How have you all been? Has your summer been good?
We’ve had a crazy busy time here in Redwood. In May, and even into June, I was convinced that we would have a very quiet bed and breakfast season. BUT suddenly it all kicked off, bookings came rushing in. And while it was all a bit manic for a time, we are extremely grateful to all who came and stayed.
It was fun to meet so many wonderful people.
Our guests came from all corners of the world. This year we had our first guests from Norway, Romania and Finland. We love hearing about the home lives of folks, and why they make the decision to come to Ireland.
Earlier in the year we had been contemplating renovating an old farmhand cottage, but in the end decided that that there was too much red tape and expenditure. Instead we’ve converted what used to be my ‘study’ and is now what we refer to as the Library Room. This has been the most popular room of this season. It also means that we can now accommodate six people at once.
The Library Room
We’ve had some ‘hairy’ and some funny moments over the past few months.
- Lots of guests had to be roped into sheepherding duties. We’ve the two greatest escape artists ever this year, no matter which field we put them in they find a way out. We do our best to provide an ‘authentic’ experience!
- There were the guests who requested an early book in… then never showed up at all ….. not a happy camper that day.
- Then guests who arrived with their cocker spaniel … without warning us! Thankfully, I was outside on their arrival and was able to (almost) roar at them to put dog on lead before he spotted the hens!
- The guests who did so much shopping on their trip, they needed an extra suitcase… we were able to donate a suitcase to the cause! Did you know charity shops won’t take suitcases???
- Lots of guests have given us unexpected gifts…. homegrown chillies from their garden in Canada, a beautiful plate from Cincinnati, wine, maple syrup… I reckon they know us well even before they arrive!
- I got quite a few opportunities to practice my French.
- We had our first ‘kosher’ guests… we like challenges.
- We had many boys and girls who were willing to throw sticks endlessly and tire Ross out… can they come back soon, please, he needs more running about??
- We had the guest who asked if there were sheets on the bed???
- And the one who brought his own toilet paper???
As the season slows down, we still have bookings between now and Christmas, and even have had a booking for next year (from a guest that stayed this year)!
Fingers and toes crossed for a good 2020.
Maybe you might decide to come stay in 2020?
A Year In Redwood 