Folly Farm Cottage

Has Spring arrived early?

2012-01-19T08:41:00.000-08:00

It might be only late January but the snowdrops have started to show through in the garden. I guess it will be the mild weather that has prompted this early arrival but it is so nice to see. There are even buds on the trees showing already so let's hope that there is no sudden change in the weather or a snowfall or two.

The Cottage is looking as pretty as ever and the bookings are starting to come in for Springtime and the Summer.

We look forward to meeting old friends and new in this new year.

Doggie Problems

2011-10-21T05:08:00.000-07:00

Our poor wee dog, Meisie, has had to have a couple of trips to the vet in the last couple of weeks. She ended up having to have a complete hysterectomy carried out and was left quite shaken by the whole event.
The total indignity of having to wear a big plastic collar to stop her scratching at her stitches did not help much to restore her good nature. However after only a day or so she was back to her normal self wandering around the garden and sometimes even greeting guests in the car park.

Fruit Abundance

2011-08-23T08:51:00.000-07:00

This is the ideal time of year to pay a visit to Folly Farm Cottage. Not just because the weather is so warm or that the garden is so pretty but because there is an abundance of fruit available fresh from the garden and the greenhouse for consumption at breakfast time.

We have apples, pears and plums from the trees in the garden and a vast supply of tomatoes from the greenhouse.

Why not come and pay us a visit while these delicious offerings are available and have a very healthy breakfast. Alternatively you could still have the Folly Challenge but take a piece of fruit away with you for later in the day.

Excellence Award from Tripadvisor

2011-05-31T13:53:00.001-07:00

We are delighted to announce that we have received an Excellence award from Tripadvisor, the online review site for B&Bs and hotels. TripAdvisor awards this certificate to properties who consistently receive excellent ratings from their members. They think our 5 rating is something to be proud of and we agree entirely.
We would like to thank all of our guests for their kind comments both on Tripadvisor and in our own guestbook in the reception. We really appreciate the time that you take to add a few words. It means a lot to the three of us.
Thanks again from Bruce, Pam and Lindsey.

New Moon over the Rose Suite

2011-04-12T12:09:00.000-07:00

We had the chance recently to get a lovely photograph of the cottage from the back garden with a new moon just over the roof and the light on in the Rose Suite. The magnolia tree in the back garden was also in full blossom which just adds to the picture.

Doesn't this picture make you want to come and pay us a visit? The weather has picked up really well now and the evenings are actually balmy too. When you take the walk round to either the Red Lion or the Howard Arms don't forget to take the torch that is provided in your room as we have no street lights in the village.

Spring is in the Air

2011-02-14T09:17:00.000-08:00

The first signs of Spring are definitely here. The garden is full of green shoots from the bulbs pushing through in all of the borders. Already we have primroses, blue mini irises and snowdrops side by side.

We have had some lovely sunny days recently but there is still a bit of a chill in the air when the sun disappears. Out walking recently we saw the first lambs of the season which always lightens the heart.

RSC theatre to reopen

2011-01-19T10:40:00.000-08:00

The Royal Shakespeare Company have now reopened the redeveloped main theatre in Stratford. Pam and I had the chance to get a free tour around the new theatre prior to any productions starting and even managed to have a meal in the rooftop restaurant.
Tickets are going on sale very soon for the first production which will be the 'Scottish Play' - also known as Macbeth. This production starts on the 16th April and should be well worth a visit. For more information on tickets and the rest of the programme just click on the link http://www.rsc.org.uk/whats-on/stratford/ .

The Freezing Weather Bites

2010-12-01T13:56:00.000-08:00

While the bad weather spreads throughout the country spare a thought for our poor dog, Meisie, who struggled to get her breakfast this morning. I went down to Mole End, our shed, to get the dog food and to add the water to find that the big bucket was frozen right round the edge. I managed to turn it out to end up with this super ice sculpture. Very spectacular.

We have been very fortunate so far with only a light dusting of snow so guests can still manage to get through to us to enjoy their break. Although the temperature has plummeted it is still really nice to go out for a long walk all wrapped up and to end up at the Red Lion for a steaming bowl of soup and a light(!) refreshment.

A beauty spot by the river

2010-10-27T00:50:00.000-07:00

We managed to pop out for a nice walk recently and ended up at the Old Mill at Lower Slaughter with it's beautiful cafe terrace overlooking the river Eye. This is a lovely spot after doing the walk between Lower and Upper Slaughter. After a browse around the Old Mill's shop you can sit on the terrace with a coffee and a big slice of cake and watch the ducks on the river. The Old Mill wheel still occasionally turns to give an even better atmosphere. It is like stepping back in time here and as the terrace is not particularly publicised it is usually nice and quiet.
As an alternative you can always have one of their home made ice creams - the brown bread flavour is my favourite one!

Grapes Galore

2010-09-22T06:26:00.000-07:00

The fruits of my labour have finally been tasted. The grapes growing on the vine in the greenhouse were picked today and taste fantastic. Those of you familiar with the blog may remember what they were like earlier in the year looking like small full stops!
This was the first year for the vine and to produce a bunch of grapes in the first season is seemingly quite unusual. Pam did suggest making some wine with them but we decided that we would be lucky if we even got one sip from the small amount of grapes. However that is the target for next year.
The tomato plants have produced literally hundreds of tomatoes this season and we are using them for all of the breakfasts just now. This is definitely the best crop that we have had and so rewarding.

The Collapsing Wall

2010-08-24T12:38:00.000-07:00

A collapse has happened at the cottage. Part of our lovely dry stone wall at the side of the car park collapsed last night during some high winds and heavy rain. We were quite taken aback at the damage when we got up this morning as although the weather was quite unpleasant it didn't seem bad enough to create this much bother. A section of the wall about 8m long has fallen into our neighbours garden.

Plenty of exercise for Pam and I this afternoon and continuing into tomorrow to remove all of the stone from the neighbours driveway to a safe location and then we will have to arrange for the local builder to carry out some essential repairs.

Tomatoes Galore!

2010-08-17T00:45:00.000-07:00

What a fantastic crop of tomatoes we now have. There are so many cherry tomatoes that we are having to give them away. All of the tomatoes for use at breakfast are also coming from the greenhouse. I think this is the best crop that we have ever had and they should last us for weeks. I hope that you manage to sample them when you stay here with us.
The greenhouse has also provided the peppers for the quiche on the evening meal menu, courgettes and cucumber for the side dishes and the chillis are ready to be frozen for use over the winter time.
The fruit trees are starting to provide us with apples, pears and plums which are absolutely delicious. We also got some mini plums from a neighbour which we have put out in the dining room for guests to try. They are really good.

The Greenhouse at the Cottage

2010-06-30T13:40:00.000-07:00

The greenhouse is in the process of producing a first for the Cottage. We have our first bunch of grapes!! Can you actually see them in the photo? At the moment they are the size of a full stop but I can assure you that they are there. If you are visiting over the next couple of months why not pop down to the greenhouse and have a look for yourself.
We also have a fantastic crop of tomatoes again this year which will be available in the dining room very soon for guests to sample at breakfast time or to take away as part of a picnic.
The chilli plants are coming on well as are the courgettes and cucumbers. Samples should be available very soon.

Quality in Tourism Inspection

2010-05-03T06:47:00.000-07:00

We are delighted to announce that following our recent inspection that we have maintained our 4 star rating for both the B&B and the Self Catering parts of the business. Not only that but we have also been awarded the coveted Gold Award for the third year in a row.
The inspector was very pleased with the standard that we are providing and was impressed to see that the business was doing so well during the current economical situation.

A Guest gets to feed the lambs

2010-03-27T04:43:00.000-07:00

One of our recent guests, all the way from Canada, was fortunate enough to be around at the right time to pop round to the farm and get a chance to feed the lambs. These lambs are the third ones to be born from the ewes and as the ewes can only manage to feed two the third has to get hand fed.
Rebecca was lucky enough to feed them and to give them a cuddle as well. The lambs will only be kept in the pens for a short time and will be let out into the fields quite soon.
Rob, the farmer, also has some fine Tamworth pigs at the moment so hopefully we can get a photo of them soon.

Spring Gardening

2010-03-15T12:51:00.000-07:00

The hard work has started in the garden again but we had a willing volunteer to help us the other day. Meisie decided that giving a helping hand meant hitching a lift in the wheelbarrow.
The bulbs are bursting forth and all of the shrubs are coming to life. Hopefully in a couple of weeks we will start to see some green shoots if we keep having the weather like today. It was so warm and sunny with only a breath of wind and just so pleasant.

Spring is here

2010-02-10T06:15:00.001-08:00

Despite the cold weather and the fact that the snow keeps threatening the snowdrops have started to peep through. The garden has a number of clumps of snowdrops straining upwards to catch the sunshine.
Elsewhere in the garden a number of the shrubs are starting to show signs of buds appearing so things are starting to look a bit healthier.
Why not spend a short break with us to make the long months pass a bit quicker?

Garden Wildlife

2009-12-29T01:37:00.000-08:00

The garden is still full of wildlife even at this time of the year with the bird feeders attracting some lovely birds. However we had an intruder at the feeders the other day as a squirrel decided to attempt to get some of the nuts.
Pam managed to catch it in the act and it looks like some robber in a set of white overalls!!
We even managed to see a woodpecker at the feeders the other day but unfortunately we were not quick enough to get a photograph. Watch this space........

Breakfast Award

2009-11-20T02:16:00.000-08:00

We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded the newly launched Breakfast Award by Visit England. Only 7% of B&B establishments throughout the country have received this award and the girls are thrilled that their quality breakfasts have been recognised in our recent assessment.
The fact that we source the majority of the components of our breakfasts from the local farms has paid dividends. Hayway Farm in Broadway and our own local Mabels Farm in Back Street have maintained their high standard of produce and we are pleased to keep using them.

The Folly Challenge

2009-10-13T11:59:00.000-07:00

The recently launched Folly Challenge has been added to our breakfast menu. This option is so stacked that we had to buy new plates to fit everything on!
Several guests have risen to The Challenge and have only just managed to finish their breakfast. Check out the menu to see what all is included.
Can you manage the Folly Challenge? We look forward to welcoming you to the Cottage and we will ensure that you have a great break with us. Click here to see the whole breakfast menu.

Go on holiday on an egg.

2009-08-20T03:52:00.000-07:00

If the thought of a big breakfast is too much for you when you stay with us why not go for the boiled egg option. We now have fantastic double egg cup holders which look the part with the large eggs that we get from Hayway farm in Broadway.
For full breakfast menu details click on the following link.
www.follyfarm.co.uk/downloads/breakfast menu.pdf

Fresh Fruit & Veg

2009-07-13T12:44:00.000-07:00

For those guests who are having evening meals with us these days they are able to enjoy our home grown fruit and veg. New potatoes, cucumber, tomatoes, courgettes, chilli peppers and rhubarb are all used in the cooking just now.
Another couple of weeks should see the addition of apples, pears and plums to make the seasonal crumble even more delicious.

Nature on the Doorstep

2009-06-18T01:20:00.001-07:00

For those of you who are visiting us soon please make a point of looking at the nest in the front porch with the five young baby birds. They are a delight. They are getting constantly fed so make sure and keep your head down as the parents make their approach flight!! This is the second year in a row that the same nest has been used so quite possibly the same parents.

The Garden View

2009-05-19T08:15:00.000-07:00

The view from the bedroom windows is getting better every day as the garden bursts into colour. The lilac tree is looking great and the peony roses are just starting to bloom. The main roses have still a way to go yet but the new climbers on the patio trellis are taking off really well.
When you arrive why not check out the progress of my Kiwi plant which is growing up the wall of the Orchard Apartment. Last year in the greenhouse it grew 6 feet tall so I am looking for improvement outside this year.

Lazy Hot Summers are on their way

2009-05-01T07:31:00.000-07:00

The BBC have predicted that we are all set for some lovely hot summer weather this year. So we at Folly Farm Cottage are looking forward to welcoming you and hope that you will be able to use the patio and barbecue area at the bottom of the garden.

The coals have been bought and all that is needed now is the food and you.

Come and visit soon and enjoy a peaceful relaxing pampering time.

The Sunny days are here

2009-04-07T03:47:00.000-07:00

We are having some lovely weather here at the Cottage and the garden is really starting to take shape and colour after the winter. The magnolia tree which you can see from your bedroom window is looking quite stunning with the flowers in profusion.
Lindsey is spending a lot of time getting everything in shape so the next time you are here please make a point of wandering round the garden or having a seat on the patio.
We look forward to seeing you soon.

2009-03-17T09:46:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung!

Little lambs are gambolling in the fields, the daffodils are nodding and the sun is splitting the sky.

We are delighted to say that we can continue to offer complete luxury at prices that have not increased since 2006!

Lambing Season

2009-02-28T04:44:00.000-08:00

The lambing season is now with us and the sights and sounds in the fields around the village are quite magical. Spring is definitely here now with the sun making some welcome appearances and the temperature is starting to rise.

We can't wait to get out in the garden and start getting it knocked into shape. We have already purchased some plants for the spring which are in the greenhouse at the moment and hopefully should be getting planted out quite soon.

Snowdrops in the Garden

2009-02-04T08:05:00.000-08:00

Spring is only just around the corner despite the recent snowfalls. The garden is showing the first shoots of recovery with some lovely snowdrops pushing their heads up through the ground.

Why not come and join us for some spring cheer and enjoy a break in one of our Bed and Breakfast Suites.

We are still operating 2007 prices.

2008-12-13T03:46:00.000-08:00

When we moved to Ilmington we never thought that Pam would add another string to her bow by coming a shepherdess.

As the photograph here shows she stepped into the breach when Sid the local farmer had to move some sheep from one of his fields past Folly Farm Cottage and on to a new location.

With the lack of any dog to help him Pam came to the rescue and helped guide the sheep up the road.

All in a 'normal' day in the Cotswolds.

Autumn is well and truly here

2008-11-22T02:47:00.000-08:00

Well it looks like Autumn is really here. The patio is now quite deserted after all the activity of the summer time and the many guests who have made use of our new facility.

We are hoping for some warm weather next spring and summer to make more use of the two barbecues. It will be great to see the guests making the most of the facility and for us to prepare some food and invite guests to join us for a bite to eat and a chilled refreshment.

The wall has been planted up already with spring flowering bulbs so we are looking forward to seeing how good a show that will produce.