The Idea

So this little jolly down in Wales had got me thinking.  There are millions of people in the UK who don't like to travel overseas for whatever reason; don't like the food, the weather, getting there and our green and pleasant land of good old blighty has a lot to offer you know.  I think you have to leave it for a while and then return to understand that last comment.  When I was eighteen I couldn't wait to leave the small market town in North Yorkshire I was brought up in, now, that's the rural life I crave for!  I think in life you do come 'full circle' and I have certainly seemed to have done that.  I used to look after hundrededs of UK tourists visiting Europe and the Med back in my day as a holiday rep, now I welcome our guests to our own holiday cottages in Nidderdale in the Yorkshire Dales!  Strange old life.  I suppose from 2002 until 2006 I was pretty much occupied with setting up my other two business ventures, mango events (organising events for corporates and individuals) and mango mutt, an on-line e-commerce business selling natural dog accessories, dog treats and food.  Since that first holiday to Wales, we have enjoyed short breaks in Scotland, Northumberland, Norfolk and Cornwall and have loved every new place we have visited.  I suppose my dream sounds all very romantic, it was and still is, but let's get down to basics, where did you find the funds to start it I hear you ask?  Until the next time.

In the beginning....

I've been thinking for a while that I should share my background and experience with you out there.  Many guests have asked me upon their arrival 'how did you get into running a holiday cottage business?'  Well the answer isn't too complicated, it happened rather by accident really.  No fancy business plan, just a simple idea that was born from our beloved rescue dog 'Murphy'.  We had adopted our black lab back in 2002 and were looking for our first doggie holiday with him in the UK.  I found it really hard to find somewhere to stay that was stylish and dog friendly.  We enjoyed our first holiday cottage experience in Pembrokeshire, Wales and have great memories of walking along the beaches, enjoying al freshco lunches and cosy nights in front of the log burner back at our rented cottage.  It took a few years to get to launching Ashknott Cottage, but that wonderful holiday back in September 2002 really did get me thinking.