Sometimes, the best things in life happen unexpectedly … as we discovered in West Sussex at the weekend.
It’s always pot luck when you book Bed and Breakfast accommodation, especially one you’ve not visited before. You’re never quite sure what you’re going to find when you get there. Will the bed be comfy? Will the shower work? Will the hosts be like Basil and Sybil Fawlty?!
Having lived in Billingshurst for 10 years, I knew the area like the back of my hand. As I had no idea about local B&Bs, I tapped in a few key words and stumbled across Pond Cottage in Drungewick, through bnbselect.com. It was in the heart of the Sussex countryside, alongside an old walking haunt, The Wey and Arun canal. Several emails later, our two day break was booked!
On a warm Friday afternoon, we were greeted at the gate by Greg Brown, one of our hosts and then by his wife, Rosey. All thoughts of “Fawlty Towers” disappeared, as we were instantly made to feel part of the family.
Bangers and Mash
Our room was immaculate, oozing comfort and tranquility. From the inviting hospitality tray and pure cotton bedding, to luxury toiletries and fluffy towels, everything was just perfect.
The stars of the show were the other residents … the four-legged ones! It was impossible not to fall in love with Ginger, Bangers and Mash, their three delightful Kune Kune piggies!
These porky pigs, with curly eye-lashes, curious chin-tassels and speckled-coloured hair, were surprisingly friendly creatures. As soon as we arrived, they came running towards us, ears flapping, grunting their greetings and then followed us, munching away on grass. A delight … and an instant stress-buster!
Pond Cottage offers paddock accommodation for horse-owners. So, you can even bring your own pet horse when you visit! Apart from the Kune Kune pigs, we were also smitten by the playful pygmy goats, Hugo and Honeysuckle. Always chomping on something, Hugo particularly enjoyed trying to nibble our shorts!
Greg and Rosey’s other permanent guests – free-range chickens, Welsh and Dartmoor Hill ponies, dogs and a cat – made this mini break an animal lover’s dream.
As we sat enjoying a glass of wine, soaking up the peace and taking in uninterrupted views, we knew we’d found a corner of heaven. It was a happy place … and impossible not to relax! Our hosts genuinely wanted us to share a little of what they were lucky enough to have every day. It’s what made this 5 star B&B truly unique.
Rosey and Greg’s Bed and Breakfast business is a relatively new one. As word spreads, I’m sure you will need to book well ahead if you too want to experience this beautiful place for yourself. And as for breakfast, you certainly won’t go hungry!
As a business owner, I have the utmost respect for what Greg and Rosey have achieved with Pond Cottage. It’s a perfect example of how to thrive in a downturn economy: Be consistent, never compromise on quality, aim for high customer satisfaction and always give more than is asked for.
If you are ever in the Sussex area looking for somewhere heavenly to stay, don’t settle for anywhere else!
Check out Pond Cottage through its website…
Hi Nikki where did you put the link so I can link back? Also we could do some contextual linking which google eats up!
All the best Grant