So excited to be writing this first post in line with the launch of my very first brand new website! The Maverick Lodger has been renting out accommodation for short term letting since 2014 of course, but going 'full time' has only really been for the last couple of years. During this time, its been a rarity to be able to sit down and actually work on an online presence (the last time was over a year ago to set up the Facebook Business Page) but with the lock-downs happening for 2020- there's just no excuse and so here we are. I do hope you enjoy looking through it and positively welcome any feedback about it as were still learning.
So back in March 2020- we had to close up our accommodation for our wonderful short term holiday guests- and advertise for a completely different type of guest that would be in line with how we could help with the pandemic crisis. As a result, we were lucky enough to get some fantastic key workers as well as a lovely couple who were unfortunately caught between homes. Easter was celebrated in our bubble and lots of skill swapping and interesting conversations happened.
Lockdown stir crazy kitchen photo- when the chips are down- play with the dog!
Then Hurrah! July 4th came and we could open our doors again to short term guests- albeit with Covid-safe routines and policies in place, and were absolutely slammed with back-to-back booking requests. It was an incredibly busy time for staycationers. Especially with the UK coastal resorts packed out - people seemed to want to come to the Cotswolds to find their own space and experience the Big Outdoors. Lots of Londoners, all wanting to escape their flats in the city came to visit and many came by train. Stroud is only 1 hour 23 mins from Paddington non stop- so very accessible. We positively welcome car free guests and have lots of tips to make the most of your visit without a car.
So business was booming until the second lockdown came- where our short term accommodation tailed off but we were happy to be welcoming the key workers again. As I write- the tiers have been announced for the 2nd December- Stroud are in Tier 2- so are able to open up for short term letting again :-) for guests coming from Tiers 1 and 2.
The Lock-downs have been incredibly productive at the Hidden House. The garden got a big makeover in the spring and now boasts new beds, some wonderful alfresco comfy seating from a local company and lots and lots of pots.
As ever, I'm always on the look out for quirky objet d'art to dress the interior of the house. A few trips to Shepton Mallet Flea Market were had - Bargain Hunt were even filming at one of them - heres the blue team:
As ever, we got carried away and bought even more items. The interiors of the house are even more lavish than the website photos and we are running out of wall space to hang stuff!
Lots and lots of cake baking had to be done too and we now have even more cakes to add to our repertoire (toffee, matcha, lemon drizzle- to name a few). Do check out the 'tea and cake welcome' page to see some naughty but nice cake images.
Berkeley - my beautiful Basset Hound is positively craving for guests to arrive though. He sits waiting patiently at the door for the slightest sign or noise of a new arrival. He's certainly getting the walks in and we are discovering lots and lots of great trails around glorious countryside and woodland - all on the doorstep of the house. Here he is, proudly presenting some of the new plant pots in the garden!
So very excited to be finally online and writing my first blog. Im hoping that with best efforts and even when busy- I will get the time to keep updating. As we emerge from lockdowns in 2021 we will be visiting and reporting on local events as well as keeping an ear to the ground about future news and visitor activity in and around Stroud.
We hope our past and future guests stay in touch with us and are keeping happy and healthy in these uncertain times. This IS temporary and I know that we all look foward to a wonderful 2021.
Love to all
Abi and Berkeley x
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