And then suddenly, it’s there: our second season has come to an end. The rooms are empty and closed for the coming months. Time has flown by, even though this season was longer than the first year. With a touch of melancholy, we go through the rooms of the guesthouse, revisiting all the lovely and beautifully written words and drawings in the guestbooks. We have received so many kind words about the changes around the pool and about this beautiful place in general. A big thank you to all the guests who made this summer a success!
This year wasn’t all roses and sunshine. There were quite a few days with less pleasant weather, which unfortunately characterized this summer. While last year was marked by weeks on end of summer weather, this year saw sunny, warm days alternating with cooler temperatures and rain. Luckily, there was still enough sunshine for naturist enjoyment. The sauna, hot tub, and cozy evenings with elaborate meals clearly made up for it, as guests who experienced a bit more rain all want to come back to enjoy our paradise with better weather. The first bookings for 2025 are already in!
It was a bit tougher for us this year, partly because Herman had to go to the Netherlands twice to help his father move to a care home. Thankfully, Johannetta received help from local friends who came a few times to assist with preparing rooms and serving meals. The guests were very understanding of the situation, so everything continued as usual.
It is always fun that some of our guests enjoy helping out, such as mowing the lawn or trimming the branches along the path. Additionally, Herman received help with repairing the bridge, which had shifted and broken due to flooding at the end of March. Then a part of the tree that Herman had cut down with his sons fell on it. It wasn’t a disaster, as the wood of the bridge was already rotting in some places. With three strong men, they managed to install a new bridge. Herman just needs to finish the railings in the fall and winter.
This year we were closed for a few days: once so that the children could also enjoy a week of summer here, and we also spent a few days at Jardin les Hirondelles in Charente. It was nice to experience what it’s like to be a guest at a similar naturist guesthouse.
And now we have a few months for ourselves and for the tasks that are planned: painting, installing double glazing in the living room, educational consultancy assignments, and setting up a kitchen in the barn. The plan is to not serve the table d’hôtes daily next season, but to do it twice a week for a more relaxed pace. We’re curious to see how that will go for both us and our guests. There are also some nice restaurants in the area that we can recommend for those who don’t feel like preparing a meal in the new outdoor kitchen.
We will be closed for the time being, but we are already looking forward to the next season and hope to see many familiar and new faces again.
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