Candes Saint-Martin, my favourite spot in La Touraine.

Thursday 14 July 2011

Number One - and top of the bill

What happened before.

When I had made my reservation at Number One in May, I had deliberately asked for the room on the ground floor, which had an en-suite bathroom with a shower. Ever since my sciatic nerve problem last February, I try to avoid stairs whenever I can, because I’m afraid that walking too many stairs may trigger a new attack.

However, upon my arrival Neil, being the perfect host, suggested that I’d take a look at the two rooms on the first floor. Apparently the room I had originally booked was the smallest of the house, and therefore not very suitable for a longer stay. Being the first guest to arrive, I was thus given a choice of rooms. After visiting rooms number 1, 2 and 3 I resolutely chose room 2, which was situated on the first floor. It had a lovely bay window, a nice Victorian mantelpiece and a snug en-suite bathroom with a very practical and large shower.



'Junior' - my netbook - on the desk
in my bedroom at the Number One B and B.

The room was spic and span and beautifully furnished, with a large double bed, an elegant chest of drawers, a stylish desk, a large flat-screen TV and a mini-bar. There were fluffy towels embroidered with the name of the B&B and a pristine white bath gown. A small shelf in the shower contained an attractive selection of little flasks of shower gel, shampoo and body lotion. On the pillow lay a piece of chocolate in a colourful wrapping. This place was the perfect combination of the conveniences of a four star hotel and the intimacy of a cosy bed & breakfast. I immediately felt I home, and assured Neil that I was definitely going to like it here.

Trendy decor - notice the chocolate on the pillow!

While I was upstairs checking out the rooms, my friend Mats arrived. I hadn’t seen him since he came to Belgium in 2007 and this ‘reunion’ was therefore great fun. While he was carrying up his luggage to him room, Teresa returned from parking the car. Again there was a lot of kissing and hugging when she saw Mats, because their last meeting goes all the way back to 1974, when Mats stayed at Teresa’s mother’s house in Kingsdown for the second and last time.

A snug en-suite with a comfortable shower.

Neil was quite impressed when he heard our story; about Teresa’s mother hosting foreign language students in the 1970-ies, and how Mats and I met while staying there.

By then it was half past eight and it was still raining. We decided to go out for a quick bite to eat, before turning in because it had been a long and very emotional day for all of us.

8 comments:

Bob said...

Wasn't it nice to be given a choice of rooms? Looks like you selected the one they used on their website. Very nice accomodations.

Craig said...

That B&B looks exceptional Martine. As you say, to receive the amenities of a 4 star hotel in the ambience of a B&B is a wonderful combination.

Mark said...

That room is too beautiful. I wouldn't know what to do with a room that didn't have piles of laundry in it.
Your Friend, m.

Niall & Antoinette said...

looks like a super B&B!

chm said...

Seems your accommodations were pretty neat!

Louise said...

What a lovely little place, with exquisite attention to detail obviously. A real find!

Amanda said...

I have been reading your last few postings all at once as I have been working very long hours.
That B&B is just gorgeous and the train just wonderful. You really made me miss Europe.

ladybird said...

Bob, It was the nicest room of the house, but slightly noisier than the one at the back of the premises.

Craig, I can warmly recommend this B and B because it's perfect and two hosts - Neil and Paul - are the best!

Mark, I didn't have to worry about laundry, as Neil did the room every day. Vacuuming, making the bed and polishing the bathroom. The place was spotlessly clean.

N & A, Probably the best I've ever stayed in.

Chm, They were sheer perfection.

Louise, I consider myself very lucky to have found this place on the internet.

Nadege, Hope you have some time to relax now. Number One is just the right place for that.