National treasure Joanna Lumley visits a bed and breakfast on the English Riviera in the last episode of her new three-part series “Joanna Lumley’s Home Sweet Home” on ITV this February.

After a lifetime of travels that have taken her across the globe, Joanna Lumley is making her most personal journey yet. Over three episodes, she’ll travel from the Yorkshire Dales to St Michael’s Mount, from the Highlands of Scotland to the cobbles of Coronation Street, retracing old steps, meeting inspiring people, and exploring the wonders of the country she calls home.

Filmed last October, before the latest lockdown, part of her journey took her from south Wales through Devon and on to Cornwall, and she stopped off in Dartmoor to meet a grove of Devon Druids as they performed a pagan ceremony.

As the UK is synonymous for its bed and breakfast accommodation, she decided to showcase this quintessential British tradition by staying in the best the country has to offer, which is based in Torquay.

The 25 Boutique B&B is adults only and located on the English Riviera, where she was lucky enough to experience some beautiful autumnal sunshine during her stay.  On check in, Joanna, who famously played “Patsy” in the long running comedy series “Absolutely Fabulous” met another Patsy – the owners’ resident Miniature Schnauzer.

The 25 was named “Best B&B in the World” two years in a row by travel website TripAdvisor in 2019 then again in July last year, based on excellent guest feedback.

After being shown to her sumptuous suite, Joanna enjoyed homemade Viennese whirls.  Guests are treated to home baked items in their rooms daily rather than the obligatory packet of biscuits in most corporate style hotels.  She is a vegetarian, so the following morning, she started the day with a goats’ cheese and mushroom croissant dish for breakfast aptly named “Absolutely Fabulous Mushrooms”.  She then took the opportunity to chat with owners Andy and Julian Banner-Price about their award-winning B&B.

Joanna commented of her visit “That was just fabulous!  I loved every bit of your gorgeous B&B, every room, every mouthful, every award…you are literally the best!”.

Andy said afterwards “Following a difficult year, it was lovely to meet Joanna and have her support for small accommodation businesses which are the backbone of UK hospitality. I’ve been a huge fan of Absolutely Fabulous for years and so to meet “Pasty” in real life was a dream come true. We’re pleased to be able to show off the English Riviera, particularly in a year where it looks like foreign holidays are off the cards again, it’s the ideal opportunity to attract new people to Devon.  We have so much to offer here.”

His husband Julian added “It was an amazing experience and I hope more people will consider staying in a B&B when planning their next staycation, which are likely to be more popular than ever this year.  The traditional seaside bed and breakfast has moved on vastly in the last two decades and now often offers more than hotels can at a fraction of the price, with the sort of personal service you’d get at a five-star hotel.”

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Neal and Jason purchased Highcliffe House in late 2016 and have worked tirelessly on creating a spectacular bed and breakfast. In just two years, Highcliffe House has won the North Devon Journal’s Business of the Year and Excellence in Customer Service award.  More recently Highcliffe House was voted the best B&B in Devon. Then, soon after, the best B&B in the South West, including Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset, Bristol and Bath!

What makes Highcliffe House such a special place to stay?

Highcliffe House is an AA 5-Star Gold Bed and Breakfast catering exclusively for adults. Situated 600ft above sea-level, it boasts the most breathtaking views. And, from the moment guests walk through the front door they can’t help but switch-off, wind down and relax.

Highcliffe House is beautifully decorated with furnishings of then and now… but the real magic lies in the customer service: utterly effortless, completely genuine, absolutely nothing is too much trouble.  From their attention to detail in every element of every room to the scrumptious breakfast experience, or helping you find the things you want to do whilst you’re there, Neal and Jason give 100% to making your stay the best B&B experience ever!

Jason says “It’s what we love to do, and we want our guests to love it too. We want them to have the best experience every time they visit”

Each of the tastefully and well-appointed bedrooms rewards guests with incredible sea views. But it’s the panoramic dining room that really steals the show and sets Highcliffe apart, the views of Exmoor’s rugged coast and rolling hills are simply sensational.

For many guests who return to Highcliffe House, breakfast has become an almost religious experience. Breakfast begins with a lavish buffet of fresh fruits, organic yoghurts, fruit juices and cereals. Guests can choose from a wide range of tasty hot breakfast dishes from traditional full English, eggs Benedict or avocado, to poached haddock and smoked salmon.

Neal loves to make his own blueberry and strawberry preserves, zingy marmalade, tangy lemon curd and a very delicious banana bread.  For anyone with particular dietary needs, the menu offers an extensive range of vegetarian, vegan, gluten and dairy-free alternatives.

What does winning the Best B&B in the South West mean to you?

“We’ve worked hard and invested significantly to continue and improve what our predecessors started many decades ago.  We’re continually lifting and enhancing every aspect of the business from the interior and exterior to its online and social presence.”

 “Winning this award has validated and rewarded our passion, hard work and investment. Overall it demonstrates our continual commitment to quality and exceptional customer service to our guests”

We think Neal and Jason thoroughly deserve to be rewarded with this accolade, for the effort they have put in to making Highcliffe House not just a b&b with sea views in Devon but the best b&b in the South West, a fantastic achievement in just two years!

A recipe for success: Highcliffe House offers exceptional bed and breakfast accommodation in a stunning setting and with Neal and Jason set to spoil you, it really is the most perfect place for a romantic break or weekend stay.

Why not enjoy a little bit of r&r on the beautiful North Devon Coast?

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The Coach House has been a labour of love for owners Sharon and Andrew Tinsley. Constructed from reclaimed materials in 2016, and to designs drawn up by award winning architect Des Ewing, The Coach House captures the style of an Irish coaching house around 1850. Coach houses in this part of the world would have been busy, used by traffic travelling up and down the main road, from Belfast to Dublin. The main road still exists and offers a quick route to the Irish capital, Dublin. Dublin is well worth a day trip to see the stunning Trinity College Dublin, home to the ancient Book of Kells, but it also places Dublin airport and seaport in easy reach of the Coach House.

Within 25 minutes, guests at the Coach House can be in the heart of Belfast City. The city centre is pleasantly bustling with great shopping, restaurants and bars, as well as the historic City Hall which houses a wonderful café, the Bobbin, with an interesting exhibition on the history of the city.  Belfast has emerged from troubled times and, while things have certainly changed, the spirit, humour and warmth of the Northern Irish people is as beguiling and welcoming as it ever was. Crossing the Lagan – the same river that runs by the Coach House itself – will take you to the Titanic Quarter. Home to the Titanic Experience, guests will be able to see for themselves why it was named the ‘World’s Leading Tourist Attraction’ at the World Travel Awards in 2016.

If you hanker after more strenuous activity, then the Mourne Mountains are a rich playground for outdoors activities, including hiking, mountain biking and fell running. The Mourne Mountains sweep down to the sea at Newcastle and provided inspiration for the Percy French song of the same name. Northern Ireland has a rich literary heritage with many famous writers, including Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett, spending part of their life in Ulster. Another such writer was CS Lewis, born in Belfast, who found inspiration for Narnia in the mountains of Mourne themselves.

The Coach House hosts, Andrew and Sharon, pay careful and close attention to their guests needs and understand that at the end of a long day’s exploring, guests want comfort and luxury to relax and unwind in. As well as creating two gorgeous rooms in the Coach House that guests have exclusive use of, they have also developed a spa area, with heated changing facilities for the ultimate spa experience. It’s easy to put one foot in front of the other as you take in the sights and sounds of Belfast, the Mourne Mountains or the great North Coast, when you know that you’ll be able to unwind in your own hot tub, deep in the Northern Irish countryside.

For more information on The Coach House please click here

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BB – The North Wing is part of the Combermere Abbey Estate. Can you tell us a little bit more about the history of the estate and how it came into your ownership?

The Abbey was built in 1133 on land gifted by Hugh de Malbanc of Nantwich and in 1536 was given, after the Dissolution of the Monasteries, to Sir George Cotton. The estate was 22,000 acres at that time.  It was reconfigured into a Tudor manor house and the North Wing as it is now known, was built and integrated into it at that time.  The Cotton family owned and lived at Combermere for almost 400 years and in 1820 Sir Stapleton Cotton, 1^st Viscount Combermere, again altered the house by enveloping it and creating a gothic mansion.  He was a very famous General, fighting many successful battles for the Duke of Wellington.  Three generations later, the family had lived too expensive a lifestyle and were essentially broke.  After a failed attempt to sell it in 1892, it was finally sold in 1919 to my great grandfather Sir Kenneth Crossley of Crossley Engineering in Manchester.  I am the third generation to live here, inheriting it from my mother in 1992. I now live here with my husband Peter and 21 year old son Peregrine (away at university ) and our two dogs Zanzie and Zola.  It was not in great shape when I took on the challenge, and required a major restoration project of the seven listed buildings which is almost complete after 26 years!

BB – Has the North Wing always been a B&B or did it have a previous life before the recent restoration project?

No, the North Wing formed part of the main house where the Cotton family lived and entertained. When our family bought the estate almost a hundred years ago, my great grandfather and great granny lived in one half and my grandfather and grandmother in the other half.  At that point, it had two additional wings on the house which were demolished in 1974.  My mother and siblings spent a lot of their childhood there on holidays.  It became unused after my mother inherited and slowly disintegrated.  It took 13 years to gain funding and planning to restore it, and the restoration itself took two and a half years as it was such a complicated structure.  It was given a separate dwelling status and so we now actually live in a semi-detached!!  I decided to turn it into a very special bed and breakfast as well as the bridal suite for our wedding business.

BB – You employed the services of renowned interior designer Nina Campbell for the restoration of the North Wing. How was it working with such an acclaimed designer?

I have known Nina for many years and worked with her previously when I restored and converted the Stables into holiday cottages in 1993. I hugely admire her taste, and I knew she would respect the architectural heritage of the building but bring a contemporary colour and design palette to the project.  We had such fun and worked very well together.  She has amazing energy and style.  I love her to bits.

BB – What can guests expect from a stay at The North Wing?

They can expect to be spoilt and made to feel very special. It will not matter the reason for their visit – an anniversary, special occasion, business visitor or holiday maker.  My philosophy is to look after the guest as I would the beautiful space they are coming to stay in.  And we have a brilliant team to do that.  Stephan the house manager has many years’ experience in looking after people as does Sue, his deputy.  A guest is made to feel very welcome, the estate and its walks are explained and dinner reservations and special requests are sorted.  They get privacy in luxury surroundings, and really can feel like the Lord and Lady of the Manor while they are with us.

BB – Combermere Abbey Estate is also a licensed wedding venue. Can you tell us what makes a wedding at Combermere Abbey so special?

Your wedding day is the one of the most important days of your life and a deeply romantic and emotional experience. Combermere is steeped in history and romance, and you are surrounded by warmth and support to make sure it exceeds your expectations.   The exclusive use of the restored Walled Gardens (all six acres of it!), as well as the possibility of having 50 members of your wedding party on site in our award winning holiday cottages, gives the couples a sense of complete privacy.  The impact of the arrival onto the estate with its rolling parkland and ancient trees  frames a very unique place.  Attention to detail, fabulous caring staff and all the additional things we offer such as our 1927 Crossley Car, a private Gothic lodge to prepare for the wedding and the North Wing for the bridal night, all add up to something very, very unique.

BB – Have you always been in hospitality?

No, but I have always worked, and loved working with people. My background is in Marketing and PR in both the design and fashion industries in London and New York.   I worked for Laura Ashley in the States where I lived for 15 years and took on the PR for Ashley Inns as well.  Having people rather than horses in the Stables conversion suited me and my personality better!!   I am thrilled when I hear how much people love staying with us, as I so enjoy sharing what I am privileged to be responsible for with others.

BB – Can you sum up a stay at The North Wing in 3 words?

Luxurious, spoiling and repeatable!!

For more information on Combermere Abbey please click here

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Pentillie Castle

Located in the stunning Tamar Valley on the banks of the River Tamar, Pentillie Castle is a wonderful place for a family half term break. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and with plenty of nearby attractions as well as some of the best coastline in the country, you can take your pick as to how you spend your time. Pentillie also does amazing cream teas where you can indulge in a spot of banter over the age-old argument of whether it’s jam or cream first! Pentillie also welcomes dogs so your 4-legged friend can join in the fun, and with a plethora of offers to choose from at present, Pentillie Castle really makes for the perfect October half term break.

West Heath Barn

Located just outside the pretty Norfolk village of Great Massingham, West Heath Barn is a fabulous place to spend your October half term break. On your doorstep you will find plenty of footpaths and bridleways to explore including Peddars Way, a 46 mile-long ancient footpath which is really popular with walkers, cyclists and birdwatchers. You can also make friends with West Heath Barn’s resident alpacas in the paddock. If you fancy exploring further afield, then country estates such as Sandringham, Holkham, Houghton and Oxburgh Hall are all nearby. The fabulous Norfolk coast is just a 25 minute drive away, offering over 60 miles of beaches and unique salt marshes, perfect for the kids to just be kids. And if mum and dad find they need some retail therapy, Burnham Market and Holt offer a chic shopping environment, whilst the fabulous cities of Norwich and Cambridge are less than an hour’s drive away.

Number One South Beach

If you fancy venturing up North and visiting the iconic seaside town of Blackpool, Number One South Beach is a fantastic choice for your October half term break. Blackpool’s many attractions are within walking distance and some of the world’s leading golf curses can be found along this part of the Lancashire coast. If you fancy staying in Blackpool’s South Shore, you can also book a stay at Number One St Luke’s, part of the Number One family. Located just a four-minute walk to the Promenade and Blackpool Pleasure Beach, and a short tram ride to Sandcastle Waterpark and Blackpool’s iconic Tower, this pint-sized Blackpool bolt-hole is sleek, stylish and effortlessly slick.

Two Bare Feet

If it’s self-catering accommodation you’re seeking, then look no further than Two Bare Feet. Along with its quirky name (which was once the name of a coffee shop located in the courtyard in the 1960’s), Two Bare Feet provides loft-style living in the heart of Winchester. Offering peace and quiet whilst being only a short stroll from the bustle of the centre of Winchester, this is a totally unique house which is available to book either as individual rooms or in its entirety. Sleeping up to 9 people, Two Bare Feet makes the ideal base if you are looking to spend your October half term break with the wider family or friends.

No.20

If you are planning a trip to Scotland for your October half term break, then look no further than No.20. Located just one mile from the centre of Helensburgh and just a five-minute drive from the shores of Loch Lomond and the stunning wilderness that is the Trossachs National Park, a stay at No.20 will enable all the family to enjoy the wild beauty of Scotland. And whilst you’re unlikely to tire of exploring the natural beauty on your doorstep, if you’re drawn towards the bright lights of the city, Glasgow is only 40 minutes away!

Why not take a peek at our other child friendly properties; we have plenty to tempt you with this October half term!

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BB – Can you tell us a little about the history of Cley Windmill

Early images of Cley Windmill

Cley windmill wаs built іn the early 19th century. We’re not quite sure when exactly, but it was first mentioned in the Norfolk Chronicle in 1819 when it was up fоr sale described аs “newly erected”.  It was owned by the Farthing family and then the Burroughes family, all of whom ran it as a working mill.  In 1921 it was sold to a Mrs Wilson and her sister, who was a nun – Sister Rachel – lived in the mill.  Here she is rowing on the River Glaven which fronts the mill.

Sister Rachel Helen Wilson

One of the rooms, The Millers Room, has the remains of a little shrine where Sister Rachel used to pray.

During this time, the mill was converted to a holiday home and the machinery removed, wіth the gear wheels being cut іn half аnd used аs decoration within the mill.

The decorative gear feature at Cley Windmill

The mill wаs inherited by Lt Col Hubert Blount іn 1934, and in 1953, the mill wаs flooded tо а depth оf аt least 8ft during the Great Floods. When Lt Col Blount died in 1979, the mill was inherited by Colonel Charles Blount and under his ownership it was turned into a guesthouse with additional self catering units in some of the outhouses. His son, the singer, James Blunt, spent lots of time at the mill!

Іn 2006 the windmill wаs temporarily owned by Charles Blount’s cousin, John Woodhouse, before we took it on later that year. Since then, there’s been an extensive programme of renovation. The sails and fanstage and balcony have all been replaced and we’ve opened up the Wheel Room and Bathroom at the very top of the windmill.  The views are amazing up there and the room is accessed via a steep ladder.  You have to sign a waiver if you want to stay in this room, and needless to say it’s the most popular room of all.  If you want to have this room you usually need to book a long time in advance!!

One of the bedrooms at Cley Windmill

We’ve also renovated all of the rooms and the gardens, as well as converting the Old Cart Shed into a beautiful new suite complete with stunning oak four poster bed.

BB – You have owned the mill since 2006. What drew you to this particular property?

Cley Windmill today

Well, it was a windmill!!!  Julian’s parents used to own the windmill up the road, Weybourne Windmill, and he was gutted when they sold it.  He loves windmills!  So when Cley Windmill came onto the market he moved heaven and earth to make it possible.  I was a little less keen at first – after all, a windmill is quite a responsibility – but 12 years down the line I don’t regret a minute of it.  It’s a wonderful old building and it deserves the very best in terms of love and care.  We’re both hugely proud of it and see ourselves as just the current custodians of this grand old lady of the sea.  Julian is a doctor and I’m a retired headmistress, but we have really enjoyed getting stuck in as hospitality owners.  It’s completely different! We’ve got 4 children and they’ve all played their part in looking after the place too – each of them has worked here in various capacities – front of house, housekeeping, marketing, reception – you name it, they’ve done it!  They love it too.

BB – Tell what makes a stay at Cley Windmill so special

There’s nothing else quite like it!  From the moment you drive up and say’ wow!’ it’s just really special.  The staff are welcoming, warm and friendly, the rooms are so comfortable with lovely fabrics, gorgeous beds and every home comfort, the views are stunning, the visit up to the gallery is an unforgettable experience (and if you are staying in the Stone Room you get your own private bit of balcony), the sight of the boats navigating their way up and down the river at the bottom of the garden is just gorgeous, the food is scrummy, but most of all, it’s just a great place to relax and unwind.  Our guests come back again and again – they often like to try out different rooms.  Lots of people choose to get married here (we have a wedding licence and we have around 72 weddings a year) – and then they come back to celebrate their wedding anniversaries.  It’s quite a romantic place as you can imagine, so we also get lots of proposals up on the balcony.

Delicious food can be enjoyed at Cley Windmill

Houseparties are really popular too.  People love to take the place over (we sleep up to 24) and have lots of fun using the mill as their own but escaping all the hard work, thanks to the brilliant staff who keep everywhere looking lovely and provide the delicious breakfasts and dinners.  We do lots of big birthdays and cakes are another speciality.  We’re also a popular venue for wine tasting evenings and murder mysteries!

BB – Tell us about the local area and the various things for guests to see and do.

There’s loads to do.  I’m not sure where to start.  But suffice to say that we have an abundance of National Trust properties, stately homes, fantastic beaches, sailing, cycling, walking, trips out to see the seals on Blakeney Point, many lovely coastal villages to visit, the lovely Georgian market town of Holt – the list goes on and on.

BB – You are licensed to hold civil ceremonies. What makes a wedding at Cley Windmill unique

A couple enjoying their special day at Cley Windmill

Well, for a start it’s pretty different to be able to say you got married in a windmill!  It’s quirky and memorable, small, romantic and lovely.  The guests find it very special too as they are so involved in the ceremony given the nature of the room – we have the ceremony in the round beamed sitting room.  Or in the summer, lots of couples opt to get married outside on the front lawn in front of the swaying reeds with the sea in the distance.  And the photos …….. wow!  They really are something special and so different from the norm.  Lots of our couples have windmill themed cakes and table decorations.  Some like to give their guests windmill towels, or chocolates, you name it….. we provide it!  It’s such a lovely setting and always so inviting.  The other thing which makes it really special is the fact that lots of couples take over the whole place for one or two nights.  It’s wonderful to see the whole event through from beginning to end.  They’re completely self-contained here!

BB – What do you enjoy most about running a B&B

Cosy soft furnishings make for a welcoming stay at Cley Windmill

Well, I can’t take the credit for the great success that Cley Windmill has become.  I have a brilliant team here, led by Rebecca and Sarah our managers and we’re one big family.  I think that’s really important – the feeling of pulling together with a shared aim – that being the happiness and satisfaction of everyone who comes to stay here, or to dine here.  I get a real kick out of seeing the windmill looking ever more beautiful (it’s a difficult building to maintain and hugely expensive but it’s worth it).  We put every penny of profit back into the maintenance of the building as it’s such a special place.  I love the fact that lots of people can enjoy it – whether to come and stay here, or get married here, or simply come for dinner.  It’s lovely to be able to share it with others.

BB – Can you sum up a stay at Cley Windmilll in three words.

Unique, memorable, special.

To find out more about Cley Windmill please click here

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Highcliffe House, Lynton, North Devon

Occupying a lofty, cliff-top position above the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth, Highcliffe House is an adults only boutique B&B boasting jaw-dropping view across Lynmouth Bay. Located within the Exmoor National Park, this 5 star boutique B&B is surrounded by rugged countryside and a short hop from some of North Devon’s most magnificent beaches. Highcliffe House is the perfect place for a romantic adults only break, with owners Neal and Jason doing their utmost to make your stay memorable for all the right reasons. The B&B is licensed, so you can enjoy drinks in the lounge or your room as you soak up the scenery. You can also pre-order bottles of wine or champagne ready for your arrival.

Blackrock House, Portrush, Northern Ireland

If you fancy escaping further afield for your adults only break, then Blackrock House in Portrush, Northern Ireland could be just the ticket. As Portrush’s first five-star bed and breakfast, it offers boutique B&B accommodation that fuses modern style with authentic coastal living. Perfectly situated on the Causeway Coastal Route, it is just minutes from the West Bay blue flag beach for stand up paddle boarding, surfing and sea fishing. Blackrock is also just over 1 mile to the Royal Portrush Golf Club, host to The Open championships coming up in 2019. UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle and Old Bushmills Whiskey Distillery – the worlds oldest licensed whiskey distillery are all nearby making this the perfect destination for an adults only break.

The Elm Tree, Spilsby, Lincolnshire

Set in the picturesque Lincolnshire Wolds, The Elm Tree is a luxury B&B providing high quality style combined with country charm and a contemporary twist. Owners Jonathon and Christopher deliver nothing less than a 5* experience for their guests making this a top pick for your adults only break. From the stylish accommodation and luxurious finishing touches, to the locally sourced food including homemade tea and cake on arrival, you will be provided with a first class experience from the moment you walk through the door transporting you back to the age of sophistication and luxury with a delicious touch of decadence!

The 25, Torquay, Devon

The 25 is a multiple award winning, adults only boutique B&B based in the beautiful South Devon coastal town of Torquay. Experienced hoteliers Andy and Julian Banner-Price have used their combined vision and flair to transform an elegant, Edwardian seaside villa into a funky boutique retreat with bags of fun, eclectic touches. If you are lucky enough to experience their winning formula, you can expect cutting edge design fused with the latest in technology, along with excellent attention to detail and great service. A winning combination for a top adults only break.

Wherever you choose for your adults only break, you will be assured of a memorable stay, so much so that you won’t want to go home!

Happy holidays!

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Create a statement – You want to think ‘wow’ as soon as you walk into your bedroom and what better way than with a show-stopping bed. Favourites include the timelessly romantic four poster, which, whether you go for a full-on carved number or a more minimalist design, always says glamour. A popular alternative is a tall statement headboard, which adds a sense of height and elegance to a boutique bedroom and more than a touch of grandeur!

Dress the bed –  Sumptuous bed linen is a must for the boutique bedroom, so invest in soft sheets and plump pillows to create a haven for luxurious lounging. Add colour and texture by incorporating accessories such as cushions and bed runners, which can be easily changed should you fancy a change. The use of rich fabrics including velvets and silks will serve to reinforce the feeling of luxury and glamour.

Add a feature wall or be bold with artwork – Perfect for framing the statement bed, a stand-out feature wall can totally alter the look of your room, turning it from ordinary into totally fabulous. Ensure you balance this with neutrals however, so as to keep the look chic. If you are worried a feature wall may be too permanent, invest in some artwork and simultaneously transform the space and feel of the room.

Style the bedside table – To create a welcoming environment and sense of well-being to your boutique bedroom, dress your bedside table with a striking floral display. A stylish bedside lamp is also an absolute must!

Soften the lighting – Try softening the mood through the use of table lamps and dimmer switches instead of having a fixed overhead light which can be harsh. The result will be a calm and sophisticated atmosphere in your boutique bedroom, perfect for when you are looking to just ‘chill out’.

Add a bath – If you have the space, then why not stretch to having a free standing bath in your room which will convey the ultimate in luxury. Add mood lighting and scented candles to complete the ambience, luxury toiletries and large fluffy bathrobes and you will be well on the way to experiencing the most decadent of boutique bedroom experiences.

Don’t forget finishing touches – To add sophisticated glamour introduce luxurious textures. Finishing touches such as leather hangers or alabaster bathroom accessories, all serve to complete that super luxurious boutique bedroom feel.

And finally…….Play around with styles – Whilst it is often wise to style a room in keeping with the property’s architecture, done well, you can blend period features with contemporary minimalism surprising yourself with a totally unique look.

Happy Decorating!

Boutique and Breakfast

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BB: The 25 has been on the receiving end of multiple awards. What is your winning formula that makes The 25 so special?

There’s no one thing, I think it’s a combination of lots of things. Initially you have to have the basics right – spotlessly clean, super comfy beds and a great breakfast offering.

Then the hospitality bit needs to be excellent so everything from your website to email replies, your welcome, right through to their check out needs to be friendly and attentive, but not overbearing.

Only once you’ve got these right can you differentiate yourselves from the competition and make your place special.  That might be in a whole host of ways.  For us its the little touches and thoughtful extras – guests often comment that we’ve thought of absolutely everything.  Then there’s our homemade products like the baked treats for the guests to come home to each day, the yogurts, granola, chocolate brownies on arrival and so on.

When you take the product as a whole, The 25 is often like no other place many guests have ever stayed, and they’ll benchmark all future places they stay against us.

BB: You previously ran a successful Country House in Wales. What prompted the move to Torquay?

We were just outside Caernarfon for nearly eight years.  It was a beautiful spot with the Snowdonia mountains on the one side and the Menai Straits on the other.  However, it was a larger operation with more rooms, a restaurant, 15 acres, self-catering cottages and we did weddings and events too.  With only a very small team, it meant we worked late every night in the restaurant / kitchen and rarely took time off.  We wanted to move to somewhere smaller and stop offering evening meals so we could have our lives back again.

Torquay was purely chance and we could have ended up anywhere.  We were looking countrywide.  It needed to feel right from the moment we walked in, have the ability to create five or six great sized bedrooms and bathrooms, and be in a tourist area.  It also needed to be within walking distance of great restaurants.  Torquay fitted the bill and we love it here.  We can walk everywhere and it’s a stunning place to live, particularly in the sunshine, which being on the English Riviera, we get our fair share of.

BB: Torquay has experienced a bit of a reinvention recently. Tell us about the area and what guests can look forward to when they stay?

Torquay reached a fork in the road, like many established seaside destinations where it was once very posh and the place to go in the early twentieth century, but slowly as foreign holidays took over, decline set in.

Luckily Torquay decided not to go down the route of bargain holidays, the bucket and spade brigade and the stag do market and instead decided to reinvent itself as an upscale modern resort.  There has been a lot of investment over the years and there’s still plenty of projects on the go and forthcoming.

Torquay has a lovely marina with million pound yachts, all kinds of excellent restaurants from local fish restaurants (Brixham harbour is close by) to Michelin starred, trendy bistros to intimate family run places.

It’s also got a vibrant night life with trendy cocktail bars, plenty of places offering live music, nightclubs, a quaint pub over 400 years old and a theatre.

We love Torquay with its temperate climate and palm trees (hence it’s known as the English Riviera).  Many of the bars and restaurants have outdoor seating and it’s lovely on a sunny day to be able to enjoy the sun, overlooking the sea, enjoying a G&T only a ten minute walk from our door.

BB: How do you and Julian define your roles as it has not gone unnoticed that you enjoy a spot of baking!

We kind of fell into the roles we have naturally.  I tend to cover more of the admin and accounts side of the business which means I’m in the reception office more, and so probably do more of the meeting and greeting of guests.  I also do the bulk of the bedroom cleaning.

Julian’s main task is cooking breakfast, but he also has the vital task of supplies.  He makes sure there’s food in the cupboard, makes all the orders, does all the shopping, runs all the errands, and looks after all the maintenance too.  He’s also the techie one so he’s the one who makes sure the wifi, TVs, voice activated features, mood lighting etc all work.

I do a fair bit of baking (at our last hotel we had a restaurant and I used to chef in the evenings and cater for the weddings so I get off quite lightly now).  I make the daily treats for the bedrooms, along with my now famous chocolate brownies which our lucky guests can enjoy with their complimentary welcome drink on arrival.

BB: What is the best thing about running a B&B?

It’s hard to pick one individual thing as there’s so many great things.  We get to live in a big house by the sea and have a great life taking time off when we want.

One massive advantage compared to my last job in customer services is that we can just make decisions straight away.  If we come up with an idea for an improvement, we discuss it, make a decision and implement it.  We don’t have to wait for the next management meeting to discuss it, put a proposal together, then get budget approval.  I also don’t miss all those staff appraisals I had to do.

We meet so many interesting people from all over the world and instead of only speaking to unhappy people in my role prior to hospitality, I now only speak to happy people.  It’s great to know you’re helping make happy memories.

BB: You’ve launched your own training programme for aspiring Boutique B&B owners. What would your single most important piece of advice be?

It’s impossible to pick just one piece of advice – my course is jam packed with advice over the two days.  I suppose my general advice would be to do your research – and attend my course!

So many people go into the industry without doing their research.  They buy the wrong property or in the wrong location, or don’t know the best way to ensure they can get finance.  Many don’t realise how much work is involved or think about how they will run the business day to day.  In today’s review led society, it’s no longer good enough to learn as you go along, you need to hit the ground running.

BB: Last but not least, how would you sum up a stay at The 25 in three words?

Luxury, unique, memorable.

To find out more about The 25 click here

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The property is for exclusive use, which offers guests the chance to fully unwind and relax. Welcoming babies, it means that parents can spread out and make themselves at home and the location of the Earsdon Annexe provides a great bolthole within easy reach of several major UK cities – perfect for a weekend away or a mid-week break.

Worstead itself offers plenty to do, but there’s a special focus on the end of July when the two-day Worstead festival takes place. The festival is a fabulous way to join the community and enjoy a family day out, with live bands, craft stalls and cookery demonstrations. It’s well worth tying in your visit with the Worstead Festival!

For guests wanting to explore the region, driving is always a possibility, but the local train station means that guests can travel easily to the county city of Norwich as well as the world-famous Cromer on the coast.

If you want to stay close to home, the nearest town is North Walsham. An attractive market town, the centre piece of the town is the flint church that dates from 1858. With a newly repaired tower of St Nicholas parish church at the top of Market Place, you can navigate your way around town without losing sight of the centre. North Walsham is especially buzzing on a Thursday, when its weekly market takes place. In addition to the number of independently run local shops and cafés, the town is a most pleasant place to spend time.

The Norfolk Broads are famous the world over – and it’s really no surprise. The Broads are a superb combination of open water, woodland, fen and marsh that is particular to this region of the UK. As a National Park, the Broads are full of outdoor activities and things to do, whether you want to stick to the land or take to the water. For those of you who want to get nautical, boats of every description can be hired less than 5 minutes from the Hotel Wroxham. Boating offers a different perspective on the surrounding area and provides a lean, green way to explore the waterways and discover the varied birdlife and wildfowl.

With over 300km of footpaths and several bike-hire centres throughout the Broads, there’s no end to the different combinations of walking, cycling and running that you can enjoy in and around the Broads.

Keen anglers – or beginners – can put their hand to both salt and fresh water fishing and, if you prefer to be in the water rather than fishing or boating, Norfolk has 93 miles of coastline, full of clean, safe, family friendly beaches.

For more information on The Earsdon Annexe click here

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