http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com en-gb thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com 2012-4-24T00:00:00Z thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#117026 Some recent extracts from our visitors book Wonderful time nothing was too much trouble wonderful welcome and very comfy stay Thank you very much wonderful house and wonderful people Excellent a real find we will definitely return Excellent food spotlessly clean rooms Great breakfast very welcoming nice amp clean loved the dogs Lovely B amp B just our sort of place straight to the top of our list 2012-4-24 15:53:51 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#116598 Have you used the hostel in the past is its closure affecting your walking plans why do you like hostels rather than B amp Bs or camping were there any problems with this hostel when you stayed there Still working to try and reopen it so your comments would be useful 2012-4-17 11:43:07 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#116482 My son has a small hobby farm near Livingstone and while enroute to see his very pregnant and about to give birth wife who is staying at the moment near Newcastle he dropped off 3 tiny orphaned lambs to be looked after over the weekend. Cant tell you what a joy it is to hold and look after those small young and beautiful animals. 2012-4-15 11:09:40 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#116465 Last Sunday should have been a quiet night no guests booked in even though it was Easter. We had a booking for Easter Sat all the rooms for just one night so it scuppered our Easter bookings. Luckily we didnt take the day off did the rooms and made sure everything was shipshape pretty lucky we did as at 5pm we had someone turn up after a late booking through one of the agencies we use. Then we had a phone call could we take 8 Italians that had just turned up in Kelso....well a bit of shuffling and folding beds later...and we were a full house again Wonder if that will happen again tomorrow 2012-4-14 22:43:15 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#115949 At the Farmhouse we think there are three components to the perfect stay. First up is the welcome which we try to make as warm and friendly as possible. Second you have the bedroom and facilities which we keep comfortable and homely. We also offer a packed lunch dinner and transport to walking spots as optional extras. Third you have the breakfast itself. We pride ourselves on offering a smashing first meal of the day whether its porridge cereal or a cooked breakfast made to order. 2012-4-4 19:08:53 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#115948 If you like the idea of being a guest in someones home with all the associated comforts that it brings BampB is for you. Its also usually a much better choice in terms of price. Of course a hotel tends to offer something slightly more chic and anonymous but for a higher cost. You can bet the chances are your breakfast at a BampB will be a home cooker winner Thats certainly true at the Farmhouse where breakfast is yours to make up on the spot from a range of options and cooked in the family kitchen. 2012-4-3 19:06:43 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#115947 Camping is the obvious choice for the budget traveller who enjoys the great outdoors. BampB is the next step up still good on price but with a lot more home comforts thrown in. And of course in a BampB you wont be heating your own baked beans on a gas stove in the morning. At least thats not a service offered at the Farmouse yet 2012-4-2 19:05:33 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#115946 The key difference here is obviously the breakfast. If you wake up starving and at a reasonable hour then BampB could be for you. But if you tend to skip breakfast or prefer to eat at a time that suits you then it might be all about selfcatering. The other big plus of selfcatering is that you can prepare your own meals throughout the day which can be a big convenience and a big saving. Why not combine the best of both worlds with a selfcatering stay at the Farmhouse with breakfast packed lunches and even dinner thrown in as required and at a reasonable cost 2012-4-1 18:59:52 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#111497 Well I was getting ready for the RSPB birdwatching weekend filling all the feeders and getting extra food that the birds only occasionally get as a treat ie mealworms and what happens I have hardly any birds turn up all weekend then today loads flocks of the little darlings all day. Last week we had a Bullfinch right outside the kitchen window on about 5 days one time with a female then two old friends I havent seen for a while turned up on Friday the yellowhammer and just one long tailed tit there is usually a flock of about 7 maybe they arent so desperate for the food this year. Today the siskins were around not a large flock like last year but about 5 of them but then this afternoon great excitement....a tree creeper never seen one before 2012-1-31 16:32:23 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#110348 Didnt realise it had been so long since I had updated the blog. Im trying to keep Facebook and Twitter updated now and the blog has taken abit of a back seat. We have had two of the bedrooms redecorated so they are lovely and fresh now. Im trying to organise an upgrade of the private bathroom attached to Claret so that it has a shower as well as a bath. Weve been so busy it has been difficult finding the time to get it done hopefully that will happen in Feb. We are also refurbishing our utility room putting in more storage and more washing facilities...also scheduled for Feb. We had hoped to start work on the dairy conversion which would have given us more letting rooms but we are still waiting for the building quotes so that may have to wait til next autumn that would also have given us the space to open some tea rooms along with access to our gardens and a woodland walk...........all now on hold. The village is becoming desperately short of bed spaces some of the B amp Bs are eit... 2012-1-13 22:19:20 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#107089 The shooting season is now in full swing and we currently have a party of Belgians here spending 2 days with Kirk Yetholm Shoot. They cant speak highly enough about their experience and are already planning next years trip. Apparently it is excellent with the birds flying high making the shooting a challenge. If anyone is interested I can put you in touch with the organiser. 2011-11-18 10:45:27 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#105811 Kelso races on Saturday Nov 5th do you need accommodation 2011-10-31 15:48:12 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#105738 Havent yet updated the site for next year yet but am aware that the walkers among you will be starting to plan and organise your walking trip. St Cuthberts Way Stay here for as much of your walking holiday as you wish and we will work out a package to suit. The package on the website covers the whole expedition from a pickup and drop off at Berwick if necessary and the taking you to the start and end of your walk each day. Packed luches are included and a meal on the first night but everything is negotiable. Pennine Way package covering the last two days well pick you up at Cocklawfoot provide a meal that night and a packed lunch the next day before returning you to Cocklawfoot the next day. 2 nights accommodation included. So what is stopping you 2011-10-30 16:00:06 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#105737 Well today the clocks went back and now at the end of a hectic but fantastic year the numbers of our visitors are starting to drop off a little which hopefully will give me the time to update our website and get to grips with Social Media. As many of our guests know we have been on Facebook for a while and I have recently started twittering. Apparently the way forward is to work with social media and much of our business in the future should come from Word of Mouth recommendations that would be great as it means that we wouldnt have to pay as much commission to Laterooms amp Booking.com and that in turn would mean that we can keep our prices competitive. So do follow us on Twitter and Facebook. We intend to have a few days each month between now and Christmas visiting friends and family and with luck finding somewhere warm to relax. We started last week by taking the grandhildren to Fife we were really lucky with the weather and had a brilliant time with the children. Jon had to ... 2011-10-30 15:31:42 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#98696 Do you watch 3 in a Bed where B amp B owners go and check each other out and pay what they think the stay was worth. Felt a bit like that here yesterday one of our guests said we dont charge enough and gave us more than we asked for Second time in a month that that has happened Definitely feeling good today had loads oof compliments lately. One of our guests cancelled a meal at The Border after eating with us and asked us to cook dinner for them the next night as well. Todays guests just left saying everything that you could want is here all the little touches. Finally we have just received a copy of a letter from one of the charity walkers on St Cuthberts Way sent to his supporters for St Martins Community Resource Centre he mentioned us ....I stayed in B amp Bs all of which I would recommend. The outstanding one was The Farmhouse at Yetholm Mill...... 2011-7-19 10:57:25 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#92799 .....our most recent review on Laterooms........ A B and B worth raving aboutThis is the perfect B and BWe travel a lot in Scotland and some places really stand out. This is one of them which is head and shoulders above the rest. Everything about it is amazing from the initial emails to the final farewell. The owners were so nice and friendly. Nothing was too much trouble. We were warmly greeted after a long days walk. The room and adjoinging sitting room were beautiful and after a nice hot shower we were pointed in the direction of the local pub for a quick drink before dinner. We opted to eat in and Im so glad we did. Dinner was served round a big table with other guests and we felt like wed been invited to a lavish dinner party The home cooked food was fabulous We are vegetarian but as it turned out so were our hosts which meant a really great meal. the carnivors all were equally happy it seemed We retired to bed tired but extremely happy and left after a great breakfast which was ... 2011-4-30 11:48:10 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#92677 ...........just had our first booking for the winter shooting season and also our first 2012 booking 2011-4-28 11:29:25 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#92380 ............look out of the back door and see the hens strutting around in the dairy courtyard...................look out the kitchen window and see the YELLOWHAMMER.................look at the birdboxes and the bluetits are nesting..............the old dairy walls house at least 2 great tit nests....................a robin nesting in the cartshed..............and the swallows are nest building again 2011-4-24 12:29:02 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#91954 Our first group taking advantage of our walking package completed St Cuthberts Way last week. They had fantastic weather and really enjoyed being able to stay in one location and not keep packing and unpacking each day. The only real problem that we encountered was that our new car was playing up and finally died on Thursday on the way to Wooler. Luckily even though we were in an area where ALL the mobiles were out of signal we broke down near to some houses so a quick dash and a grovelling Marilyn later and I phoned Jon who rushed over with another car so the group were only delayed by about 30 mins max. Thank you so much the kind man in Kirknewton who helped us with unlimited use of his phone. Elsbeth who was the group leader has also offered to be a guide for other groups wishing to take on St Cuthberts Way but are not confident enough to do the walk on their own. This group was made up of a group of Swiss American and British. Our next group is a couple from Australia. Your ... 2011-4-17 21:33:15 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#91953 Finally got our hens yesterday. Took the grandchildren to East Links Family Park and fed up with never getting everything ready for them decided to do the deed and brought home 12. Had to put them in our summer house until their own accommodation is ready but they have settled in well and even with all the distrubance we still got one egg today hopefully more tomorrow. Have spent all day clearing out space in the old dairy courtyard and building the hen house. Will sort out the run tomorrow hopefully and then perhaps they will be in their new home Wed or Thurs. Roll on home produced fresh eggs 2011-4-17 21:30:54 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#90295 Were back home after a 2 week cruise to the Canaries refreshed and ready to go for the new season. The lambs are in the fields the daffs are starting to come out and we already have some tulips in flower. Today the sun is shining and I cant wait to get out in the garden this week to repair the damage of our last hard winter. One of our large conifers has to be removed and some of our other plants lavenders and fushias look like they need replacing as they were new last year they werent strong enough to survive the snow and cold. The potatoes are chitting getting ready for planting and the autumn planted onions are pushing their way through. Were hoping to be able to supply most of our own breakfast strawberries this year and we have bought a polytunnel in the hope that all the tomatoes will be home grown as well. Ive just made the marmalade for the season hope it is enough grapefruit amp lemon lemon amp lime and orange and this week I start the baking for packed lunches. While ... 2011-3-27 10:36:03 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#88293 Friends have recently started building a smallholding on their property Colemanstone in Gordon. Have just bought a few of their first batch of sausages to try. The guest that tried them said they were fantastic tasted just like he remembers sausages tasting when he was a child. We have spent rather a lot of money on the B amp B this week. New headboards for Poppy quilt and bed runners for Lavender and Thistle matress covers for the twin beds a new sign to put outside a new table for the dining room which removes the necessity for two tables and still gives everyone lots of space without overcrowding the room AND a new but secondhand 7 seater car to transport our walkers around. Bookings are still going well we are getting close to 50 of the bookings we had last season already and we are only just into March. Dont leave it too long before you book your short break 2011-3-2 19:44:45 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#88113 Never enough time in the day the week the month etc etc......... We try to have a few weeks in Dec amp Jan to recharge the batteries and get a few jobs done around the house in readiness for the new season. This year the weeks disappeared and we have only got a fraction of our jobs done...........why.........eldest son and wife has produced 5th grandchild plus lots of illness prior to and after the birth which meant that grandma has spent a fair bit of time back and forth to Edinburgh or having grandchildren at home not that she minds one little bit. James 8 Abigail 7 Robert 5 and Katherine 3 now have a baby brother George. We have managed to replace the shower screens in two of the bathrooms the new innovative ones that we got at the ideal home were NOT as good as they were supposed to be and were a nightmare to try and keep clean. Thistle and its ensuite have both been spruced up new headboards ordered for Poppy and we are hoping a major revamp in Claret before the bookings really ... 2011-2-28 20:07:27 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#83861 I couldnt believe that it was 6 months since Ive written on the Blog. We were so busy this year not that we are complaining that the Blog and emails had to take a back seat. We also had to fit in Jons sons wedding at the end of September so by the time the daily number of guests slowed down a bit we were more than ready for our holiday. We wanted somewhere warm and went to Tenerife for 2 weeks just as well because the day before we were due to fly back Nov 25th the snow arrived here and it is yet to go. 6 weeks later we still have huge piles of compressed snow and ice from where it has fallen off the roof and from the constant digging of paths and parking spaces for our guests. We are now in maintenance mode and trying to get the rooms in the house refreshed. Thistle has been done and we are hoping to take out the old cupboards in Claret and replace them with modern furniture but we have to find someone to make some coving to match the 19th century coving that was cut away when the... 2011-1-4 16:57:30 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#71202 Weve had a succession of very contented and happy guests this week. First a group of 6 who were walking or supporting two of the group that were finishing the Pennine Way. One of the walkers also celebrated his 60th while with us and the whole group celebrated with a 4 course meal that we prepared for them. They supplied their own drinks and had a super evening inviting us to join them once we had served the last course. Another couple on their way back to Lossiemouth after a holiday booked on laterooms and were thrilled with everything here the location the scenery and the accommodation. And finally a lone Pennine Way walker that took us up on our Pennine Way package. He left saying we were one of the best B amp Bs hes ever stayed in and certainly the best on this trip. He even bought Jon a bottle of port as a birthday pressie. We certainly dont have the biggest of rooms but what our guests seem to like is the fact that they are made to feel at home and we try hard to live up to o... 2010-7-25 15:51:19 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#70037 Its been a while since I have updated the blog. We have been very busy thank you to all our guests and I think Ive ended up a bit brain dead of late...........maybe it was reaching that awful age that I celebrated 6 weeks ago. We have a few gaps in July and August so if you are still undecided there are a couple of short breaks available for self catering and then a reasonable spread of B amp B dates. Weve had quite a few takers for our St Cuthberts Way Walking Break package some have taken it for just the middle section and others for the whole walk. After our gardener decided to try a new life in Sweden and then when we were 95 full in May with little time for anything but the house and our guests the garden wasnt in too good a state. BUT we have managed to finally get the veg garden planted and Peter the Gardener has reappeared and after 3 days hard work has got it looking spick and span again. Probably means our potatoes wont be ready until Christmas Im having a couple of d... 2010-7-10 15:49:27 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#66207 The first two guests to take up the St Cuthberts Way package complete their holiday tomorrow. Everything has gone really well and they have enjoyed the walking knowing that they dont need to move on the next day. We gave them a booklet with details of some of the history of the area towns monuments and places and gave them a meal on their first night our meals are always 3 courses with wine and coffee. Each day we have taken them to the start of their walk or where they finished the night before via local sights and towns so that they have seen something of the area. At the end of the day we pick them up and bring them home. The two ladies have also taken advantage of our spa treatments and yesterday spent the evening so chilled out I wondered if they would be able to rouse themselves for the final leg to Holy Island today. .......and then today we have had a booking for 4 more guests to take the package in August. Other guests have taken a part package and have used us for the secti... 2010-5-26 19:33:16 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#66206 We had a walking group from the Wirral staying over the weekend. It was quite nice to have everyone knowing each other meal times were buzzing and they seemed to enjoy themselves. Several of the group were finishing off the Pennine Way and other were undertaking shorter walks around the area. On Sunday evening we held a formal sit down meal for 11 quite an undertaking with three choices for each course but it went well especially considering the shelves on the door of the fridge broke just as we were serving the starterswhich resulted in 4 pints of both milk and orange juice forming a large lake on the kitchen floor. 2010-5-26 19:28:12 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#64529 Well come and stay with us It has been great to see our guests so chilled out and laid back. Many are now using the hot tub and they come prepared with plastic wine glasses and a bottle of wine and just chill out. We are also having more enquiries about the treatments three lady walkers have just booked the Total Timeout for Ladies they are staying with us while doing St Cuthberts Way and as the day they arrive is a short walking day they are using their time in the best way they know how. Congratulations to Andi and Kathy who celebrated their anniversary last weekend. Weve had some super compliments about our evening meals lately Excellent and As good as anything weve had in any of the local restaurants. We are currently working on discounts for long stay Bed amp Breakfast guests. We hope to be able to apply a discount to any stay over 4 nights. We will similarly formalise discounts for group bookings... still working out the finances 2010-5-4 16:21:47 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#63584 It always lifts my mood when I see the swallows and today I saw a couple in the advanced party checking out the old outbuildings for their nest sites again. Please dont let the weather turn again...just let them have a fighting chance to reproduce and get back to their old numbers. All the birds are starting to build nests now and it looks like we will have some bluetits in the new nesting box that we have put up just outside the dining room window will be great to watch them progress each day. We put up about 6 nesting boxes and 4 roosting pockets last autumn so we are hoping that there will be more than just the one new family to watch. 2010-4-22 13:30:57 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#63414 The volcano eruption has spoilt many a holiday and lots of people seem to be going to Scotland. We have already had a couple that should have been in Crete and another that was heading for Nice. Our first guests have gone on the private tour of Thirlestane Castle that I can arrange with the castle administrator. The castle doesnt open til May so this really is a special. We received a fantastic thank you letter from one of our guests yesterday. They stayed just one night at the end of March but as well as themselves we also provided an evening meal for the rest of their family that were camping while doing St Cuthberts Way it is great that they took the time to show their appreciation. 2010-4-20 13:04:34 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#62013 Weve had our first photography activity break and our guests went away very happy. We have also had our first booking for the St Cuthnerts Way Walking Holiday the lady booking it is very excited about what we are offering a change from the traditional walking holiday which necessitates moving on each day to a new B amp B or guest house. We have already got a couple of bookings for our Pennine Way package so things are looking good for 2010. We laid on a special meal for a walking group on Tuesday and we have more of those planned in May. 2010-4-2 11:21:56 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#60894 Back from Sunny Spain to lovely sunny Scotland. Finally snow free but soooooo windy today. So today is what we really consider the start of our second season we have been saying once we get back from holiday well do this and that so now we have got to get going. Sort out the chicken run order the hens insulate the summer house for our treatment room start in the veggie garden. 2010-3-19 10:45:04 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#60618 We have a lovely apartment where we are staying and although they have had terrible weather in this part of Spain for the last couple of months the sun has shone most of the time and it has been just like a spring day back in the uk.................................................but......................the Tv blew up on our first day a heater blew up two days ago and last night the water tank leaked into our wardrobe The only thing that hasnt gone wrong so far is the internet connection so at least we can check the bookings etc each day. 2010-3-16 07:12:24 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#60227 Currently in Mijas in Spain on hols. Didnt realise how much we needed a break havent woken up before 10.30 each day. Still will e ready for the new season when we get back. 2010-3-10 11:33:28 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#60225 Have finally got all the details of the treatments etc on the website. It will be a while before the treatment room is ready but we can use a room in the house instead. There will be something for everyone no matter your age or sex walkersmassages girly weekends waxingamp tanning relaxation breaks...the works Still have to sort out the relaxation breaks have sources for group hypnotherapy visualisation reiki crystals therapies and reflexology 2010-3-10 11:26:29 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#58992 Well our Valentine Weekend Special went really well. It was the first time we had tried a package option and I think it worked well. The treatments were a huge success and Tracey our beauty therapist now comes well recommended by our own guests. We had a Bucks Fizz breakfast included in the package but our guests also asked for dinner on the Saturday night. Even I was pleased with the way it went the table looked good and the food went without a hitch their comment its so good to go out to dinner in your stockinged feet and not have to drive home. We are having trouble getting our treatment room ready. The weather has tied up all the local tradesmen so they are behind with their work and we have had to have our back porch reroofed it started leaking so badly that we had to have a dustbin in the porch catching the drips that often turned into a cascade. The weight of the snow had made things worse and we were told we were lucky the roof hadnt caved in Lucky that it isnt an entranc... 2010-2-22 22:29:29 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#57419 Its been a while since Ive updated the blog. Jon amp I have had a couple of trips away we went to Brugges for a couple of days in December then went south to stay with family over Christmas and have just had a Centre Parcs break with our two youngest grandchildren. Just a couple of days in London to see Oliver with the elder two before we have our holiday in Spain in March and then well be back to work full time. We decided to close up to the online agencies and only take a few bookings during Dec amp Jan. Our guests around Christmas and New Year all turned up more than they did at one of our local pubs who lost all their business once the snow started. We had a lot of snow it was nearly 5 weeks before we saw the grass in the fields again. The amount of snow on the roof and the length of icicles was unbelievable. The snow pulled one of the soil pipes off of the wall pulled gutters off and we lost a few slates but not as bad as alot of the local farmers that had stores completely ... 2010-1-31 22:26:17 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#53685 Photography and Birdwatching short breaks have now been arranged for the spring with a Relaxation break in the planning process. I also intend to advertise a Valentine Weekend Special pampering treats wine and a late checkout. Hope to get the newletter out within a couple of weeks.... in time for Christmas ....Boxing Day being the time when people start thinking about holidays 2009-11-30 15:59:28 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#53017 Not only will you be able to laze in the hot tub when you visit from now on but from Easter next year we are hoping to offer health amp beauty treatments for men and women. One of the local therapists who has worked at Stobo castle amp the Roxburghe Hotel and now has her own salon is willing to come and treat everyone to a wee bit of luxury and pampering. We are currently finalising arrangements and Jon amp I need to prepare a room for this but from April latest you will be able to have a massage facial manicure pedicure eyelash tinting tanning reiki hopi ear candles and much much more. Im also going to be looking for someone with reflexology skills that can also be available for prebooked treatments. So all you walkers and those just wanting pampering ....The Farmhouse is the place to come. The new beds are now in place and what a difference they make both in comfort and to the look of the rooms. Im also putting together a calendar of all the events that have been confirmed in and... 2009-11-21 13:13:49 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#52100 Only another couple of weeks and we will be shutting the door for a few weeks to give us time to touch up the paint work and get ready for 2010. We are over the moon with our trading in 2009. We have 100 recommendation on laterooms several of our guests have already been back more than once and we are looking at ways we can improve for next year. We are going to replace the two double beds ordered today in Thistle and Lavender and have already replaced most of our pillows although they were mostly new this year they were of a very poor quality and the new M amp S ones I have just bought are a huge improvement. One of the duvets is also going to be replaced again it was a new one I shouldnt have been seduced by the bargain I am trying to rearrange the Thistle room to give a little more space I dont have many options as I am limited by doors amp windows but I dont give in easily We are going to change our breakfast menu providing other options such as bacon butties sausage sandwich... 2009-11-6 22:17:49 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#52094 We have three bird feeding spots in the garden. One and our favourite is outside the front door and can easily seen from the kitchen. We see loads of different birds the normal blue amp great tits coal tits and long tailed tits siskins sparrows chaffinches robins blackbirds dunnocks I think green finches gold finches rooks jackdaws ring necked doves the odd pheasant very occasionally a yellow hammer and today a great spotted woodpecker. We have seen them a couple of times before but at least a couple of years ago so today was quite a thrill almost as good as the day I looked out and saw a barn owl on the bird table. 2009-11-6 22:08:51 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#51864 Well tonight was calm and not too cold so I took my first dip in the hot tub since its commissioning. At 100F the fact that it is November was irrelevant as we sat glass of wine in hand under the stars in the steamimg water as the clock in the Kirk chimed midnight. Who would have thought it 2009-11-3 00:14:37 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#51863 What a fabulous day we had on Saturday. My friend who is the administrator at Thirlestane invited us Jon amp I and our friends from London Ireland amp Australia to see the hunt leaving the castle and then gave them a private tour of the castle they didnt stop talking about it all weekend. Thirlestane is such a lovely place. 2009-11-3 00:11:31 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#51507 The hot tub arrived and after a lot of cutting down of tree branches and shrubs it is finally in place. Things didnt start too well when the driver of the lorry that delivered it said the tail lift on the lorry a huge beast wasnt big enough to get the tub off and onto the ground. I had already arranged for one of the local farmers to lend me 2 of his men and a fork lift to lift it over our drystone wall and into the garden.....but they were out moving cattle at the time. So we had to have the tub delivered to the garage in the other village as they could offload it with their fork lift then once the cattle were moved the hot tub was back on the move from Town Yetholm to Kirk Yetholm on the farmers fork lift. Then we had to get it into the garden quite a task in itself one large branch off the eucalyptus tree an espalier apple is now a stump about 12inches high and many of the other shrubs are a shadow of their former selves....but it is in The electrician has done most of the wir... 2009-10-28 17:22:04 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#51467 We have a guest staying this week that was interested in doing some trout fishing I put them on to Forrest of Kelso and also Ron at Tweedguide but they did some more research on the net and came up with a Trout Fishery over at Chatton. He spent the day there today and not only did he catch two fish one of which weighed 5lb I think he gave the big one to us what a star cos not only did he gererously give it away but he gutted it and prepared it for us as well. It has now gone into the freezer for our dinner on Thursday when we have friends arriving from London Ireland and Australia no paying guests for much of the latter half of the week...too much catching up with old friends to do. 2009-10-27 21:54:05 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#51135 I have spent the last few weeks making more jam drinks and soups that are all in store to get us through the winter and where the jam is concerned probably through next season. The fruit has been so good this year even the wild and ornamental trees have produced fruit we had pounds of plums off of trees that in some cases I knew were relatives to the fruiting plum tree one tree at the bottom of the garden which must have been in place for decades suddenly produced the most beautiful and sweet golden plums a really rich gold not the yellows that you see in the shops. We have had pounds of crab apples blackcurrants damsons gooseberries and raspberries plus loads of wild fruit such as elderberries sloes the berries from hawthorn trees and rowanberries. I missed the blackberries and rosehips. So we have plum rasberry apple elderberry amp apple raspberry amp apple cherry gooseberry and damson jams plus the most delicious apple butter made for the first time this year. It is an American ... 2009-10-21 23:51:57 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#50442 I managed to win a Hot Tub on ebay last night I had been after several but finally won one. It is a large 67 seater that we will be putting in a sheltered spot in the garden so that it will be useable all year round. So all you guests visiting in 2010 and maybe even from Nov 2009 bring your swimsuits with you 2009-10-12 11:42:37 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#50441 Last weekend Oct 34 saw the start of the Kelso Races season. We had several couples staying that were attending the races. 2 couples stayed after the races and arrived in good spirits because not only did they have a horse that they owned racing but it also won 2009-10-12 11:40:01 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#48567 Exactly one week ago I had just left to drive to Edinburgh to run my sons hotel virtually single handed for the weekend. He had let it for a month to performers at the Edinburgh Festival but unfortunately when it was handed back it was in a bit of a state and he had 20 guests booked in for the weekend. Luckily I had the parttime help of one of his long term guests and between us we muddled through the weekend. It was a bit of a panic when I went to serve breakfast on Sat morning and coulnt find enough cutlery for more than 6 guests....luckily Tescos is just around the corner. Anyway we finally got straight and I think the guests had a good time. Meanwhile Jon had a houseful at The Farmhouse he managed the evening meals that were booked and all in all we had a really sucessful if not exhausting weekend. Our bookings keep coming in our first season has exceeded all our expectations. We seem to be getting quite a few business people staying now along with holiday makers although the wal... 2009-9-11 21:28:54 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#47835 We must be doing something right in the garden. Today while having his lunch our gardener saw a red squirrel on our new lawn. I intend to make a feature of the wildlife in the garden by putting up lots of nesting boxes and creating log piles etc.....but I never expected a red squirrel. 2009-8-31 17:33:02 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#47812 We have put together a package for all would be St Cuthberts Way walkers stay in the same B amp B relax in our gardens or read on the terrace when not walking eat good homecooked food and be transported to the start of your walk each day and picked up each evening. Start and finish where it suits you not where there happens to be a B amp B. Prices get cheaper per person as the group gets larger. If some partners dont want to walk they could perhaps fish shop or tour while their partner is walking but still see them in the evenings.....just need to talk to us and we can make up the package to suit the party. 2009-8-31 12:28:28 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#47805 We have just had 2 very special guests Mr amp Mrs Young that just make me happy to see them. Having just celebrated their Ruby Wedding they have bought themselves a fabulous Ruby red Honda Goldwing. Motorbikes have a special appeal for me not that I have ever ridden one but to see two people obviously devoted to each other on such a fab machine just makes me happy to be alive. Unfortunately Mrs Young isnt too well so they have had to cut short their stay but I hope they have many more years of pleasure touring on their brilliant bike. 2009-8-31 09:55:40 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#47320 The last 6 weeks have been a struggle as many of our recent guests will know. On July 13th I tripped over and broke my arm. Cooking breakfast and evening meals has at times been very difficult the plaster cast making it impossible to carry pots and pans in my left hand and even holding and slicing food has been awkward. Well the cast came off 2 days ago and although it is sore and a little swollen I just have to get the strength back in it....poor Jon....hes still going to have to do the rooms for a while yet 2009-8-22 10:57:59 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#47319 Weve had some fantastic reviews on Laterooms one which we had a preview of today had 3 excellents in 2 short sentences. To see them log on to www.laterooms.co.uk 2009-8-22 10:54:39 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#46669 We get lots of comments about our food and its presentation. Many say how nice it is that we dont serve jam in the plastic individual serving pots...................but that would be impossible as the jams and marmalades are all home made often from our own home grown fruit. We are also serving our own veg now potatoes courgettes broad beans and salad so far but much more to come and of course all the herbs are from the garden as well...........and we mustnt forget the homemade raspberry vodka liqueur mainly for our own consumption 2009-8-10 12:36:16 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#46666 .................and last nights guests did just that. On the way to the wedding of one of the group they had a birthday to celebrate. The house was decorated with banners and helium balloons and they enjoyed a family meal complete with homemade raspberry liqueur..............their comments.................great food warm welcome just like being at home 2009-8-10 12:18:35 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#46665 The last 4 weeks have seen a transformation in our gardens. The garden that led down to the old mill lade was so steep and unmanageable plus two years of building work had left it a total mess deep in weeds and rubble. Our new gardener has worked so hard and it is turning into a peaceful haven with winding paths seating lawns and a large pond. The colour scheme will be restful pinks whites and blues. Just the place to go to escape from the troubles of the world 2009-8-10 12:16:15 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#43991 ............and then we had a mass invasion of Pennine Way walkers...we saw 6 in 2 days The jacuzzi bath had a good workout 2009-6-27 22:55:13 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#43990 Only two days after the exodus of the dogs and we were full of musicians and crew. Playing a show in Kelso they stayed with us before moving on to Peebles with their Elvis Show. One of the guys was a member of MUD of Tiger Feet fame and another was called Rock Star. It was quite funny being around the ageing rockers....happier with a cup of tea than smashing their guitars and thinking about throwing our TV sets out of the windows....well we all have to get older 2009-6-27 22:49:33 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#43989 No one can accuse us of not being dog friendly Last week was the championship dog show at the Kelso Showground over the course of the weekend we had Border terriers West Highland Terriors Bearded Collies Dalmations and Spaniels booked in but you would never have known it they were all so well behaved had their special crates to sleep in and we didnt hear them at all. Didnt even worry our own dogs 2009-6-27 22:45:15 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#40656 It has been interesting understanding why people come to the Borders to stay.We have already had bookings from participants in the Jim Clark Rally exhibitors and competitors at dog shows at the Border Union Showground walkers on St Cuthberts Way and The Pennine Way people attending weddings and just plain holiday makers. 2009-4-27 21:58:41 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#40655 HAve just spent the day compiling a database of activities and places to go when staying in the Borders. I intend to offer a holiday planning service to anyone staying more than a couple of days. Ive also printed off a load of walks and bike rides with their maps and am going to laminate them all. Nothing huge like the Pennine WAy or St Cuthberts Way but walks that people can do in a day. 2009-4-27 21:55:01 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#40237 The words of others usually describe your work better than you can yourself. We had a launch party on Saturday when many of our neighbours from Kirk Yetholm saw the renovation work for the first time. A few of the comments follow we were truly amazed at the transformation.....it is beautiful...definitely has the wow factor..... it is so sympathetically done making the most of gorgeous wood and stone....your home is a triumph amp that view across to the sunset from the balcony is a delight 2009-4-21 13:18:43 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#40127 Well today I took some of our guests out birdwatching a trial run with the expert that I hope to use for future birdwatching days out Ron McCombe of Borders Birdwatching Tours. The weather was glorious and we had a fabulous day travelling down the east coast from St Abbs Head to Burnmouth. We saw the birds flying to Bass Rock to nest thousands nesting at St Abbs Head and then waders and other coastal birds...not to mention the seals sunbathing in Eyemouth Harbour. All I have to do now is develop the birdwatching package and the web pages to promote it. 2009-4-19 20:43:28 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#39741 Every available bed will be used next weekend 17 19 April as we hold our houseparty to celebrate the completion of the renovation work. Looking forward to seeing friends and family from far and wide 2009-4-13 14:11:16 http://www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com/page28.htm#39672 Its Easter and the sun is shining on a new season and a new way of life. After all the builders and upheaval of the last 2 years we have finally managed to open our new accommodation business at THE FARMHOUSE at Yetholm Mill Kirk Yetholm. The cottage has been taken by a couple with a young family. They have brought their dog with them and of course they only have to walk a few yards and they are in the fields and can let him run free. We have also had a young New Zealand couple walking St Cuthberts Way. They chose to have an evening meal....and the new posh china came in very handy 2009-4-12 11:04:05