It's been a long time since I last posted. it's been a very busy summer-every day has been booked and I have met loads of lovely new people. Some have already booked their next stay! I have enjoyed every minute even though I haven't had a day off in ages!
The hot tub has been a huge success-everyone loves it. Sitting it with the bats flying overhead sounds wonderful-looking forward to having a go ourselves! I had my first week long staying honeymooners as well who were a lovely couple. Lots of birthdays & anniversaries. I made a little parchment hut for a couple who's had their 1st anniversary at the hut (paper). I enjoyed making it so much that I've made some more but slightly stronger by laminating the paper and putting one of the flickering battery operated tea lights in it.
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So great I had to post twice! Just wanted to give you an idea how it looks in situ. We spent a long time deciding on the best spot for the tub and have had to trim one of the Oak trees so it doesn't fill with acorns. I really hope all my guests will love it. You do have to commit to it though as it take 2-3hrs of feeding the fire to get it warmed up but this weeks guests said was well worth the wait. A magical experience sitting in your own slice of paradise in steaming hot water-bliss. It was so hot this week-weather wise-that it was used as a cool tub asa well! It'll come into it's own in the winter as well-imagine sitting in it with snow all around.
It was an epic wait but well worth it. The hot tub finally made it up to the site earlier this month. I had been badly let down by another company but then thankfully found a great guy who's company Ecotubs are just in Doncaster. With the help of Mike (local farmer & friend) we had the tub up at site without too much trouble. Last weeks guests were the first to use it and loved it!
The beautiful Markenfield Hall is right on our doorstep (a couple of miles up the road towards Ripon) and is definitely worth a visit. It is know as one of Yorkshire's hidden gems. You can always walk past the medieval building as the Ripon Rowel passes it on the way to Fountains Abbey but at this time of year you have a rare opportunity so see the inside as well. It is open daily 2-5pm from 3-18th May and then again from 14th-29th June 2014. It cost £5/person. For a really special treat also in August they are doing a Tea & Tour every Friday afternoon 2-5pm. This includes a guided tour last 1.5 hrs then a high tea either in the beautiful moated gardens or by the fireside if the weather isn't playing ball! This is £25/person or £45/couple and needs to be booked in advance. Go to their website www.markenfield.com fir more details.
I have just finished a new page for my website (next page after this blog) which details all the things I currently have for sale. The gift vouchers have been available for a while now. Amongst those I've sold I have had a couple who have stayed & definitely want to stay again so have bought the voucher to make sure they do it. I have also had a lovely lady buy a voucher for a friend & her partner to stay as a thank you present for her help organising her wedding.
I now have a supply of the bespoke OS maps that I talked about a few weeks ago. They are great if you plan to go walking while staying at the hut & if you request one while booking you could plan in advance. Also a nice idea to include with a gift voucher as a present. The alpaca wool is also listed as are the amazing alpaca duvets. Check out the page for details & prices. 
I've finally got half of my alpaca wool back from the spinning mill (sent it in September!!!) I'm very excited to start doing things with it. All of which will be for sale-either when you stay or contact me direct. I will be selling the wool in ball form as well for anyone wanting to knit themselves. The mill said the quality was very good-nice and soft. It has been mixed with a small amount of sheep's wool as apparently it makes it fall better when worn (100% alpaca can look a bit boxy if knitted into a jumper). If you're interested at all give me a call.
It's been a while since I've posted-I've been very busy with a lot of lovely people coming to stay at the hut. This has meant that getting the hot shower facilities up and running has taken a lot longer than expected but finally today-Mother's Day-the building works are complete and we got it going.
It was a really misty, close day today and when we got the shower started it was magical to see the steam rising up into the trees. A really unique experience. I hope everyone enjoys it. 
Today is the day that I am finally having a water supply run up to the hut! It has been a killer taking the water tanks up for each guest so will make a huge difference. There will be a cold water tap to the washstand in the composting toilet and another to the sink by the hut. It's mains fed so is drinking water so will free up space in the hut as well where I would normally put another big supply of water. It will also connect up to a gas bottle fed shower so guests are no longer reliant on the solar showers (great in the summer-not so in the winter!) and heating water on the stove. I am also contemplating (for the future) a wood burning Eco hot tub. Let me know your thoughts!
There's something magical about the sight of snowdrops in the bleak winter months. These ones are not far from the hut, all sprinkled at the base of each tree. Looks like the fairies themselves have scattered them there.
I've invested in some new bed clothes made of brushed cotton to make your winter experience even cosier! There's something about brushed cotton that reminds me of my childhood. Lovely.
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AuthorJoanna Denton. Previous owner of Shepherd's Delight and smallholder. Archives
September 2014
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