self centred softy

5 Star Treatment

The grading officer from the Wales Tourist Board called at the apartment at Croft Court today.

The grading went really well, he had no hesitation in awarding the apartment 5 stars, which is the top grading for self-catering accommodation. There are only two or three other 5* properties in Tenby and it is the first 5 stars to be awarded to a Croft Court apartment.

He told me it was the best presented property he had seen. I can't resist repeating his written summary comments here:

" An extremely well appointed property, finished to a high degree and also offering stunning views from the balcony area. A different concept is on offer here with many extras over and above the normal being offered to provide a service element to the self-catering operation. An extensive hamper is on offer with fresh vegetables and grocery plus wine and basics. Oils, extensive toiletries, gowns, beach and bath towels are just some of the extras available. Guests can also arrange to have meals provided. The property has also had some interior design input to creat impressive accommodation. Credit has to go to the owners for the attention to detail. The 5 star grade is awarded following this visit"

Well done Andy, John and Colin. 5 stars all round.

Cooker falls off the back of lorry and onto Track

Following on from the "It's all right said Fred" post the Tenby cooker has found a new home with the charity Track 2000 in Cardiff. They take unwanted household items, recondition them and pass them on to those in need.

John the plumber brought it back from Tenby in his lorry. He's been doing so much shifting and carrying over the last few weeks his knees and fingers are in need of some reconditioning.

Coastal Chic comes to Croft Court

The Tenby apartment is now finished and available for holiday letting. We are really pleased with the way it looks. Even my parents think it looks great. Dad gave a Changing Rooms-esque gasp when he saw it for the first time and said it had "real class" (He seems to temporarily adopted the Changing Rooms parlance as well)
www.visitwestwales.com

The flying surveyor and other UFOs

Things are hotting up in the Tenby kitchen and this is nothing to do with the "tug of love" cooker (see the "It's alright said Fred" post).

There was a big debate today between John the plumber, Colin the surveyor and me about where the kitchen ends and the living room begins. John wanted to take the "bumpy white" kitchen tiles halfway into the living area but Colin and I disagreed. This was the wrong answer as far as John was concerned. He has now threatened to throw Colin off the balcony if he comes to the apartment again.

He is joking of course, but Colin has now decided there is no pressing need for him to visit next week.

Meanwhile the cooker remains unmoved. I just hope I can find a good home for it. If the worst comes to the worst, it will be disposed of properly; it won’t be thrown off the balcony or tied up and tossed into the sea or abandoned on the street. A cooker is not just for Christmas (although it does come into its own during the festive season).

A tranquil South Beach, Tenby today.

Three men in a van.

"When we meet none of us will say a word and you'll have to guess which one is me," said John the plumber on the phone.

I was happy to go along with this harmless parlour game. I guessed right but I cheated. I saw John getting something from his van and he didn't see me. Now he thinks I am a very insightful person.

We had arranged to meet John and his two colleagues at the apartment in Croft Court, Tenby to discuss the refurbishment work. What a knowledgeable and entertaining crew! I had so much fun I have applied to be their assistant. I made the mistake, though, of telling them I am a fan of Lawrence Llewellyn-Bowen so I think I have ruled myself out of a job, judging by their reaction. Not such an insightful person then.

They very kindly agreed to take some furniture from Tenby to Cefnmeurig in John's van. They carried it all down three flights of steps and Anthony, who is going to strip the walls and floors, carried a large armchair down on one shoulder. Keith, my husband and a former back row forward, stood and watched in awe and admiration - which was a lot less tiring than carrying anything.

Tony relaxes between armchair lifts

John thought that Cefnmeurig was too remote for anyone from Cardiff to want to stay there. But then to John, Llandaff Fields are alarmingly remote.

As they trundled down the farm lane in their red van, back to the familiar sights and sounds of the city, a Red Kite soared above them. I hope they spotted it.

It's all right said Fred.

I read in the Sunday Times that the most obvious trait of an entrepreneur was an all-encompassing desire to win. Apparently, as well as taking no prisoners, they bayonet the wounded for good measure, on their way to the top.

My parents had summoned me to the Tenby apartment. For once, they were united. They had concerns about my plans to refurbish the apartment for letting - they thought an upgrade was totally unnecessary.

Do I act like an entrepreneur and ride roughshod over their wishes or do I bow to their concerns and compromise my plans? The very fact that I am asking the question probably means I am not a natural entrepreneur. I decide to rely on my powers of persuasion and hope they will be convinced.

Not only were my parents united, they had found an ally in Fred "he knows his paint" Hewitt. Fred is the retired handy man at Croft Court.

They were lying in wait for me when I arrived. "Fred is flabbergasted that we are spending money on the flat, he thinks it’s the best in the block. He should know, he has seen them all."

"But Fred hasn't read my business plan", I say, "He doesn't know what I'm trying to achieve."

"We thought your business plan was very good - as a work of creative fiction. We did not really think you would carry out your plans for Tenby."

Together they are a formidable force:
Mum: " Are you replacing the bathroom?"

Me: "Yes", while thinking to myself, "Please don't ask about the shower."

Dad: "You're not thinking of changing that brand new shower are you?"

Me: "Dad, the shower is 5 years old" (Dad has head in hands at this point) "People want a more powerful shower these days. We will be reusing the old shower at home." (He looks a little happier)

Dad: "We need a new fridge, but your not touching the kitchen are you?"

Me: "Well, we will be making some changes," while thinking, "Please don't ask about the cooker."

Mum: "At least you won’t have to change the cooker."

I know that a real entrepreneur at this point would look them both in the eye and say:
"Yes, I am changing the cooker," but I say, "I haven't decided yet; why don't we go out for lunch?"

At lunch, Dad says, " At least you can't mess with the view."



View from apartment taken just before lunch 23 May- No messing.