bakewell cottages

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Not holiday weather

IMG_1020Alarm went off at 7.30 at our Bolehill cottages near Bakewell (see link).  Bank holiday what bank holiday!  Two departures and two arrivals and one cleaner here.  A bright start enhanced by the arrival of an old motor bike and side car that had been booked by one of the guests for a ride around the Peak District.  Planted out some bedding plants during the morning as by lunchtime it had clouded up but the rain held off until late afternoon.  First cottage arrived just after 4pm and second cottage at 5.30.  An early dinner then we drove over to Monyash to have a look at the well dressings during a respite in the rain. Tuesday was forecast to be wet all day but in fact it stayed dry albeit cloudy and cool.  One departure and one arrival and one cleaner here.  A number of odd jobs around the place and there was some cow moving going on in the afternoon. Guests arrived about 4pm and I managed to get some IMG_1024accounts done.  Wednesday was forecast to be wet from start to end but like Tuesday it stayed mainly dry with a little drizzle but it was cool and overcast.  One departure and one arrival and having given the cleaner the day off Chris and I turned the cottage round.  Later in the morning we went down to Bakewell to do some banking and to get some provisions and stayed to have lunch.  Back home Chris did his lollipop duties to help bring more heifers over for the summer. Blue is truly surrounded!  Chris did some painting of benches in the garage, we have moved some garden furniture in there as it probably is the only way he will get the painting finished.  I did some more paperwork and guests arrived about 4pm, they have been before.  Our guests have not had the best of weeks weather wise.

 

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Another holiday weekend

IMG_1014The forecast for Thursday was a wet day at out Bolehill cottages (see here) so I thought we could do the cash and carry run as one was due. We headed over to Bookers via Screwfix then had lunch at Eyres the furniture shop in Chesterfield before doing a bit of shopping and coming back via Dunelm (of course).  We just got back home when the heavens opened so we had to unload the car in the rain.  I took the dogs out for their evening walk in the rain, not helped by one of the young heifers jumping into our field.  We tried to usher it back in but it stood its ground so I gave her an ASBO. She later jumped back in to join the rest of the gang.  We had to go back to Bakewell to vote so we stayed in town and had dinner at Le Mistral.   At least it had stopped raining by then.  Friday was  a cool day but at least it stayed dry.  Four departures  and two arrivals and two cleaner here. Also nipped down to Bakewell for final provisions for the weekend. First guests arrived just after3pm and final ones just after 5pm, they have been before.  Also found time to do some preparations for Saturday.  Saturday was quite a wet day.  Luckily it didn’t start raining until mid morning so most of the cleaning was out of the way, it was me who got the wettest when doing the final checks.  Two departures and three arrivals and two cleaners here.  With further arrivals on Sunday I wanted to get as much done as I could on Saturday.  All arrivals were here later in the afternoon arriving between 4.15 and 5.30, one has been before.  Sunday saw no departures but three arrivals but apart from very last minute checks everything was ready.  A damp morning with an improving afternoon.  A typical bank holiday weekend in other words.  Cottages arrived between 3 and 5 pm, one has been before.  A day of odd jobs and it was nice to see some evening sunshine.

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Time gallops on

IMG_0956Some days I wonder where the time goes at our Bolehill cottages near Bakewell (see here). Monday saw one departure and one arrival with one cleaner here.  A procession of vehicles saw rubbish collected, laundry collected, groceries delivered and a parcel for Chris. I always mentioned about my trips to Dunelm but Chris is entitled to his pleasures such as a Screwfix delivery and this time a new drill!  Time to catch up on some WI work before guests arrived later in the afternoon and after dinner I went to the Village Hall for the Village Hall AGM.  As it didn’t last long I went down to Bakewell afterwards to get some bits for the WI lunch on Wednesday. Tuesday was a bit more overcast but the highlight of my day was 7.15 am when my new washing machine arrived.  IMG_0986No departures or arrivals and Chris went to Matlock later in the morning to take some stuff to the recycling depot and to a DIY merchant.  After lunch we went to the nursery to see how our hanging baskets are coming along.  I also picked up some bedding plants for my new planters that the handyman has made for the courtyard.  Wednesday was a busy day but not with Bolehill business. First thing made a load of smoked salmon sandwiches for the WI lunch and Joanna collected me just after 11am to go and set up at the village hall.  They had started silaging at Lynne’s, we noticed the cutters out late on Monday night, but they hadn’t got much done Tuesday so Wednesday turned out to be a good day for them.  Our visiting WI enjoyed the sandwiches and cake we laid on for themIMG_1000_1 and by the time we finished tidying up it was nearly 3.30 by the time I got home.  While it was warm and dry enough I planted out some of the bedding plants and took some pictures of the bluebells in the copse with an audience of cows. I got Chris to cut the grass the forecast looked more unsettled.  I cooked an early tea which was interrupted by a Virgin Hot air balloon going overhead and trying to land in the fields behind but it took off again and carried on. I was then back to the Village hall to attend a meeting with Baslow Village Hall committee members who are trying to get the Hallmark Two status.  A nice sunset on the way home but didn’t have the camera handy.

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A taste of summer

IMG_0916Friday 16 May was a lot warmer than expected which was a nice way to start the weekend at our Bolehill cottages near Bakewell (see here).  Three departures and four arrivals with two cleaners here.  It was nice to hear that the Chatsworth Horse Trials were going ahead.   Went to Chatsworth farm shop to get provisions for the weekend as some warm weather was forecast and the farm shop has some nice items for picnics.  Chris cut grass. First two cottages here by 3.30 with third one arriving about 5pm and final ones, who have been before and were at the horse trials, here at 6pm. It was warm enough to sit outside in the evening but after dinner I had to go to the village hall for a short pre AGM meeting.  Saturday was a fine warm day and great for a picnic.  IMG_0917Two departures and one arrival and one cleaner up.  After cleaning completed and I had done my checks we decided to go out for lunch as it was so nice. We took a chance and headed for the tea rooms at Edensor, with the Horse Trials on we weren’t sure how busy they would be but we found a table outside where we could sit with the dogs. IMG_0931 We then had a little stroll up the hill where we sat overlooking Chatsworth House for a while.  We could see where the Trials were taking place but could not see much of what was going on.  Back home via a busy Bakewell where cottage, who have been before, had just arrived.  Time for a chat and check on emails and phone calls before packing the rucksacks for a picnic.  We parked at Over Haddon car park then walked down the lane to the dale.  The water level was still high as were the nettles!  There were a lot of late evening walkers but luckily no one had nicked our picnic spot overlooking the dale.  After a couple of relaxing hours we walked back to the village and had a swift half at the pub before going home.  Sunday was another warm dayIMG_0934 but the temperature was tempered by a nagging breeze.  One departure and one arrival.  The  cottage had already been cleaned so just  final checks to do. Did some outside jobs and guests arrived just after 3pm.  A quiet evening in, would have been nice to have dinner al fresco but it was too breezy. Never mind.

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A walk from Illam 15 May

IMG_0859Wednesday was a better day weather wise at our Bolehill Cottages near Bakewell (see here).  In the morning down to Bakewell to get hair cut and get some provisions.  The afternoon went in cottage work and paperwork.  Joanna collected me for the WI meeting with discussions centring on the resolutions for the national WI AGM.  We also had a Police Community Support Officer talk to us about local crime issues and police initiatives for households and farmsteads.  The biggest crime issues around here are oil and Landrover thefts with speeding and distraction burglars also causing concern.  The cows were out overnight for first time this year.  With the forecast being warm, cloudy and dry on Thursday we decided to go for a walk.  I planned a six mile walk from Illam that was mainly level but with a number of interesting features.   We drove to Illam passing the funeral cortège in Monyash of the mum who was killed in a car crash on the a515a few weeks ago.  A car overtaking a lorry in foggy conditions hit her car head on and she leaves a husband a two young children behind.  Accidents like this have a big impact on small communities.  We managed to get the last parking spot in Illam and headed off along the path passing the Izaak Walton Hotel, under new management, before reaching the car park at Dove Dale.  We walked along the rocky path towards the stepping stones when the dogs surprised us by walking in the river. First time in their lives they have voluntarily walked in water!  They also crossed the stepping stones with Chris and even I walked across a few of them before we walked along Dove Dale as far as Hall Dale which we walked up. Part way along we found a sunny spot and had lunch.  At the top of the Dale we picked up the path that skirted Damgate Farm then took the path that passed   Casterne Hall which we visited last autumn. Down to the hamlet of Rushley where a lamb tried to befriend Smudge.  He wasn’t sure what to make of it.  Naturally on reaching Ilam Hall we stopped for afternoon tea with views to Thorpe Cloud.  Back home and time for a quick shower and snack before I was off to Buxton for the local heat of the Derbyshire WI quiz which Over Haddon won!   I did notice that silaging was under way so it’s that time of year again! Enjoy the photos.

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The rain before the sun

IMG_0815By Sunday morning (11 May) there had been over an inch of rain during the last 24 hours at our Bolehill cottages near Bakewell (see link). Down to Bakewell to get the paper first thing after having a chat with guests before we went.  I had planned for a personal day but was overtaken by emails and phone calls so didn’t get much personal stuff done, but did get a number of bookings.  A showery cool day with a few heavier outbursts.  The ground has become quite waterlogged again and we are wondering if the Chatsworth Horse Trials will go ahead even though the weather should start to warm up mid week.  Chris did some more painting in Bluebell which he continued with on Monday. Monday saw two departures and three arrivals and two cleaners up.  My time was consumed with laundry, cottages and emails. IMG_0809 Another day of sunshine and showers, feeling mild in the sun and cool after the rain.  First arrivals here just after 3pm with remaining two cottages not long after, both have been before.  It was very clear in the evening so was able to take some nice photos looking to the edges when I took the dogs out.  Tuesday started off quite pleasantly with a little bit of warm sunshine.  We got an early morning phone call from Joanna.  The milk cows had broken a fence on the way to the field they should have gone in and were now quite happily munching in one of the silage fields.  With Andrew having gone to market Joanna and the apprentice were struggling to get the cows back into the shed to get them back out IMG_0821to the right field so Chris and Smudge went off to help them.  Back at Bolehill the electrician came up to do the final electrical checks on the vacant cottages.  By mid morning the first of the showers passed through and for the next few hours we had a succession of showers but it brightened up later in the afternoon. Caught up with some paper work and chatted to guests as they came and went.  Later in the afternoon I went down to Bakewell to get some provisions for the next few days.  A quiet evening in as it will be the last one in for me for a few days.

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Haddon Hall

IMG_0782Thursday 8 May was one of those cool damp spring days at our Bolehill Cottages near Bakewell (see here).   One departure and one arrival and one cleaner up.  We had a visit to Haddon Hall planned for the morning which had been organised by the Tourist Board and we were there in time for coffee then a guided tour.  Although we go most years a guided tour gave us information which we haven’t had before.  With my new camera I was able to take some close up shots which I think have come out fine.  Back for lunch and an afternoon of catching up on paper work with guests arriving about 4pm.  Some heavy rain later in the afternoon left mist rising from Lathkill Dale and then the sun came out and it presented a nice photo opportunity.   Friday was forecast to be showery but we saw very few.  Two departures and one arrival and one cleaner  here.  Chris decided to cut the grass as the forecast for Saturday was not good, we probably will have a couple of empty cottages over the weekend as a result.  Gave bluebell bedroom a new look.  Went down to Bakewell in the afternoon to get provisions for the weekend and back in time for guests arrival at 5pm, they have been before.  Took a number of photos on the evening walk with the dogs including a hare sitting on a wall!   The grass is getting very long as you can see.  Saturday started fair but deteriorated during the afternoon.  Three departures with two arrivals.  Had given the cleaners the day off so Chris and I turned one cottage round as one was already done.  A busy day for bookings and emails which is unusual for a Saturday.  Chris did some painting in a vacant cottage  and I did some washing of throws from vacant cottages.  Both cottages arrived between 3 and .3.30.  A wet evening but prospects of better weather in the coming week. Enjoy the photos

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Lea Gardens 7 May

Bank Holiday Monday was a fine day at our Bolehill cottages near Bakewell (see here). Three departures and three arrivals and two cleaners here. First Chris had to deal with a knife jammed in a cutlery drawer but eventually a bit of wire coat hanger solved the problem. Everything ready by first guests arrivals, they were here last as B&B guests. Two more arrivals here by 4.30 one of which has been before.  Tuesday was another fine day.  Two departures, one of which has already booked for next year, and one arrival.  A bit of cow movement in the morning and Chris and I helped out.  Chris did some weed killing and I did some jobs in the vacant cottages.  Spent some time on WI accounts in the afternoon and guests arrived about 4pm.  Wednesday was forecast to be a bit more showery. One departure but no arrivals so I had planned a day off.  With a poorer forecast I opted for Lea Gardens in the morning and shopping in the afternoon.  Last spring with everything flowering so late we never made it to Lea Gardens but this year with the cherry blossom out at least a week early the Rhododendrons at Lea are usually at their best when our blossom is at its best. We weren’t disappointed and with bad weather forecast perhaps we have seen them at their best for this year. We started the tour with coffee and cake from the tea room that now remains open after the gardens close in July.  We had the dogs with us as they allow well behaved dogs. From there we went to Junction 28 of the M1 to the outlet centre and had a stroll round. A few purchases then back home and after tea I went over to Joanna’s for this months WI committee meeting.  A lot to discuss so it was nearly 10pm before I got back home. Enjoy the colourful photos

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Another bank holiday weekend

IMG_0630Easter is barely history and the next Bank Holiday weekend arrives at our Bolehill Cottages near Bakewell (see here). Friday was a much more pleasant day than Thursday.  Two departures and four arrivals so a busy day not helped by me hurting my foot.  Chris and handyman finally finished rounding up all the logs and putting them into the log store.  We also took delivery of a replacement sofa for one of the cottages so there was some furniture to be moved. Usually I go down to Bakewell late morning but with a busy morning I went down about 4pm leaving Chris to deal with the first arrival just after 4pm, they have been before. IMG_0649 Back in time for second arrival just after 4.30 who has been before as had the third arrival just before 6pm.  Final guests arrived just before 8pm.  With frost forecast I made sure my in bloom camellia was covered up.  IMG_0658Saturday was another pleasant day, quite sunny but with a cool breeze.Two departures and three arrivals and one cleaner here.  Was also the day of the annual plant auction in Bakewell but with some curtains to iron and hang up there was no time to go.  Chris found time to cut the grass.  Two cottages arrived between 3and 4pm, one has been before with the final one arriving just before 6pm, they have also been before. May Bank holiday Sunday usually sees us doing the Orchid walk in Deep Dale but with my foot still swollen it was felt not appropriate to go.  So a quiet day at home.  This was after calling in at Green Cowden Farm on the way back from Bakewell and stopping for a cup of tea and a chat then popping in to see the heifer born in our field on Thursday.  Time for chats with guests and a pleasant evening stroll round the fields before facing Monday.

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April’s Weather stats

IMG_0606Wednesday 30 April was another warm day, a little on the cloudy side but dry until later on at our Bolehill Cottages near Bakewell (see here).  One departure but no arrivals.  Chris headed to Buxton so I took myself off to the Peak Shopping Village followed by a trip to the Chatsworth Farm Shop.  Nice to see all the signs of spring like the first bluebells on the way home from Chatsworth.  Various odd jobs in the afternoon and another 21 cows came across to the fields on this side of the road although they are in a different  field to the 28who have now moved into our drive field.   I had planned to do some preparations for the weekend on Thursday but we thought with no arrivals or departures we would have a day off.  With a dismal forecast we decided to go to Sheffield for a bit of shopping. on the way down the drive I saw a cow lying down with others around it and thought it was an injured car so I got Chris to reverse then realised a calf had been born in the field so we phoned Andrew. IMG_0598 We had a number of things we wanted to look at in Sheffield and of course there is a big Dunelm on the way out. For once we managed to find the car park at John Lewis, Sheffield is a maze of back streets and one way streets once you get off the inner ring road.  We had lunch at one of the sandwich shops in the backs streets by the Town Hall and there was a street market very reminiscent of the Bakewell Food Festival taking place in the main pedestrian precinct.  The world snooker championship was also taking place at the Crucible, not that we popped in.  We also stopped for tea and cake at the Patisserie Valerie near John Lewis. Bought a number of items at Dunelm before an easy journey home.

Here are Aprils weather statistics

Highest temp on 21st of 16.4 deg C with warmest day 30th and warmest night 5th.  Lowest temp of 1.0 deg C on 19th with 19th coldest day and 18th coldest night. 7th was wettest day with .48 in rain with total for month 1.83 (April 2013 0.65 in).