The lightbulb moment!

So I shared something similar about a month ago, and interestingly it’s come up again. It turns out this really is at the heart of providing the best possible experience — and making sure our guests have the best possible holiday.

Huge thanks to Kay Gibbs - Holiday Let Coach for encouraging me to come back to this and really think it through.

I’ve been reflecting on what we do here at The Green, Lastingham — what we offer, who we’re for, and how we make sure guests know exactly what they’re booking. A holiday is a big commitment, and I know how important it is to feel confident you’ve chosen the right place.

And then I had a bit of a lightbulb moment (a big revelation for me… less so for my husband, whose response was, “Well, of course it is”).

I realised that we’ve made the cottage perfect for people like us.

By that, I mean it’s genuinely set up for the whole family.

And once I realised that, it made me stop and think about all the little things we’ve put in place — the details that turn a stay into a really easy, relaxed holiday.

So what does “set up for the whole family” really mean at The Green?

- Bring the kids — there are games, books, Lego, buckets and spades, fishing nets, bunk beds, child friendly cutlery/ crockery and bath toys if needed (with one to take home as a little thank-you).

- Bring the very little ones — there’s a cot, high chair, baby bath chair, baby gates and window bars.

- Bring the dog — we love hosting four-legged family members, with treats, poo bags, throws, plus a dog bowl and mat ready and waiting.

- Bring Nan and Grandad — there’s a teapot, mountains of tea, and enough mugs that no one needs to wash up for at least 24 hours.* (We have a welcome basket full of tea, coffee, hot chocolate and biscuits)

We’ve made the cottage genuinely cosy. There’s a wood-burning fire for snug evenings (with enough logs, kindling, firelighters and matches to get you started), and a kitchen that’s genuinely well stocked — because we cook a lot when we’re there ourselves. It’s homely and comfortable, but relaxed enough that you can really switch off.

Before we owned the cottage, we used to need a trailer just to bring everything with us. Our aim has been to remove that need for others — so we provide the bulky bits and the everyday essentials too. Kitchen roll, washing-up liquid, tea towels, dishwasher tablets, washing detergent, foil, baking parchment, cling film, sandwich bags, oil, salt, pepper, sachets of sauces, fluffy towels, crisp sheets, extra blankets… and there’ll always be a pint of milk in the fridge ready for your arrival.

We also know holidays can be expensive, so we try to make it easy to enjoy simple days out. Some of our favourites have been picnics, paddling in a beck, spotting wildlife, exploring St Mary’s Church, doing the village treasure hunt, following old railway lines, or heading to Hutton for an ice cream. Not every day needs to be a car day and we have made our own walking book and trail suggestions ready and waiting for you to leaf through when you visit.

And if you’re visiting — or thinking about it — and wondering whether we’ve got something you need, or if there’s something you think we’ve missed, please just ask. We’re always keen to make your stay as easy and enjoyable as possible.

… there’s even a telescope for star spotting if you need it!

*This may only apply to our Nan and Grandad.