Turns out that visits to The Man Bird’s ‘day job’ offices are like proverbial buses: none for ages, then two in quick succession! Having failed to book a room at The Congresbury Arms this time around, the quest was on to find somewhere else and, as luck would have it, His Nibs struck gold when he came across Willow Barn in Wick-St-Lawrence. Head Office is in Clevedon, but both Congresbury and Wick-St-Lawrence are only a short commute away, so both are ideal for future reference.
Judi is the lovely lady who owns Willow Barn, which looks as if it was once a self-contained annexe, and she’d got us all set-up for check-in…even down to writing His Nibs’ name on the parking spot! The first thing I noticed as we went through the hefty wooden gate was a rather magnificent double-seated swing-seat, handily sited under cover for late evening relaxation. If swinging seats aren’t your thing, there’s also a more traditional patio set to sit at whilst you look out over Judi’s stunning garden and the fields beyond. We dined out fairly early the first evening, so we made use of the views and mild weather as we sipped a glass of wine and listened to the birdsong that was all around.
As well as a comfy double bed, you’ll find a step-up corner shower enclosure (complete with toiletries), lots of hanging space for clothes, a refrigerator with Milk in for you, microwave, kettle and well-stocked hostess tray (with Kit-Kats to nibble on). Judi asks what time you would like breakfast and offers a choice of Scrambled Eggs or Continental style morsels in addition to the fresh fruit juice, cereals, yoghurts and toast that she brings through to you from her house next door. Honestly, Willow Barn couldn’t be more home-from-home.
I tend to ‘run hot’ at nights, so I was beyond pleased to see a remote-controlled Dyson fan on my side of the bed! Fresh air is not a problem either, thanks to the huge door that can be left open with a bug-screen insitu, and a window that opens nice and wide, too. The Man soon got his laptop set up at the large table, so I sprawled out on the squishy sofa at the end of the bed and chilled out watching TV whilst he took full advantage of the wi-fi to catch up on emails. Whilst I was poking around, I came across the takeaway menus for some local eateries – handy to know for future plans if we don’t want to drive in to Weston-super-Mare to dine.
Talking of the drive into Weston, I have to say that you go through some absolutely stunning countryside. Not quite as beautiful as the ‘Shire, obvs, but jolly close. As if to prevent any homesickness, we encountered narrow, bendy roads with passing places, single-vehicle steep bridges (like the one at Chatsworth House) and wildlife seemingly hell-bent on playing ‘chicken’ with our jalopy!
On both mornings, we started the day feeling refreshed after a solid slumber and with bellies full of a proper, home-cooked breakfast. Judi was the perfect host, leaving us to our own devices but ensuring that we returned both nights to a re-stocked hostess tray and a made-up bed. Sometimes, things just work out the way they’re meant to be, and this was certainly the case when His Nibs found Willow Barn on Booking.com. Hot Wings happily given to the lovely Judi and her gorgeous accommodation!
