Evening!
Now dark and getting colder as we got deeper and deeper into the countryside of the Mendip Hills I was certainly ready to relax a little after being stuck in the driving seat for the last four-hours. The property itself was slightly difficult to find, especially in the blackness of the now early winters eve, but once found was easily located throughout our stay. On arrival we pulled over and called our host who promptly came running down the dirt track just as we pulled in. As lovely as ever, she told us to follow her young son down on the bicycle to where we would call home for the next few days. Trundling the country lanes to The Cabin, the owners had already lit the real log burning fire so on entering the humble abode it was toasty warm in comparison to the wet and windy chill that threatened our trip.
The Cabin itself compromised of a simple hallway and corridor with doors leading to the other rooms. A small "Snug" with a small sofa bed, poof / beanbag and a wall map was classed as the second bedroom and next door a large double bedroom with full length mirrored wardrobes and plenty of space for a cot or a chair at one end. Across the way from the "Snug" was the bathroom, equipped with a large shower and plenty of storage options as well as the normal bathroom items. Other end of the hallway was the kitchen come diner come lounge area where the stove was burning away nicely and the kettle was on. Everything was cosy and well equipped especially the kitchen. There was milk waiting in the fridge for us on arrival which was especially appreciated since we had forgotten this on our travels down. Although the sofa and arm chair were a tad on the small side and slightly dated we could not begrudge the owners just on this. Within moments of leaving I had suggested to Mr. Warehouse that had a hot tub been present the owners could well have charged double the £180-odd it was to stay there and would maybe have a few more bookings. It would certainly be an additional benefit and luxury I would have been delighted with.
Settling in Mr. Warehouse and I unpacked the car and made our way to bed after long days at work and a tiresome drive of a Wednesday evening. Waking on the following morning though was a certainly a lovely experience. With the aches and pains setting in from my personal training session the day before I was glad that I awoke to hearing Mr. Warehouse and Pup playing chase outside in the paddock. Listening to them run up the wooden steps to the front door I awaited the thud of paws and feet into the bedroom for my favourite people to bundle me on our new bed.
On finishing breakfast we bid farewell to our pooch as we headed out for our spa day in Bath. Now this is probably one of the most pricey things I have bought or paid for in a while and for £150.00 I really did hope that our afternoon at the UK's only Thermal spa - Thermae Spa Bath. What did I get for that sort of money you ask? Well firstly it was a half early Christmas present and half anniversary present for myself and also Mr. Warehouse too so the seventy-five quid price tag per person didn't seem too harsh on the wallet, not when you consider the four-floors of relaxation and renew including a sauna, two steam rooms, solarium, ice chamber, rain showers, Minerva pool, jacuzzi's, whirlpools and the pièce de résistance A roof top heated and lit pool overlooking the city and cathedral. Beautiful as that was I was also looking forward to the Thermae Treat spa package including a Reviver Back Massage, a Facial and a Head massage, To be fair, for the price that I paid (well for the price that I put on my credit card ... ) I think it was worth it. I loved the smell of the place and I can still catch a scent in my makeup brushes even this morning. Would I go again?! Definitely! However I would of course liked to have made it a full day of relaxing and more treatments to spread throughout the day, broken up with trips to the sauna and dips in the pools.
A walk through the Christmas Markets made me more happier at the content than that of York's disappointment last year. There was so much more, stalls and huts everywhere and down every nook or cranny there was even more. And after a relaxing Friday at The Cabin taking the pooch for a long woodland walk and cuddling up on the sofa for a session of crap telly and food bought from a local butchers in the town of Wells, Mr. Warehouse and I had returned to the Christmas Markets of Bath City Center in order to spend out our last full day in style. Mulled Wine, Warmed Cider, samples aplenty and tasty things everywhere I was certainly super impressed with the amount of produce and products on offer from the huts and stalls. So much more than any other UK based Christmas Market I had visited before, be it York, Birmingham, London or more local. As the (fake) snow fell from the night sky I was certainly disappointed to be leaving as despite ticking the Roman Baths off the tourist hot-spots list, there was still a fair amount of things I wanted to see and do including the Pulteney Bridge in the daytime (walked along it at night, although Mr. Warehouse was tired and becoming increasingly hangry by the moment). Taking long walks with my Beau and Puppy in the Jane Austen inspiring Prior Parks and gardens, Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole (although mainly for the cheese I must admit). All of this and more including trips to nearby Bristol, Weston-Super-Mare and other towns and villages in turn means Mr. Warehouse and I will just have to return. I suppose we best check out how that Thermae Spa is doing as well, you know, just to check. But I cant get holiday blues just yet since in less than seventy-two hours I will be in the wonderful winter wonderland of Prague. Here's hoping its not too chilly ...
'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx
Showing posts with label York. Show all posts
Showing posts with label York. Show all posts
Monday, 27 November 2017
Monday, 21 November 2016
Adventures Ooop Nooorth!
How Do!
Five and a half hours on the road I was certainly ready to arrive. Winding through the curly lanes, I imagined what was beyond the black darkness of the Winter's evening. Beautiful Yorkshire countryside, fields for as far as the eyes can see and outstretched roads littered with cosy cottages. Speaking of which, here was ours now!
Pulling into the Farmhouse and row of stable converted cottages we had finally arrived. Parking little Vivienne outside in the gravelled courtyard we walked up to the large double wooden door, complete with slate tiled roof and original brickwork exposed exterior. Opening the front door we were bowled over as was the housekeeper that came to greet us by our beloved pooch who, it would have appeared was expressing just how much she was loving not speeding along the A1(M) by rolling around on the plush carpets and various shag-pile rugs comforting the floors. A snug layout, roomy enough for two and some furry friends comfortable the bedroom came first after the small porch where coat hangers and cubby holes exist for Winter accessories and cooler outer wears. Warmed thoroughly with the twinkling fairy-lights adorning the bed it was a romantic home from home with a window over looking the main road which with traffic a constant feature was certainly not so romantic I can assure you. The bed was soft and had lashings of soft furnishings not to mention the very fluffy authentic Sheepskin rug by the bedside.
Lounge came next and as the two front windows looked out across the courtyard, the decor again carrying through the homely, kitsch country feel for the place incorporating the TV units, sofa and chairs as well as the many cushions, carefully chosen ornaments and candles. But the fireplace was the centrepiece of the room and it was a sight to behold. With a mantelpiece to die for and logs ready for our lighting we were more than ready to get that baby burning, maybe indulging in a little cuddle 'ont' shag-pile rug with our pooch as the flames blazed behind us. Through a short corridor into what I imagine was an extension to the original stables were a high spec bathroom with all the mod-con's and a kitchen equipped with most things you would need for a break away including picnic hampers, milk and cereals for the morning, all with views of the green wilderness of the gardens as your making a morning brew. So sweet!
Settling the mad dog in after she hounded every room exploring the exciting new environments as much as Mr. Warehouse and I were. Exhausted though we thanked our host and at nearly nine-at-night I could feel myself falling asleep. Making sure the pup was fed, watered and peed/pooped, my Boyfriend and I retired to the bedroom after a half-hour battle with our eyelids and the TV. And I honestly don't think I have fallen asleep so quickly, head hitting the pillow and off into dream land I went, experiencing again another strange dream, although thankfully not the nightmare I had the evening before in which Mr. Warehouse was awoken by my screams and in turn saved me from my slumbering torture. I cant even really remember what it was about although I know that I made a few wrong turns walking through some dark back alley's with my dear Mr. Warehouse and before I knew it I was being pulled about by gang members, Mr. Warehouse helpless in stopping them and there perverse plans for me.
Waking in the morning as the cold sun broke through the cream curtains I revelled in the fact that I was somewhere new and had so much to explore. Throughout our trip we headed into York city centre most days tackling the bustling Christmas Market, York Chocolate Story and The Dungeons as well as off for long country walks with t'dog although with the weather being wetter than wet and colder than cold we were forced to turn back pretty early on. Later on in the final few days of our trip we headed our separate ways and after begging to go to the local Designer Outlet Mall, I finally had my opportunity as a football game was on and there was a pub showing the game right near the centre. So I did what every red-blooded women would do, dropped off the 'Mrs.' and headed to the discounted stores as fast as my lil' Vivienne would take me. No Mulberry discount-store unfortunately, although there was one (fully priced) store in the city centre, however there was a Ted (Baker) store and they were hosting some lovely discounted genuine products in which I may or may not (defiantly have) purchased a make-up bag.
My favourite part of our trip though had to be spending some quality time with Mr. Warehouse and my step-pup, roasting our piggies by the roaring fire and eating naughty-naughtiness from our trips to the Christmas Market and York Chocolate Story. But suffice to say I am home now, with my little family and defiantly no log burning open-fire. Very upset about this. But it wont be that long until Christmas and next week we will have the excitement hopefully of seeing Our Little Furry Starlet's photos. Lets hope they're good. I suppose they should be though for three-hundred-quid ...
'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx
Five and a half hours on the road I was certainly ready to arrive. Winding through the curly lanes, I imagined what was beyond the black darkness of the Winter's evening. Beautiful Yorkshire countryside, fields for as far as the eyes can see and outstretched roads littered with cosy cottages. Speaking of which, here was ours now!
Pulling into the Farmhouse and row of stable converted cottages we had finally arrived. Parking little Vivienne outside in the gravelled courtyard we walked up to the large double wooden door, complete with slate tiled roof and original brickwork exposed exterior. Opening the front door we were bowled over as was the housekeeper that came to greet us by our beloved pooch who, it would have appeared was expressing just how much she was loving not speeding along the A1(M) by rolling around on the plush carpets and various shag-pile rugs comforting the floors. A snug layout, roomy enough for two and some furry friends comfortable the bedroom came first after the small porch where coat hangers and cubby holes exist for Winter accessories and cooler outer wears. Warmed thoroughly with the twinkling fairy-lights adorning the bed it was a romantic home from home with a window over looking the main road which with traffic a constant feature was certainly not so romantic I can assure you. The bed was soft and had lashings of soft furnishings not to mention the very fluffy authentic Sheepskin rug by the bedside.
Lounge came next and as the two front windows looked out across the courtyard, the decor again carrying through the homely, kitsch country feel for the place incorporating the TV units, sofa and chairs as well as the many cushions, carefully chosen ornaments and candles. But the fireplace was the centrepiece of the room and it was a sight to behold. With a mantelpiece to die for and logs ready for our lighting we were more than ready to get that baby burning, maybe indulging in a little cuddle 'ont' shag-pile rug with our pooch as the flames blazed behind us. Through a short corridor into what I imagine was an extension to the original stables were a high spec bathroom with all the mod-con's and a kitchen equipped with most things you would need for a break away including picnic hampers, milk and cereals for the morning, all with views of the green wilderness of the gardens as your making a morning brew. So sweet!
Settling the mad dog in after she hounded every room exploring the exciting new environments as much as Mr. Warehouse and I were. Exhausted though we thanked our host and at nearly nine-at-night I could feel myself falling asleep. Making sure the pup was fed, watered and peed/pooped, my Boyfriend and I retired to the bedroom after a half-hour battle with our eyelids and the TV. And I honestly don't think I have fallen asleep so quickly, head hitting the pillow and off into dream land I went, experiencing again another strange dream, although thankfully not the nightmare I had the evening before in which Mr. Warehouse was awoken by my screams and in turn saved me from my slumbering torture. I cant even really remember what it was about although I know that I made a few wrong turns walking through some dark back alley's with my dear Mr. Warehouse and before I knew it I was being pulled about by gang members, Mr. Warehouse helpless in stopping them and there perverse plans for me.
Waking in the morning as the cold sun broke through the cream curtains I revelled in the fact that I was somewhere new and had so much to explore. Throughout our trip we headed into York city centre most days tackling the bustling Christmas Market, York Chocolate Story and The Dungeons as well as off for long country walks with t'dog although with the weather being wetter than wet and colder than cold we were forced to turn back pretty early on. Later on in the final few days of our trip we headed our separate ways and after begging to go to the local Designer Outlet Mall, I finally had my opportunity as a football game was on and there was a pub showing the game right near the centre. So I did what every red-blooded women would do, dropped off the 'Mrs.' and headed to the discounted stores as fast as my lil' Vivienne would take me. No Mulberry discount-store unfortunately, although there was one (fully priced) store in the city centre, however there was a Ted (Baker) store and they were hosting some lovely discounted genuine products in which I may or may not (defiantly have) purchased a make-up bag.
My favourite part of our trip though had to be spending some quality time with Mr. Warehouse and my step-pup, roasting our piggies by the roaring fire and eating naughty-naughtiness from our trips to the Christmas Market and York Chocolate Story. But suffice to say I am home now, with my little family and defiantly no log burning open-fire. Very upset about this. But it wont be that long until Christmas and next week we will have the excitement hopefully of seeing Our Little Furry Starlet's photos. Lets hope they're good. I suppose they should be though for three-hundred-quid ...
'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx
Monday, 14 November 2016
Our Little Furry Starlet!
Hiya,
So it would appear that The Zombie Sickness Bug last week has not attacked me as yet, however there is still time so I am not holding my breath too much. One thing I am looking forward to is my Christmas Mini-Break to York with Mr. Warehouse and and the Pooch. Skipbridge Farm, an idyllic stable-converted cottage just north of York city itself is going to be just what the doctor ordered and with the rolling hills of Yorkshire and beyond, not to mention the farmyard animals and Hot-Tub (I think!?) its certainly going to be a silver lining to not going on a European City Christmas Market. And although I am happy that I will be spending some of the little daylight hours we get in the UK at the moment the one thing I am not happy with is the fact that weekend after weekend it seems as though they are slipping away quicker and quicker. Melting into nothingness only for me to sit down on Sunday evening and wonder where an earth my Saturday and Sunday have disappeared to leaving me with no option to start rallying around a search party in order to look for my lost hours.
This weekend was busy for Mr. Warehouse and I, starting with a Pet Photo Shoot we won a few weeks ago for our (OK his) pooch. Heading out to the studio we were excited and Christmas Jumpers at the ready, yes even the dog had one, we were looking forward to capturing forever our little furry baby for eternity. After having a few photo shoots myself before I knew how it all worked, the seeds of compliments and quick sneak-peeks at the screen all planted in well enough time so that the hard sell after in the viewing room is a pressure pot of beautiful images and painful bank balances. Arriving at the studio we met the photographer, an amazing guy who put us both at ease very quickly, not to mention our over-excited Pup!
But a dilemma was on the horizon. The virtual PA had accidentally booked all of the photographers clients in for the wrong time, not realising that England have a time-zone change every Autumn. With the photographer deeply sorry, we started our shoot although twenty minutes in there was a phone call. It was another family that had also been booked in at the same time as Mr. Warehouse and I. They were over fifteen minute late for their slot but still expected a full hours shoot. Sincerely apologetic the photographer asked if we would be so kind as to let the family have theirs and return an hour later so as to finish off. We obliged, the dog probably as happy as we were to have a little relaxing break in-between.
Taking her out for a walk and a toilet break we watched as a white Porshe Cayenne pulled into the yard. Judging them already Mr. Warehouse and I looked at each other as a middle aged couple stepped out of the car, greying hair and preened to a upper class perfection. Out of the back seats came three rowdy children, two boys and a little girl, again all primped and polished to a Mayfair standard. Herding them all inside out of the rain we listened to the families posh chatter and lack of apology for being late drift off inside. Finishing our walk quicker than we wanted, Mr. Warehouse and I headed back indoors to the reception and out of the cold and wet with our slightly soggy pet. Sat in the photographers waiting room we could hear nothing but tears and tantrums from the studio. A few times there were some softly spoken telling-off's from what I imagine to be Mom and Dad but to no avail for poor little what-ever did not seem to give any fucks about opening the door and being a general little brat and the other children appeared to sound the same.
After their shoot they came walking out past both me, my other half and our doggy, smiling all in the knowledge we knew how unruly their little angels really are. With the polite waves from the photographer the door closed and I noticed the relief that spread on his face like warm butter on toast. Laughing our way back into the studio in order to finish up, Mr. Warehouse, the photographer and I gossipped on the family of La-Di-Da posho's as we posed once more with our beloved Canine and again we were told how good, beautiful and of well-temperament she was leaving Mr. Warehouse and I beaming like new parents.
Soon it came to an end and we didn't even have a chance to swap into our festive gear. Nevertheless we were more than excited to see the snaps and I can already feel our credit cards itching. But that will all have to wait for York is awaiting and so is that nice little cottage of ours! Mmmm ...
'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx
So it would appear that The Zombie Sickness Bug last week has not attacked me as yet, however there is still time so I am not holding my breath too much. One thing I am looking forward to is my Christmas Mini-Break to York with Mr. Warehouse and and the Pooch. Skipbridge Farm, an idyllic stable-converted cottage just north of York city itself is going to be just what the doctor ordered and with the rolling hills of Yorkshire and beyond, not to mention the farmyard animals and Hot-Tub (I think!?) its certainly going to be a silver lining to not going on a European City Christmas Market. And although I am happy that I will be spending some of the little daylight hours we get in the UK at the moment the one thing I am not happy with is the fact that weekend after weekend it seems as though they are slipping away quicker and quicker. Melting into nothingness only for me to sit down on Sunday evening and wonder where an earth my Saturday and Sunday have disappeared to leaving me with no option to start rallying around a search party in order to look for my lost hours.
This weekend was busy for Mr. Warehouse and I, starting with a Pet Photo Shoot we won a few weeks ago for our (OK his) pooch. Heading out to the studio we were excited and Christmas Jumpers at the ready, yes even the dog had one, we were looking forward to capturing forever our little furry baby for eternity. After having a few photo shoots myself before I knew how it all worked, the seeds of compliments and quick sneak-peeks at the screen all planted in well enough time so that the hard sell after in the viewing room is a pressure pot of beautiful images and painful bank balances. Arriving at the studio we met the photographer, an amazing guy who put us both at ease very quickly, not to mention our over-excited Pup!
But a dilemma was on the horizon. The virtual PA had accidentally booked all of the photographers clients in for the wrong time, not realising that England have a time-zone change every Autumn. With the photographer deeply sorry, we started our shoot although twenty minutes in there was a phone call. It was another family that had also been booked in at the same time as Mr. Warehouse and I. They were over fifteen minute late for their slot but still expected a full hours shoot. Sincerely apologetic the photographer asked if we would be so kind as to let the family have theirs and return an hour later so as to finish off. We obliged, the dog probably as happy as we were to have a little relaxing break in-between.
Taking her out for a walk and a toilet break we watched as a white Porshe Cayenne pulled into the yard. Judging them already Mr. Warehouse and I looked at each other as a middle aged couple stepped out of the car, greying hair and preened to a upper class perfection. Out of the back seats came three rowdy children, two boys and a little girl, again all primped and polished to a Mayfair standard. Herding them all inside out of the rain we listened to the families posh chatter and lack of apology for being late drift off inside. Finishing our walk quicker than we wanted, Mr. Warehouse and I headed back indoors to the reception and out of the cold and wet with our slightly soggy pet. Sat in the photographers waiting room we could hear nothing but tears and tantrums from the studio. A few times there were some softly spoken telling-off's from what I imagine to be Mom and Dad but to no avail for poor little what-ever did not seem to give any fucks about opening the door and being a general little brat and the other children appeared to sound the same.
After their shoot they came walking out past both me, my other half and our doggy, smiling all in the knowledge we knew how unruly their little angels really are. With the polite waves from the photographer the door closed and I noticed the relief that spread on his face like warm butter on toast. Laughing our way back into the studio in order to finish up, Mr. Warehouse, the photographer and I gossipped on the family of La-Di-Da posho's as we posed once more with our beloved Canine and again we were told how good, beautiful and of well-temperament she was leaving Mr. Warehouse and I beaming like new parents.
Soon it came to an end and we didn't even have a chance to swap into our festive gear. Nevertheless we were more than excited to see the snaps and I can already feel our credit cards itching. But that will all have to wait for York is awaiting and so is that nice little cottage of ours! Mmmm ...
'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx
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