Our Big 8-Week Adventure

After a very busy 2024/2025 season, we packed our bags and headed off on a long-awaited eight-week holiday. On 15 May, we flew out from Christchurch via Singapore and arrived in Paris. Our good friends Lou and Andrew were already there, and we spent a wonderful week in Paris followed by another in the Champagne region.

Paris was everything we hoped for and more. A night at the Moulin Rouge with dinner and a show was an absolute highlight full of laughter, good food, and great wine. Another unforgettable experience was high tea at the Ritz Hotel. From the moment we walked through the door, we were made to feel special. A glass of champagne, exquisite pastries, cakes, tea, and coffee it was all beautifully done and thoroughly enjoyed. We also caught up with one of our former guests, Elisabeth, who lives in Paris. Sharing a lovely dinner together reminded us how special it is to reconnect with people who have stayed with us.

After our time in the city, we picked up a hire car and drove to Monthereul, where we spent a week in a beautiful countryside gîte. One of the real highlights was a tour of Larmandier-Bernier, a family-run organic Champagne house. Arthur and Emily, who spent part of their honeymoon with us six years ago, are connected to the vineyard, and it was so lovely to catch up with Arthur and hear all about their family. The history was rich, and the champagne was delicious.

Our two weeks with Lou and Andrew were filled with amazing food, incredible wine, and yes I did a little shopping... actually, quite a lot! There was so much to see and do. While Lou and Andrew went on to cycle through the Loire, Brendon and I had a little more time in Château-Thierry before flying to Granada, Spain.

We spent two wonderful weeks in Spain, visiting Granada, Frigiliana, and Seville. Tapas and sangria became favourites, and we soaked up the local flavour at every opportunity. In Seville, we toured the city by horse and carriage, a relaxing and scenic way to take in the sights. We wandered alleyways, admired countless cathedrals, and continued to be captivated by the beauty and charm around every corner.

Next, we travelled to Ireland and Scotland to catch up with family. We stayed with Vivienne, Andrew, Karen, and Charlie in Ardstraw, Northern Ireland. A real highlight was being invited to Lauren and Philip’s wedding a stunning day with warm weather, a beautiful garden venue, and views over rolling countryside. It was a privilege to be there and celebrate with family, and we’re especially grateful to William and Katherine for including us in their daughter’s special day. There was plenty of music, dancing, and of course, good food in true Irish style.

After Ireland, we flew to Aberdeen and drove up the coast to Macduff, enjoying the dramatic coastline and charming old fishing villages along the way. We stayed at The Knowes Hotel, with lovely views over the harbour and great hospitality. Our time in Scotland was spent visiting family, enjoying hearty meals in small pubs, exploring castles and cobbled streets, and ending with a big family gathering at the Seafield Arms. So many laughs and memories made.

From there, we travelled to Norwich to reconnect with friends in Norfolk, a county filled with flintstone villages, historic estates, seaside towns, and of course, the obligatory cathedral. A personal highlight was being back on a horse at Steve and Pam’s place. It brought back memories of my younger riding days, nothing too adventurous, but a lot of joy nonetheless.

We wrapped up our trip in London, staying with a very dear school friend and her wonderfully patient husband who listened to us endlessly reminiscing. London, as always, was buzzing with energy. On our final night, we attended a Shakespearean play at the Bridge Theatre, a modern take on A Midsummer Night’s Dream, set against the iconic backdrop of London Bridge. It was such fun and a perfect finale to our eight-week adventure.

Now, it’s lovely to be back home, catching up with family, our grandchildren, and friends. We’re refreshed, recharged, and excited for the upcoming season. With both B&B rooms and apartments available, we’re ready to welcome guests old and new. We already have some beautiful family groups booked in to celebrate special occasions. It’s a real privilege to host those moments and help make lasting memories.

So, until then, keep warm, and we look forward to seeing you all very soon.

Warmest regards,
Brendon & Gail