The view from an owner

Kate Boscawen, Whitton Hall, Shropshire

My parents started our B&B shortly after taking over the house from my grandparents in the 1970s. Our grandmother didn’t think we would be able to stay living at Whitton for long, but Mum and Dad knuckled down and made it work. It runs very well alongside the family dairy farm. Growing up with the business felt very natural: my brothers and I had to be quiet when guests were around and help with washing up, serving tea, and so on. Guests were always interested to hear if the house was haunted or if any celebrities had been to stay.

Between them my parents have taught me the art of a warm welcome and a high level of service, to be a good observer, and to anticipate people’s needs before they even know them themselves.

Although they are retired and live next door, they are still the driving force. Mum picks and arranges all the flowers from gardens that she and Dad have developed over the past 60 years – Dad is forever on the mower, making sure the stripes are on the lawn. But we also have a wider team. I am lucky to have a wonderful friend in the next village who has taken on cooking any evening meals, and a great couple of local ladies who help keep the house shipshape. Together they keep me sane! But being a B&B owner is probably a bit more relaxed than being a hotelier, as guests are coming to stay in your family home, with dogs running around – and sometimes my grown-up children and their friends.

TOP TIP FOR B&B GUESTS Let owners know if you have any particular requests well in advance. They don’t like surprises, and they’ll be far better able to accommodate your requirements.

TOP TIP FOR B&B OWNERS Keep a notebook of your guest’s likes and dislikes – this can be so useful if they come back.