A happy new year to all our present and future guests and a very warm welcome to the “Twenty’s!” I wonder if it will be as “Roaring” as it was 100 years ago?!
This was the opening paragraph of the last blog I wrote back in January 2020. Little did we all know then what a nasty little surprise would arrive from China, impacting so heavily on all our lives for two years and still counting.
Last year we made two major business decisions…
Firstly, we decided to no longer accept credit card payments due to the extortionate monthly charges we were incurring and the very little use made of credit card payments. It really made no economic sense to continue offering this service.
Secondly, we listed Holly Lodge with airbnb back in September 2021!
We have met some delightful guests from all walks of life, from all over the country, attending either a family function or simply visiting the area. We have received some simply amazing five-star reviews from our AirBnB guests and we are proud to announce we have been elevated to airbnb Superhost status.
Our new arrival…
This is the newest member of the team at Holly Lodge, Florence (Flo). She arrived back in July 2020. Flo is mentioned in many of the reviews we have received as the “adorable puppy”.
Well, they don’t live with her, (I am really only joking). She is a bundle of fun and a constance source of amusement, particularly if she can get into the dining room to greet the guests at breakfast and add her nonsense to the proceedings!
Breakfast at Holly Lodge
Mairim who is featured below enjoying breakfast at Holly Lodge, (taken from our Gallery) She is married to one of my oldest friends, Alastair. They both live in New York, USA and are both architects.
With many thanks to Matilda (one of Lyn’s students) for the comments below…
“Since Holly Lodge opened, Andrew has gained a glowing reputation for his speciality English breakfasts. The bacon and sausages are sourced from our local butcher, Impson’s, who are renowned for their ‘Swaffham Sizzler’ sausages. The recipe for these delicious sausages is a closely guarded secret.
A full English breakfast at Holly Lodge includes bacon, eggs (cooked to your preference), mushrooms, rosti or sauté potatoes, sausages, baked beans and tomatoes. Guests can also enjoy cereal, fresh fruit, cheese, croissants, freshly squeezed orange juice, a choice of yoghurt and sour-dough toast, made by the town’s baker. Andrew is happy to cater for gluten free and vegetarian diets.”
Last month, we were awarded a 5 Star hygiene rating following a visit by Environmental Health Officers from Breckland Council. We were also delighted to be awarded a 4 Star gold rating for the third year running from Quality in Tourism.
Swaffham’s History
We recently received an unexpected visit from the local history society informing us that the world famous archaeologist, Howard Carter, may have lived for a time at Holly Lodge. Seemingly, they had found a letter from him in which he gave Holly Lodge as his address.
Finally, what did you do during lock-down?
Well, I built a train set! Allegedly for Jack our grandson! Bless him, he was two this year, gosh time really has flown by. I think it would be fair to say Jack was far more interested in grabbing the moving trains than admiring his Gang-dads model making skills, hey-ho boys and toys.
