In 2011 we managed to replace every old mattress, every old sofa, all the TV's, 18 bathrooms, several kitchens, create a whole new top standard 12 bed cottage, insulate every roof, put in new double glazing, replace
all the outdoor furniture and BBQs, replace all the cutlery &
crockery, nearly half of the white goods, and nearly all of the linen
and curtains.
In 2012 we totally redecorated Apple Tree Cottage including new central heating to bring it to the level of the nearby Cider Barn. The drive to Apple Tree and The Cider Barn was also completed. At Woodhouse Farm we have created the new games room, redecorated the swimming pool area, added a sauna and built a new Children's Playground. A new 50KW solar array now powers the cottages at Woodhouse Farm. Endeavour Farmhouse has been upgraded with a new sauna too. All cottages now have modern lighting systems which not only look nicer, but use much less energy. The Old School House has had new central heating installed, with plans for 2013 to redecorate it. All cottages now have WiFi and are fully insulated with new materials to make them toasty all year-round!
In 2013 we'll be at it again! The main project will hopefully be the start of planning Ashcombe's own Country Inn 'Ashcombe Court'.
The two barns at Court Farm will be converted to be a superb country inn producing locally sourced food from a top chef with a great entertainment barn for weddings and corporate groups next door. Located next to the Ashcombe church, Ashcombe Court will make a great wedding venue. The facility will have accommodation for another 14 people and will include an indoor swimming pool and health spa. Creating a high quality restaurant on the estate for cottage visitors and residents will be excellent news for everyone; less travelling and less expense with good value food and drink.
In 2013 we will totally refurbish The Old School House. Make a sun deck at Badger Cottage. Rebuilt The Cider Barn
car park so you can turn around more easily up there. Most importantly for our winter guests we will be replacing the nightstore heaters in the cottages with new modern
electric radiators which are much better. The Old School House (thank you Calum Best on twitter!) is currently being renovated and will be back in service soon with new wooden floors, decoration, furniture and central heating.
We look forward to seeing you throughout the year when you might be able to sample the 2012 vintage Ashcombe Cider back in production after many years!
