So whats a homestay host to do when the business is closed due to the pandemic? Well, suffice to say- we have been keeping busy as ever. Its rare we get the time when full on hosting- to actually take time to focus on activities that will enrich a guests experience even deeper that it was pre lockdown (or between lockdowns).
Walks around the many beautiful trails in and around Stroud have been done- and we can now boast a repertoire of hidden routes and off the beaten track trails. Mainly doing 2-3 hour trails. This one is from the top of the Painswick Beacon! Park the car up in Painswick and in 30 mins- your here at this stunning place.
The Painswick Beacon:
I cannot exaggerate how intense and panoramic this view is- you literally see for miles and miles. I think we can safely say- this beats our no 1 view point (previously Coaley Peak) but will challenge guests who have brought their walking boots which one fairs better in their book.
We circled back to Painswick via Damsells Farm along the very very muddy Painswick stream- taking in some stunning old English Farmhouses along the way
Bike/ Walk Trail from Dudbridge to South Woodchester (or Nailsworth if your feeling hardy).
We parked up on a road next to Sainsburys at Dudbridge to get onto the bike route. There are some great whacky cannon ball run cycle courses for the kids along the way.
This walk took us past the Damien Hirst Science Factory and hikers/ art lovers can see some 'free art' from the back of the building where Hirsts sculptures randomly stand - like discarded art prototypes. Very surreal! This is one of the Sculptures but there are three in total.
To get the proportion of this- In my 5 foot 2 inch diminutive build- I probably get up to about mid thigh in height!
We also saw some grand manor houses en route- this one was absolutely stunning (but we were spoilt for choice around South Woodchester):
If you go- do Check out the swimming pool and private lake at the back of the house which you can see via the footpath. Absolutely beautiful house. Always a fan of circular walks we managed to plot out a route over the hills and dales- looking over to Rodborough from Selsley Hill. If guests are bringing bikes- we can provide storage at the house (plus tea and cake post hike/ cycle of course)!
Woodchester Mansion to the Lakes
Loads of folk go natural swimming in these lakes (signs to say not to- but people still do at their own risk). And the victorian gothic Mansion is stunning- as work stopped during its build- its become a mecca for architects and structural engineers to see 'behind the scenes' frozen in time experience of how the building was constructed.
Woodchester Mansion & Lakes
..and it snowed! Here we are- doing the walk through the Woodchester forest to the Lakes.
But nearby walks from the doorstep of the house weren't neglected! This next shot was our 'bread and butter' walk to the gorgeous Heavens. Boy it was wet, and tree sheltering needed to happen when the heavens opened- but post rainstorms- we were rewarded with this stunning view. You had to be quick- the rainbow was fleeting and only happened for 45 seconds. Barkers missed it all as he was being sociable as usual with all the dogs in town. This lady helped me get him back (as without 'high value' treats - like ham- this is hard to do!)
The Heavens
So those are the walks - of which there are many many more done over Jan/ Feb to share with hiking guests.
Upcycling galore
Back to other lockdown activities- we got into lots of upcycling again- which is my definite downtime hobby. I decided that the office at the Maverick Lodger seriously needed a makeover So heres some photos of some of the upcycled furniture in the room:
I got this unit at Ikea and hated the style of it- but loved the practicality of it. I found this wonderful vintage victorian advertising adhesive paper on ebay. So easy to use as well. I dont have a before shot for this but you can imagine- the typical laminated imitation pine which I covered with this stuff. Then replaced the modern silver bullet handle with some edwardian handles I found at the car boot and painted the case in the 'old white' eggshell farrow and ball. The latter was done first and luckily the colour matched the paper!
Next up was the filing cabinet- the usual steel beige drawers in a chocolate brown housing. Heres the final work:
Ive fallen in love with the caulke green at F and B- so outer housing was painted in this- with some marble effect adhesive wallpaper for the draw fronts.
Looking at this photo again- you can see the Ikea unit on the right before the victorian wallpaper was added.
And last but not least, was an item I use to store all my upcycling paints and materials in. I found it at the Emmaus store. To be honest- it looked good as is- just with the addition of maybe some black wax and sanding. But ever falling for the caulke green- I had to paint the exterior of it and then highlight the mouldings with some gold wax. Black wax was also added and polished up to a subtle shine. Heres the before:
and after:
A big Birthday!
Yes, your host turned a 'Big Age' in January- one of the more stranger birthdays Ive had but still- we made the best of it. Hair was curled, make-up donned and best dress worn. A lovely takeway three course meal was ordered with Birch- a local restaurant- one of the many still operating as a takeaway in lockdown - was eaten with relish! Also had a wonderfully long walk over to Slad and back - plus a bottle or two of Prosecco. A cake was ordered through the Lavendar Bakehouse- a lovely cafe in Chalford- on the canal. Heres some photos of the big day:
The Birch Takeaway eve:
Cake from Lavender Bakehouse
The Snow came in January. As guests know- Im a big skier- absolutely starved of doing some turns- I took advantage of having a ski down to the end of my driveway! I did contemplate skiing down the road to the Heavens - where all the sledging action was happening- but needed to keep those skis in good health with the threat of any thin snow pavement scrapes. Still, skiing at Val De Stroud was an experience!
Just chilling...
Other than that- we've been chilling at home mainly! Barkers has been full of love and ever needing attention- he's really missing the guests. I seriously hope that separation anxiety doesnt kick in after lockdown!!
And my favourite wine has been quoffed too- this box is from the Stroud Wine Company- definitely popular with the locals and a Friday/ Saturday night regular tipple in front of a good film or video chat with friends.
So on that note- will raise a glass to all past and prospective guests. :-) We will be out of this strange situation soon- maybe more reflective and solid about future paths in life. As I write- we are anticipating Boris Johnson's route map for post lockdown- to be announced in a few days time. As soon as we know, I'll be posting again to let you know the Maverick Lodger's plans for opening. We really cannot wait to get back to welcoming guests and are planning like mad to anticipate this.
Lots of love
Abi and Barkers xx
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