Opening for Business on the 17th May

Spring seems to be springing ...finally!

Following yesterday's PM announcement re the confirmation of the next step in the governments roadmap to recovery- It is with great excitement that we will be looking forward to welcoming short term guests for staycations back at the Hidden House from the 17th May. Its been a while since we have been able to do this and, although we have loved our key worker/ mid term guests coming to stay with us- we have missed our holidaying short term guests! Finally we are able to fling open the doors for the holidaying folk coming to the Cotswolds for some R and R.

Hidden House Garden Prepping

Lots of work has been done during the lockdown to get the garden prepared for guests and hope that - as per last summer- we can have just as magical a time in the garden as per last year- long hazy summer evenings - sitting under the pergola with a glass of prosecco or PG in hand. The blossom is blooming by the pond and lots of new plants have taken root- a perfect vista for al fresco breakfast or balmy early evening nibbles/ drinks before hitting one of the wonderful restaurants in Stroud- UKs best place to live for 2021- as quoted in the recent Sunday Times article. Heres a few pics of how the garden is looking at the moment:

The apple blossom tree- getting ready to provide apples for the Hidden House guest breakfast.

Plants coming into bloom - to provide a beautiful sanctuary for guests taking a sun bathe in the new lounger chairs- provided and made by a local company who reuse and recycle their materials.

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Visit to Miserden Nursery and Estate

As part of our preps to gain more site seeing inspiration for guests- Barkers and I ventured out of Stroud to visit this beautiful place - the Miserden Nursery and Estate- just a mere 15 mins drive from the house. It has a ridiculously large nursery from which to buy a huge array of plants and the gardens provide lots of inspiration for garden design and plant choices. We had a lovely chat about the house and estate with a groundsman whilst eating our al fresco bacon butty by their snack caravan - unfortunately, the house itself is not open to the public but there are hundreds of acres of woodland walks and a beautifully landscaped area with fountains and statues in the vicinity. If guests are bringing dogs- It'll be the first place I recommend. The estate also owns the beautiful quaint Miserden village with the Carpenters Arms as the local pub. Loads of outdoor seating there and a great place to have lunch and a pint after plant shopping.

Barkers looks like he's to the manor born at Miserden!

Love this flower in Miserden Garden, but not green fingered enough to know what type it is? Do enlighten us as may purchase for the Hidden House garden.

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Upcycling at the Hidden House

Another hobby indulged in whilst waiting to open up, was our love of upcycling, an ongoing process throughout the year. Basically, local car boots are visited, unloved or preloved furniture is bought and then waxed, sanded, fixed & upholstered for reuse (yes- we are big fans of the circular economy- of which Stroud is so proficient). We can talk with any guests interested in pursuing (or are aficionados and wish to share tips!) about the hobby andtop tips on present and future projects. Plus where to visit in the local area to purchase furniture. I cultivated this hobby after 10 years working with props in the Theatre (sometimes having very unusual shopping lists to achieve!) and even considered running a prop hire company at one point in time. We're never more at home than at a car boot (its the hunter/ gatherer thing) and are happiest when working on a project in the garage with jigsaw, dremel, mouse sander and power drill in hand. The satisfaction of fixing something consigned to the rubbish tip and making it beautiful again is a wonderful feeling.....

The latest project- for sale on Ebay and Etsy - a Victorian footstool with bun feet. Since publication- its been sold and shipped. Watch this space for the next endeavour coming soon.

Visit to B2Bs Malvern Flea Market- 40 minute drive from Stroud. An Aladdin's Cave of goodies (or a trip down memory lane).

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Rainy walk from Brimscombe to Chalford

Barkers and I ignored the rainfall and headed to the beautiful Golden Valley to do a Sunday walk along the towpath from Brimscombe to Chalford. Our destination- 'The Lavender Bakehouse' for a delicious brunch. We only 'window shopped' the meringues though- beautifully decorated and easily the size of your fist. If any guests have birthdays whilst visiting- I thoroughly recommend this place to get the cake ordered (we can do it on guests behalf as part of a party package, or pass on their deets).

We discovered some beautiful buildings on the way- this one of our favourites- the Chalford Roundhouse- Grade 2 listed and privately owned. There are several roundhouses along the stroudwater canal. This is just one of them. The spill weir in the garden is also Grade 2 listed.

...and we couldnt resist posting a picture of the delicious brunch. :-)

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So onwards and upwards for the next chapter at the Maverick Lodger- Summer 2021. Stay safe, stay well and we look forward to discussing your holiday needs at the Hidden House, Stroud. Do contact Abi at admin@themavericklodger.co.uk or subscribe via our website- we still have some availability for May but the dates are going fast. Contact us to book your staycation today and celebrate the next crucial step out of lockdown.