Good Housekeeping

Dale House Barn Bunkhouse and Boutique B&B, Gisburn Forest Dominique Ashford

“Once we got over the initial shock and panic of closing the business for Lockdown 1, we set our minds on practical matters. In a 400-year-old farmhouse, there is always something that needs attending to. “We ordered four tons of sand and a ton of lime and cracked on with repointing the farmhouse and barn. It was quite cathartic, being up on the scaffolding in the sunshine. “It’s generally quiet here at the best of times but usually there are cars and bicycles passing and the occasional walker. But for weeks we saw absolutely nobody. “In-between painting and pointing I also got out on my bike – sometimes with the panniers fixed to go shopping, phone attached to the handlebars playing some music for company. “In the evenings I worked on some online marketing courses and tried to teach myself more IT skills. I also did a lot of cooking and shared recipes on social media. I had so many requests for recipes I’ve set up a mailing list! “One thing that really took our breath away was the clarity in the air. The local views were like the world had gone into HD. It was quite incredible. 2020 has definitely been a year we won’t forget in a hurry, but we feel so privileged to live in such a beautiful area with access to nature to get us through this tough time. “Between the two lockdowns, we were fully booked, with many guests booking an evening meal after seeing some of my recipes on social media, but we were forced to close again by Lockdown 2, then Tier 3. “So far, our business has survived and we feel so fortunate in that. We are planning some new projects for 2021 – including a kitchen extension for our planned cookery school and a wild meat preparation kitchen. Fingers crossed 2021 turns out to be a better year for everyone.”