Hepple Hill welcomes more than 50 guests
Villagers, friends, tradesmen and even the odd passerby visited came to our Open House at Hepple Hill.
After spending most of last year working on the cottage, we decided to throw a party to thank everyone who helped and give neighbours the opportunity to see what has been going on.
The countdown to our Open Day began in Costco at the Metro Centre, Gateshead. It was my first visit – what a place – and also made me realise how close we are to what was once the largest shopping centre in Europe. It was an easy 30 minute drive and, while I can’t imagine you would want to go to Costco while on holiday (!), there is plenty to do here. Obviously there are lots of shops and restaurants but also bowling, a 17 screen cinema with an IMAX and Treetop Golf. I must admit I am yet to try this out but from the description it sounds wild – essentially mini golf on steroids . The blurb from the Metro Centre website –https://themetrocentre.co.uk/stores/treetop-golf – describes it best.
‘Intrepid explorers are invited to discover our two indoor 18-hole immersive mini golf courses. Trail crumbling temples, cryptic carvings and stone serpents on the Ancient Explorer, or dodge twisting vines, vibrant locals, and wondrous wildlife on the Tropical Trail.’
Worth a visit on a rainy day? Possibly. If anything, it highlights how well positioned Hepple Hill Cottage is. We are on the edge of Edmundbyres Common in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty but if you fancy a trip to Wagamamas or Nandos or even a game of ‘immersive’ mini golf, you are about half an hour away.
No shortage of drink at open house at hepple hill
Excellent feedback from Hepple Hill guests
It was great to see Hepple Hill Cottage full of people on Saturday. We got lots of great feedback.
Five things our guests told us about Hepple Hill:
- The views are to die for and from every window
- It is so unique
- Love the vintage furniture (a 1970s rocking chair was a favourite)
- It’s somehow big and cosy at the same time.
- Who did all the amazing woodwork?
- Did I mention how amazing the views are?
(Top row from left to right) The drink flowed; Costco was an eye opener; whippy ice cream after a shop is a great idea.
(Bottom row from left to right) Stoves cooker with chest of drawers and marble top found on FaceBook marketplace; handy labels; preparations underway.
The Kitchen worked well
My friend Charlotte and her younger sister Alana did a great job putting on a spread for our Open House at Hepple Hill and it was the perfect opportunity to try out the kitchen. The cottage originally had a four oven Aga and while it looked amazing, it was simply too expensive to run so we have replaced it with a Stoves electric cooker with a cute lid to make it look country cottagey and an upcycled chest of drawers which we topped with a slab of marble – both Facebook Marketplace finds.
The kitchen was easy to work in and I have to give myself a pat on the back for equipping it brilliantly. The only thing I didn’t have was a pastry brush! If you stay at Hepple Hill in the winter months and fancy a baking session, you will find everything you need, including a pastry brush.
The doors opened at 2pm and at one point there must have been 20 people in the kitchen alone. By 7pm the remaining guests were relaxed on the sofas watching the Newcastle United FA Cup tie on our Smart TV. I haven’t used the television much so I was pleased to see the Freeview works as well as Netflix and Prime (which I have tried out).
It had been a great day. I was glowing with pride at the positive comments we received and it was great to see people relaxing and enjoying themselves. Hepple Hill really does have a ‘happy holiday’ vibe. I think I might have to reserve a week for myself before they all get booked up.
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