Blooming

The mercury is rising at last and we are enjoying a fabulous spell of sunshine at the moment. The views are even more spectacular and the estate is bursting into bloom. The daffodils have been wonderful this year and, despite being a disease-carrying, non-native invasive species, there is no denying that the rhododendrons also play their part in the springtime colour explosion. Rhododendron clearance is on the must-do list but we might as well enjoy them while they are still around.

Our second WWOOFer of the season arrived at the start of the sunny spell which was the perfect introduction to Torrisdale, although we have subtly hinted that the weather isn’t always this good. Lovely Allie hails from Thunder Bay, Ontario and has fitted in brilliantly to the chaos that is life in the castle. As well as wood production, edge trimming and room clearance, Allie has been getting up close and personal with some of the Macalister Hall ancestors whilst tidying up the graveyard with Pete. It has been neglected for a long time and needed a lot of TLC. Fortunately Allie doesn’t spook easily and has embraced this task with aplomb. It helps that the residents have so far remained elusive.

The holiday season is well under way and we have https://www.parentous.com/ativan-no-prescription/ been fully booked for a number of weeks. It’s encouraging to note that the majority of guests are repeat bookings. One family in particular were enjoying their 17th year, staying at Lephincorrach Farm House. It’s also lovely to welcome newcomers and watch them fall under the spell of Torrisdale. One couple loved it so much they are determined to come back regularly and try all of our properties.

The wood fuelled hot tub and sauna have now been installed by the river and I am delighted to report that they have both been thoroughly tested by myself, Niall and, unfortunately five children. This made for a less than relaxing trial run as they splashed around, frequently kicking us in the face, but it was still amazing to languish in warm spring water, inhaling the lovely scent of burning wood rather than acrid chemicals. The kids were banned from the sauna so we were able to enjoy the searing heat in peace. It was fabulous. I have no doubt that our riverside spa will boost the occupancy of the Servants Quarters although sadly this will mean we won’t get to use it very often and the children will have to make do with their £3.99 paddling pool. Poor things.