I'm just so excited and so proud of our achievement I just had to blog about it!!!!
www.dovershouse.co.uk
Last Wednesday, we had a Guest come to stay just for one night at our Looe Bed and Breakfast. She was lovely, very pleasant, and wanted 'no trouble at all' as she was on Business....
That 'Business' turned out to be AA business! We had an inkling it may have been an inspection - a few tell tale signs but nothing too stand out. It was good to see that she was impressed with our Rooms and our Bed and Breakfast in general. As it was our first we were all sat wondering if this was a mystery inspection.
At Breakfast, we were please to see that our Guest was very happy with her poached eggs and our continental array of breakfast items. And on check out it was announced that we had just had our first mystery over night inspection and that we had been awarded 4 Stars.
We are so pleased with the report and that we are on track with the service we are providing. Our report had some lovely comments and we were particularly impressed with the phrase 'Thoughtful and generous accessories provided, particularly the Victoria Sponge cake, "Wow" '.
Our new AA rating will hopefully encourage more Guests to come and visit Dovers House Bed and Breakfast in Looe.
Wednesday, 30 April 2014
Our Open Day at Dovers House Bed and Breakfast Looe
Saturday 26/04/14 was our first ever Open Day at Dovers House Bed and Breakfast Looe. www.dovershouse.co.uk
The purpose of the Open Day was to introduce ourselves to the Looe Community as the Proud New Owners of our Looe Bed and Breakfast and to showcase what we offer to our Guests and how we have changed the B and B in terms of decor and in the services we offer. It also gave us the opportunity to invite friends and family to come and have a look around too.
There were quite a few preparations that took place in the lead up to our Open Day - mainly getting it know that we were holding it! So I made up some flyers and literally went knocking on doors along St Martins Road to introduce myself. Dad and I also did a trawl of Looe town and Harbour, going into all the shops and cafes to let them know what we were about and to advertise the fact that we really want to be part of the Looe Community. Everyone in the town was so friendly; one lady even said 'If there's a B and B in Looe that can serve a decent cup of tea I'm there!'.
We also tried a bit of social media to advertise our event - twitter, facebook and a few emails here and there. And then of course we had to ensure there was plenty of cake to go around, and recruited some excellant helpers to give us a hand with all the washing up!!
The day came and we couldn't of asked for worse weather, which was such a shame as we were worred it may stop people from wanting to venture out.
However it didn't!! We had our first visitor just after 9am, a Councillor from Looe, and after a slow start after that, the house soon filled up and was bursting at the seems with families, couples and generally interested people.
We had visitors from local business, schools, Cornwall Council, and many more - and everyone seemed happy with the ample tea, coffee and cake!!
Everyone had the grand tour and had brilliant feedback to give us. We really couldn't of asked for much better.
I would just like to give a mention to everyone that came to our Open Day - Thank You for coming and taking a look at our Bed and Breakfast in Looe.
And Thank you to all those who helped us on the day too - your support was invaluable.
I hope everyone enjoyed themselves and would be happy to recommend our Looe B and B - Dovers House.
The purpose of the Open Day was to introduce ourselves to the Looe Community as the Proud New Owners of our Looe Bed and Breakfast and to showcase what we offer to our Guests and how we have changed the B and B in terms of decor and in the services we offer. It also gave us the opportunity to invite friends and family to come and have a look around too.
There were quite a few preparations that took place in the lead up to our Open Day - mainly getting it know that we were holding it! So I made up some flyers and literally went knocking on doors along St Martins Road to introduce myself. Dad and I also did a trawl of Looe town and Harbour, going into all the shops and cafes to let them know what we were about and to advertise the fact that we really want to be part of the Looe Community. Everyone in the town was so friendly; one lady even said 'If there's a B and B in Looe that can serve a decent cup of tea I'm there!'.
We also tried a bit of social media to advertise our event - twitter, facebook and a few emails here and there. And then of course we had to ensure there was plenty of cake to go around, and recruited some excellant helpers to give us a hand with all the washing up!!
The day came and we couldn't of asked for worse weather, which was such a shame as we were worred it may stop people from wanting to venture out.
However it didn't!! We had our first visitor just after 9am, a Councillor from Looe, and after a slow start after that, the house soon filled up and was bursting at the seems with families, couples and generally interested people.
We had visitors from local business, schools, Cornwall Council, and many more - and everyone seemed happy with the ample tea, coffee and cake!!
Everyone had the grand tour and had brilliant feedback to give us. We really couldn't of asked for much better.
I would just like to give a mention to everyone that came to our Open Day - Thank You for coming and taking a look at our Bed and Breakfast in Looe.
And Thank you to all those who helped us on the day too - your support was invaluable.
I hope everyone enjoyed themselves and would be happy to recommend our Looe B and B - Dovers House.
Monday, 7 April 2014
Dovers House Bed and Breakfast - Promoting Cornwall Video
I updated my Facebook on Friday with a couple of snaps of some filming that went ahead at our Bed and Breakfast, Dovers House, Looe, and promptly advised I would blog about what went on for those interested!
We had a call a few days ago from Cornwall Business forum to ask whether we would like to get involved in two videos. Cornwall business forum work with local businesses to help promote them and Cornwall overall.
The videos were:
1. To promote Looe, Cornwall and the tourism industry. This was largely because Looe has suffered with bad press lately with the flooding during the winter and the affects of the storms on its roads etc. A fellow B&B owner in Cornwall described the press coverage as displaying Cornwall as 'closed for business' which I felt described it perfectly.
We really wanted to get involved in promoting our beautiful area and what Looe really has to offer for its tourists.
2. The second video would be to promote us as Dovers House Bed and Breakfast Cornwall. The video was something we would be able to display on our website www.dovershouse.co.uk as well as use in Social Media such as our Facebook pages and Twitter pages.
They certainly picked a stunning day; Looe really looked at its best and our B&B was sparkling after the preparations we had made in the garden for the filiming our our new venture. We were really pleased to take out some of our garden furniture and really showcase our Bed and Breakfast with a difference; as B&B's in Looe often don't have to ample garden and parking space that we have here.
The filiming took place in all Guest areas of the house; all the rooms were filmed and we showcased what we had to offer. The breakfast room was aglow on such a sunny day which hopefully showed up well on Camera.
There was a short interview which was very nerve wracking. I was nominated as the interviewee while Dad watched and laughed from inside the house!
The questions really got me thinking about what a stunning area we live in and how ecclectic it really is.
We had a call a few days ago from Cornwall Business forum to ask whether we would like to get involved in two videos. Cornwall business forum work with local businesses to help promote them and Cornwall overall.
The videos were:
1. To promote Looe, Cornwall and the tourism industry. This was largely because Looe has suffered with bad press lately with the flooding during the winter and the affects of the storms on its roads etc. A fellow B&B owner in Cornwall described the press coverage as displaying Cornwall as 'closed for business' which I felt described it perfectly.
We really wanted to get involved in promoting our beautiful area and what Looe really has to offer for its tourists.
2. The second video would be to promote us as Dovers House Bed and Breakfast Cornwall. The video was something we would be able to display on our website www.dovershouse.co.uk as well as use in Social Media such as our Facebook pages and Twitter pages.
They certainly picked a stunning day; Looe really looked at its best and our B&B was sparkling after the preparations we had made in the garden for the filiming our our new venture. We were really pleased to take out some of our garden furniture and really showcase our Bed and Breakfast with a difference; as B&B's in Looe often don't have to ample garden and parking space that we have here.
The filiming took place in all Guest areas of the house; all the rooms were filmed and we showcased what we had to offer. The breakfast room was aglow on such a sunny day which hopefully showed up well on Camera.
There was a short interview which was very nerve wracking. I was nominated as the interviewee while Dad watched and laughed from inside the house!
The questions really got me thinking about what a stunning area we live in and how ecclectic it really is.
I had to think about what makes Looe Cornwall particularly special?
I didn't really know where to begin as there is just so much Looe has to offer - its diverse in so many ways: its food, entertainment and its accommodation. I concentrated on the activities that could be enjoyed such as the Beach, amusements, pubs, cafes, national trust properties, walks along the beautiful coastline. I could of gone on forever, as I really have fallen head over heels for Looe!!
I also had to talk a bit about Dovers House, our background, and what we have to offer as a Looe Bed and Breakfast.
Again, I didn't know where to start, but I spoke about how we are the proud new owners of our Looe B&B and that we have only been here a few short weeks but are extremely excited about the season ahead.
I had to think about what we offer our Guests, but unfortunately could not fit in everything I wanted to say about our breakfast menu, our rooms and our facilities; hopefully I said enough for people to want to visit us here though.
If I could of done the interview again, I think I would of tried to get across the totally relaxed feel we try and provide our Guests, highlight that we are just outside the hustle and bustle of Looe for those wanting a tranquil escape, and emphasise just how special we are with our parking facilities, access to public transport and our beautiful gardens. They do say a picture paints a thousand words though so hopefully the filming would of picked that up!!
So there was the run down of our exciting bit of Friday for those who were interested.
I just hope the hard work that Cornwall business forum is doing really hopes promote businesses and tourism in Looe Cornwall and intrigues people to visit us here at Dovers House Bed and Breakfast Looe.
Wednesday, 2 April 2014
Dovers House Open Day
www.dovershouse.co.uk
We have decided to have an open day for our local community and Neighbours.
Come along and meet the gang :)
Tuesday, 1 April 2014
Starting up a B&B
It's always been my dream to start up a Guest House near the sea; to meet all different sorts of people; do some home baking; and generally be the hostess with the mostess!
I am very lucky in that my dream is coming true...
Some background on me... I left school at 18 after completing my A Levels, and shortly married by husband of 5 years after that. I started off working in a Motor Garage as a sales assistant in Plymouth, and moved on to some Team Leading for the Local Authority and later into Brokerage.
I enjoyed the orgnansiational feel of being in an office and definately the commradery of my team mates, but I just always wanted to be my own boss, and do my own thing.
It was one of those strange evenings, where my husband and I were sat around chatting with my Parents; my Dad was unhappy in his work, and we just suddenly thought, 'why don't we just go for it'?!!
So we did!!
It has been an incredibly long journey. We had three houses to sell between us, which were on the market for over a year, and then suddenly the housing market picked up again and our houses toppled like domino's.
We had looked around at all sorts of Bed and Breakfasts in and around Looe, and fell in Love a couple of times. Unfortunately one was out of our price range; and then one of us stumbled accross a property just outside of Looe, a beatiful Country house. This was completely different to what we had been looking at; unlike Looe Harbour it had ample parking, garden space and just general space, which so many of Looe's properties just didn't have because of the area.
Unfortunately the sale fell through, it was a huge diaappoiintment to us, as it is hard for four people all to like somewhere so much. We also got told of the sale falling through the day my husband and I were moving, so it was understandably very stressful!
Our house sold and we moved in with Mum and Dad for a month. We were all feeling quite low, wondering if we were all going to be homeless with just four weeks until my parents completed on their sale. But we picked ourselves up and went looking again.
The previous house falling through had really done us a favour though. We realised what we really wanted and what was important to us: space for all of us, parking, no hassle of traffic and garden space as we all love the outdoors. The realisation of this taught us we didn't have to buy a property right on the harbour; so we came to look at Dovers House, just 1.7 miles outside of Looe.
As soon as we drove up to it we knew it was home; ample space, bright and airy and an excellant location to escape the hustle and bustle of Looe in the Summer.
We put an offer in, which was accepted and then we were at the mercy of the bank, solicitors and all the other people that needed to get involved. We were so close, yet felt so far, as in total it took nearly three months for the sale to go through, and we were living in a very cramped holiday let during the winter storms.
That all seems like a distant memory though!! We are now moved in; we started re-decorating two days after getting here to prepare for the Season. An oh how we all love it!!
Not only do we have our own space but we really couldn't of chosen a lovelier part of Cornwall. The people are all lovely and it is such a stunning area of natural beauty, with Coastal walks and beaches right on our doorstep.
Dad and I are running the business, and absolutely loving it. We have had some trial runs and some 'real' guests and they have all been a success. Its great putting out own stamp on the business and introducing our personal touches.
We are hoping for a good season, though there is still a lot of work ahead to get started on.
Will keep you posted on our progress :)
www.dovershouse.co.uk
I am very lucky in that my dream is coming true...
Some background on me... I left school at 18 after completing my A Levels, and shortly married by husband of 5 years after that. I started off working in a Motor Garage as a sales assistant in Plymouth, and moved on to some Team Leading for the Local Authority and later into Brokerage.
I enjoyed the orgnansiational feel of being in an office and definately the commradery of my team mates, but I just always wanted to be my own boss, and do my own thing.
It was one of those strange evenings, where my husband and I were sat around chatting with my Parents; my Dad was unhappy in his work, and we just suddenly thought, 'why don't we just go for it'?!!
So we did!!
It has been an incredibly long journey. We had three houses to sell between us, which were on the market for over a year, and then suddenly the housing market picked up again and our houses toppled like domino's.
We had looked around at all sorts of Bed and Breakfasts in and around Looe, and fell in Love a couple of times. Unfortunately one was out of our price range; and then one of us stumbled accross a property just outside of Looe, a beatiful Country house. This was completely different to what we had been looking at; unlike Looe Harbour it had ample parking, garden space and just general space, which so many of Looe's properties just didn't have because of the area.
Unfortunately the sale fell through, it was a huge diaappoiintment to us, as it is hard for four people all to like somewhere so much. We also got told of the sale falling through the day my husband and I were moving, so it was understandably very stressful!
Our house sold and we moved in with Mum and Dad for a month. We were all feeling quite low, wondering if we were all going to be homeless with just four weeks until my parents completed on their sale. But we picked ourselves up and went looking again.
The previous house falling through had really done us a favour though. We realised what we really wanted and what was important to us: space for all of us, parking, no hassle of traffic and garden space as we all love the outdoors. The realisation of this taught us we didn't have to buy a property right on the harbour; so we came to look at Dovers House, just 1.7 miles outside of Looe.
As soon as we drove up to it we knew it was home; ample space, bright and airy and an excellant location to escape the hustle and bustle of Looe in the Summer.
We put an offer in, which was accepted and then we were at the mercy of the bank, solicitors and all the other people that needed to get involved. We were so close, yet felt so far, as in total it took nearly three months for the sale to go through, and we were living in a very cramped holiday let during the winter storms.
That all seems like a distant memory though!! We are now moved in; we started re-decorating two days after getting here to prepare for the Season. An oh how we all love it!!
Not only do we have our own space but we really couldn't of chosen a lovelier part of Cornwall. The people are all lovely and it is such a stunning area of natural beauty, with Coastal walks and beaches right on our doorstep.
Dad and I are running the business, and absolutely loving it. We have had some trial runs and some 'real' guests and they have all been a success. Its great putting out own stamp on the business and introducing our personal touches.
We are hoping for a good season, though there is still a lot of work ahead to get started on.
Will keep you posted on our progress :)
www.dovershouse.co.uk
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