Buy One, Get One Free?

…In Tom’s and Douglas’s Barns? Surely not…

No, we’re surely not offering free holidays…

We’re talking about giving a present you will enjoy quite as much as the recipient – two people’s happiness for the price of one – this to me seems the perfect arrangement and far better than the standard ‘BOGOF’ when you end up with unwanted baked beans or pineapples.

This Top Tip is not our idea, we’ve learnt it from some clever guests who sussed it out ages ago but we’re happy to pass it on.

Often someone’s partner/husband/wife books a holiday in Tom’s or Douglas’s Barns, as a secret surprise present for their partner/husband/wife. John and I are sworn to secrecy, furtive phone calls are made and immediately aborted if the said partner/husband/wife unexpectedly and inconveniently interrupts the conversation the other end, and emails are sent to a ‘private’ address.

Eventually, with a flurry of the proverbial trumpet, this secret surprise gesture is eventually ‘out’, and received with great delight and appreciation, and the giver warmly appreciated for their generosity and thoughtfulness.

Both parties come to holiday in either Tom’s or Douglas’s Barn, together, and both have a wonderful time. The giver feels good – don’t we all love giving a present that is really appreciated? And the ‘givee’ feels wonderfully loved, and everyone is happy.

And there you have it – two people’s happiness for the price of one. You could even try it but be sure to warn them to keep the dates clear or you could end up coming on your own.