Hi, it’s Zoe here.
November has arrived at Bailey Huts, and things are gradually taking on a more wintry feel. The autumn decorations are still in place, the garden is being tidied up ready for the colder months, and I’m starting to think about all the little things that need doing before winter really sets in.
It’s also been a rather exciting time for Bailey Huts, as I’ve been preparing for something completely new for me. I’ve been invited to present Bailey Huts for the Visit Lancashire New Tourism Award, which is something I’m incredibly pleased about, although perhaps a little nervous too!
Alongside that, I’ve been making a few changes around the garden, thinking about new additions to the honesty shop and looking ahead to what the next few months might bring.
For anyone who hasn’t discovered it yet, Bailey Huts is a luxury shepherd’s hut retreat in the Ribble Valley, Lancashire, created for couples looking for a romantic countryside escape. The private garden, wood-fired hot tub and wood-fired sauna make it a lovely place to enjoy a little time away together.
So this month, I thought I’d share a little of what’s been happening behind the scenes at Bailey Huts, some exciting news and a few things I’m looking forward to.
A Little Recognition for Bailey Huts
Something rather exciting has been happening behind the scenes at Bailey Huts.
I’ve been invited to present Bailey Huts for the Visit Lancashire New Tourism Award, which is something I’m absolutely delighted about, but if I’m honest, I’m also incredibly nervous!
I’ve been busy putting together a presentation, including a PowerPoint, which I’ve had some help with because that’s not really my area of expertise! I’ve also written a script to go alongside it, which I’ll be reading when I give my presentation next week.
Now, anyone who knows me will probably understand that public speaking isn’t something I’ve ever done before, so this really is taking me out of my comfort zone.
I’m not going to pretend I’m not terrified at the thought of standing up and talking in front of people. I’ve even been doing some breathing exercises with a friend who works in hypnotherapy and complementary therapies, in the hope that I can keep those nerves under control on the day!
But that aside, I’m genuinely so pleased to have this opportunity.
Bailey Huts has become such a huge part of my life, and there’s been an enormous amount of work, thought and love that has gone into creating it. Sometimes I’m so busy getting on with everything that I don’t stop to think about how far it’s come.
To have that recognised through the Visit Lancashire New Tourism Award means a great deal to me.
I’m going to give it my very best, take a deep breath and hopefully enjoy the experience. I’ll let you know how I get on!
Getting the Garden Ready for Winter
There’s always something to do in the garden, and as the seasons change, I’ve been busy getting everything tidied up and ready for the winter months.
I’ve been doing a bit of general maintenance, jet washing, clearing things away and giving everything a good tidy. It’s one of those jobs that seems never ending, but I love having the garden looking its best for my guests.
I’ve also been planting bulbs ready for spring. There’s something quite satisfying about planting them now, knowing that in a few months they’ll start appearing and bringing some lovely colour back into the garden. It’s a little bit of forward planning, and I always look forward to seeing what comes up.
I’ve also been lucky enough to have some help from Annie, a local landscape garden designer, who has become a really important part of the Bailey Huts garden. Annie has a wealth of knowledge and has been helping me whenever she can. It’s lovely to have someone with her experience to bounce ideas around with, and I’m really grateful for her help.
Of course, there’s still plenty to enjoy at Bailey Huts right now. I’ve been fortunate with some lovely weather recently, and the garden is still a beautiful place to spend time.
The sauna has really come into its own too. I only had it installed in March, so this will be its first proper winter at Bailey Huts, and it’s already proving to be a very popular addition. There’s something rather lovely about spending time in the warmth of the wood-fired sauna before heading back into the fresh countryside air, particularly as the evenings get colder.
What’s Cooking at Bailey Huts?
I’ve been giving quite a lot of thought recently to what other food I could offer guests during their stay at Bailey Huts.
The pizzas and ice creams in my honesty shop have been proving really popular, and I’ve already had to restock them both, which is lovely to see.
But I’ve been wondering whether I could offer a little more, particularly during the colder months when guests might prefer to stay tucked up in the Hut rather than head out for something to eat.
I recently put a talking-to-camera Reel on Instagram asking people what sort of food they’d like to see available, and I had some really lovely suggestions.
One comment from Suzanne really stood out to me. She said that if she were staying, she wouldn’t want to be cooking or going out; she’d want an unplugged weekend where she could eat at her own leisure.
And I think that sums up exactly what I’m trying to achieve.
Lots of people suggested homemade soups with fresh bread, hearty pies and comforting dishes that could simply be heated up when guests fancied something to eat.
I’ve been thinking about homemade soup with soda bread, perhaps a cheese and onion pie, a vegetable or lentil-based dish, curries with homemade naan bread, and even individual apple crumbles for something sweet.
I’m still experimenting with ideas and working out the best way to prepare, store and offer everything, so nothing is set in stone just yet.
One of my previous guests also left a lovely comment saying, “Great ideas, Zoe. Your food is always so good.”
It’s so encouraging to hear things like that, particularly when I’m trying something new.
I love cooking and making things for my guests, and I really like the idea of having a few homemade meals available so that people can arrive, settle in and enjoy their stay without having to plan every meal.
It’s all part of making Bailey Huts a place where guests can really make themselves at home.
And who knows, perhaps by the next blog I’ll have a few new dishes ready for the honesty shop!
Looking Ahead to Christmas
At the moment, Bailey Huts is still looking rather autumnal, but that will soon be changing!
Towards the end of November, I’ll be getting the Christmas decorations out and giving the Hut its festive makeover. I always enjoy changing things around with the seasons, and Christmas is a lovely opportunity to add a few extra touches and make everything feel a little more special and sparkly!!!
I’m also starting to build up a collection of lovely gifts in my honesty shop, with some new handmade and locally sourced pieces arriving in time for Christmas. I love finding things that are a little bit different, whether that’s something to enjoy during your stay or a little gift to take home.
I’ll share more about what’s new in the shop, along with the Christmas decorations, in next month’s blog. For now, I’m enjoying these last few weeks of autumn and making the most of everything this time of year brings.
A Little More of Bailey Huts
November has certainly given me plenty to think about, from preparing for the Visit Lancashire award presentation to getting the garden ready for winter and exploring new ideas for the honesty shop.
I sometimes wonder what I’ll think of next, as there’s always something I’d like to improve, create or add to Bailey Huts!
But that’s part of what I love about it. I’m always looking for little ways to make a stay here even more special, whether that’s something homemade, a new addition to the garden or simply making sure everything is just right for my guests coming to stay.
As the year begins to draw to a close, I’m looking forward to welcoming more guests for winter escapes, cosy evenings and special celebrations.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a few days away from the everyday or somewhere special to celebrate with someone you love, Bailey Huts is waiting for you here in the Ribble Valley.
I’d love to welcome you.
Take care,
Zoe x
Bailey Huts
Luxury Shepherd’s Hut Retreat
Ribble Valley, Lancashire
