Thank you both (and Boots!)

“Thank you both (and Boots!) for such a memorable and enjoyable stay. I think I said that Derbyshire has always been a place we passed through before, on the way to somewhere else, but we quickly discovered how much we’d been missing out on. Of course, I don’t think we could have had a better week weather-wise, but even so the scenery and places we visited were beautiful. We’d definitely like to come back in the future and see the other places we didn’t have time for.

Douglas’s Barn was a lovely and very comfortable home for our week.

We’ve self-catered for many years now and this was far and away the best equipped and most spacious kitchen I’ve ever had the pleasure of cooking in. It makes such a difference, as did everything else you’ve thought of throughout.

And we loved Parwich itself: everyone was very friendly, though we do think we might have got a reputation as those strangers who kept trying out every walk going!

I’ve sent a few photos we took, in case any would be of interest to you on the website or future guests. We woke up to that view each morning and rather wish we could have brought it back with us.”

Keith and Karen who were here for a week at the end of June 2009

Let time stand still and relax

“Having read  both “Tom’s Barn” and the Parwich village website for the past year we knew exactly what to expect from our stay.    The complimentary comments by previous guests confirm that your visit is going to be one of immense pleasure. However none of the printed words explain the recipe for Marion and John’s success, but when having spent time in their company we can confirm what everyone suspected  – hard work.   It’s changeover day – Friday – two more strangers on the premises.   The word stranger is clearly not in Marion’s vocabulary as she skilfully welcomes you as if you are old friends.   The property is immaculate. The gardens look inviting.  Let time stand still and relax.

What fun nosing in cupboards – hello- “etc”  includes porridge.  We need not unpack ours.  Power switch on behind the bed- turn it off  – save energy.   The beautifully equipped kitchen is ideal to allow the creation of numerous succulent offerings all of which will be taken amongst the pots of flowers on the south facing stone patio. Boots- the cat – will be in attendance throughout each meal clearly giving the impression that nobody feeds her.   “How on earth does the shower work?”  “ Have a look in the Emergency drawer for the instruction book.”   “It seems broken to me. Fuse probably gone”  “Do you think it has anything to do with the switch behind the bed !!!!! “

Saturday afternoon and the sound of leather on willow emanates from the recreation ground; Sunday morning and we join the congregation for the eleven am service.  Down the hill we go again for a second game of cricket.   Friday was marvellous- the weekend even better – the weather is what we have come to expect in the Peak District – hot and very dry – the wildlife happily share their sounds.

Slowly the days pass until Thursday – a day designated as inspection day.    “ Shall we sleep on the floor so the sheets do not look crumpled in the morning? ”  “ Let’s do without toast so the air remains fresh.”   Not necessary – having spent a few days in the company of our hosts one simply knows that failure is not a possibility.   As the Inspector felt that accepting one of Marion’s home made cakes could be considered to be bribery we were twice blessed and happily devoured them all out of sight of Boots.        Whilst awaiting their evening guest  ( the Reverend Chris Harrison)  John and Marion sought our advice on the quality of a bottle of Burgundian wine.   The next morning our retreat was over and we left Douglas Barn and the owners, John and Marion, in the certain knowledge that the next set of guests – and all those who follow- will  heartily enjoy the experience of their visit.”

10 June 2009 Jenny and Derek who were here at the time of our recent QiT Inspection)

We certainly felt that we had hit the jackpot

Just to reassure you – these are totally unsolicited comments from guests who have either offered or agreed that we should put them on the blog; we’ll never publish a message without your express suggestion and/or agreement.

Random phrases and short comments such as we put at the bottom of many of our web pages is another matter, and of course comments reproduced from our anonymous questionnaires whose authorship is always a complete mystery anyway!

“…thank you for providing us with such a wonderful holiday cottage to stay in. The cottage itself, the location and above all the care and consideration that both of you show to your visitors is exemplary and worthy of the highest praise. You certainly know how to make sure that holiday visitors have the very best and most relaxing of times.

Jenny and I had a truly lovely relaxing holiday. In over twenty years of cottage/walking holidays we certainly felt that we had hit the jackpot and have never before found the perfect combination of property/facilities and location and the extra touches and friendly, courteous manner displayed by yourselves were the icing on the cake..excuse the pun..:)))..we didn’t feel as though we were on holiday staying in a strange place, we just felt as though we were at home amongst friends and family. Rest assured, we WILL be back.

Many many thanks and our very best wishes to you both.”

Jenny & Julian who stayed in Douglas’s Barn mid-July 2009

A Gold Award for Douglas’s Barn!!

Out of the blue, we heard the news from Enjoy England a few months ago. The award is for ‘exceptional quality of accommodation and customer service!’

Meanwhile, see our How to Book page if you would like to check this out for yourself.

Twitter

We were talking to a colleague the other day; he mentioned Twitter, and before we knew where we were, he had registered us as tomsbarn and Marion F-Sessions as the luxury holiday cottage owner! Our first attempt to start ‘twittering’ was ruined by a violent thunderstorm which lead to a five-hour long power cut, so that wasn’t a very promising start.

Our twitterings are very sporadic and dull as ditch water to boot! Anyway, those of you who are more experienced in these things may be interested to start following and spark things up somewhat if that’s possible…. Our instant posse of nine follower could do with a boost, please. (We have blocked quite a few that didn’t look totally very appropriate!)

Visitrac Survey: Are we value for money?

Our score: We score 95.% for value for money

Average Score = 9.57
8 guests gave us 8/10
16 guests gave us 9/10
51 guests scored us 100%

Our comment: (we suspect short breaks – at 70% of the weekly rate, may appear to be not such good value but from our point of view they are labour intensive and cost the same to set up…)