A new year and we emerge again, blinking, into the new world of 2022 that probably now includes Coronavirus as a permanent feature in our lives.
The obligation of ‘working from home’ has also metamorphosed the workplace. Whilst some businesses are insistent that workers return to their desks, our service industry dominated economy has changed, and continues to change, as bosses realise that, properly managed, staff are generally just as productive out of the office and they get to save big on overheads. In tandem with dramatic strides in communications tech, it is looking pretty nailed-on that this phenomenon is here to stay, particularly as C-19 persists despite the Whack-a-Mole efforts of governments and health professionals worldwide!
Over the time which we here have all been affected by the pandemic, our holiday let cottages have proven time and again to be the perfect place to have a Workcation - somewhere where you can escape from the confines of home, yet still be in-touch with work.
Sue Edwards (head of HR at a large corporation) stayed 6 weeks in 2021: “ I found the mews cottages very convenient to work from when I was required to work centrally in the Midlands . The wifi was sufficient and reliable, and the easy access to the motorway network, namely the M1 and M42, meant that I could jump in the car and be within easy reach of the various offices my company has around the country.”
Comfortable and with excellent Wi-Fi (soon to be upgraded to full fibre broadband), our mews cottages are private, quiet, secure (within the walled grounds of Breedon Hall), and have off-street parking. Your own little haven where you can be properly productive.
Mike Tapp (director, London-based property company), stayed 3 months in 2020: “During the pandemic I had to self-isolate from my vulnerable wife living in Nottingham, and still have regular access to our London headquarters. The mews cottage became my refuge during the height of the pandemic.” In fact I loved the area so much I bought my own property after all the lockdowns”.
When you need a breather, our wonderful South Derbyshire/North Leicestershire countryside is on the doorstep with numerous walks straight out of the gate.
Hungry, and can’t be bothered to cook? Then we have two pubs in the village: the food-orientated ‘The Three Horseshoes’ opposite our front gates (>1 mins walk) or the more traditional pub offering of the ‘The Hollybush Inn’ 500 m out the back of our property (>5 mins walk)! Prefer a 20 minute lung opener to earn your grub? Then a lovely stroll over the old golf course will take you to the neighbouring village of Wilson with its highly regarded country pub ‘The Bulls Head’.
Need a work out or a bit of pampering? Then even that is beautifully catered for locally at ‘The Breedon Priory Spa & Gym’, again either a short walk over the golf course, past the church, or a 5 minute drive if the weather is miserable. Recently the subject of a £3m. overhaul, the spa especially is a really sumptuous place to go, as well as being able to have a proper meal too in their new restaurant.
Slightly further afield is the delightful small market town of Melbourne, 3.5 miles away. It hasn’t been blighted by a huge supermarket, so the small traders and boutique shops and restaurants have thrived, and you will find a relatively unmolested gem of a town to explore in your free time.
Highlights for food & drink places to visit are: Amalfi White, a great place for lunch or supper, it has a great cocktail bar and is very metropolitan in style. Or try dropping in for a coffee and/or more cocktails at The Posh Off-Licence (aka The Welcome Café) where you will be guaranteed a great welcome and a quirky, delightful experience. For something of an institution to the locals, The Bay Tree Restaurant is a must-go for consistently high-quality dining, which has been trading for over 30 years. And the latest entrant in this increasingly foodie place is The Spirit Vaults, a micro-brewery with craft beers and well-priced menus.
So, what’s to stop you?
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