Winter baby

Karen Thorne shares the inner workings of her life as a B&B owner

Karen Thorne bed and Breakfast Academy

Born in January, I was a winter baby, and whilst I love spring and autumn, I’m really at my happiest when it’s time to snuggle down in front of the fire.

This summer I realised I was far more dormouse than lark, when my husband said how much he enjoyed the light summer evenings. And I was just wishing it would get dark so I could go and curl up.

Being a rural B&B owner is probably the ideal occupation for anyone who enjoys this semi hibernation.

Whilst my B&B would be at near 100% occupancy in the summer and autumn months, I’d always struggled to attract even my die hard repeat guests – those who came back several times a year – to visit us in winter.

For those guests who did brave the Shropshire countryside in the colder months, I loved creating a cosy rural retreat for them.

The open fire was always lit at breakfast. There’d be extra throws and heating in the bedroom and mince pies alongside the standard lemon drizzle.

On the breakfast menu there’d be autumnal specials such as apple and cinnamon pancakes and spiced poached plums. And my knitted pumpkins would be dotted around the Bed & Breakfast.

And then there’s the sheer beauty of the countryside at this time of year; the leafless trees and hedgerows allow more open views.

And those naked trees against glorious winter sunsets make for the perfect Instagram post.

What’s your favourite season at your B&B? Let me know!

Read this and other great stories in the December 2021 issue of Luxury BnB Magazine.

Read the December 2021 issue of Luxury BnB Magazine
Read the December 2021 issue of Luxury BnB Magazine

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About Karen Thorne 20 Articles
Karen is the owner of Bed and Breakfast Academy. She has run her own successful B&B in Shropshire, England, for 17 years and supporting and guiding aspiring and existing B&B owners through B&B academy for the last 15 years. If your dream is to run your own amazing bed and breakfast... I will support you to create a business you'll love owning, and which guests will love staying at.