On Thursday, (14/11) after saying goodbye to  a cottage at our Bolehill cottages, (see link)  we had another familiarisation visit organised by Visit Peak District.  This time it was to Casterne all near Ilam.  We have walked passed this property a number of times, and having recently decided to open to the public, we had booked a tour of the hall.  Being a sunny morning, albeit cold and breezy, the house was quite bright on the inside.  We were welcomed with coffee and cake and after a talk by the owner we were invited to wander around the house and ask any questions.  As usual we met up with others that we knew.  After the tour we stopped at nearby Ilam Hall for an early lunch.  As a National Trust property we would expect them to be closed for winter but we noted their cafe was going to be open until 23rd December despite the fact the leaflet said it would be closed.  Unfortunately I forgot to take my camera so I could not take pictures of the hall or Thorpe Cloud with blue skies but here is a picture of the hall that Chris took.  In the afternoon I organised some advertising for 2014, this advertising being of the printed variety rather than web based as we still do limited print advertising.  Friday started dull but brightened up.  No departures but one arrival later in the day but one cleaner here to keep up with cleaning.  Jobs around the cottages and with a brighter afternoon more tidying up outside and some tender plants went into the green house. Found time to plant another hundred bulbs, just another 150 to go!  Some housework and a quiet evening in.  Guests arrived just after 10 pm.