arrived - we moved in on October 12th so good too have it all completed and to have had guests staying within the year.
