Well, it has been a while since I last wrote a journal entry. An awful lot has gone on in all our lives since then – but, one way or another, onwards we go!
Hard Work
The 14 week lockdown saw Helen and I working really hard on our garden here, and I took the paintbrush into numerous rooms for those little touch-ups that keep the place looking as it should.
Apart from developing our garden and maintaining the decor, of course we have had to make numerous changes to how the Somerville operates. We have to be honest and say we don’t really like them! But, for all our safety, it’s what we have to do if we are going to move forward to beat Covid and so it’s all wholly worthwhile. (And it must be said the amazing weather has helped keep the garden in tip-top condition!)
Being Discovered
Then, after the lockdown on the glorious 4th July we opened again to our beloved public – the people we do it all for. It was a slow trickle of guests to start with … but the last two months have seen a huge number of people arriving in the South West. In both August and now in September there often hasn’t been a room available at all … quite amazing.
Since reopening we have heard many stories from guests who had planned to have travelled to all sorts of places, all around the globe, but who’ve – understandably – remained in Britain instead. From a purely selfish perspective, that has had the advantage – for us at least – of meeting a lot of new guests who’d never visited Torquay before, let alone The Somerville. What’s doubly good is that we’ve heard a lot of these new guests saying how much they are enjoying their ‘staycation’, and that they’d never have explored southern England otherwise. It’s good to get independent confirmation that we’re not kidding when we say it’s nice here!
And New Discoveries
In amongst it all, Helen and I have been keeping up our efforts to explore all the area has to offer.
If you like a sight right on our doorstep, while it’s all a bit unpredictable guests have loved all the cruise liners that have essentially been furloughed and are sitting in Babbacombe Bay. From the Carnival cruise liners to the recent arrival of Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, they have been a sight to behold.
As always, finding good food is important! Our Eating Out guide has now been updated with our well researched (!) but, of course, personal views on the best places to eat within easy reach.
For the more energetic, we recently cycled the 38 miles on the Exe Trail from Dawlish to Exmouth. Not surprisingly, it’s a very flat ride! Nevertheless, it offers some outstanding views of the mouth of the River Exe.
And we must mention another new coastal path walk we have found, over at Start Point and Beesands. This was very inspiring in its own right. But the experience was made particularly memorable by a Chinook twin bladed helicopter flying right above us over Start Point lighthouse. They’re amazing machines up close!
And that’s about it for this update. We are expecting October to slow down a little so if you fancy an Autumn break don’t forget to phone us directly for the best deals, especially in the lovely Suites. Call on 01803 294755.
We hope to see you soon.
Peter and Helen.
