As the few of you following this blog might now know, we've essentially closed Gorge View Cottage as part of the national clamp down on non-essential movement. People were cancelling anyway. It is all necessary.

But the result is that we have an empty cottage, and as Mary said, it is a "resource", how can we put it to some use in these difficult times. We were already aware that in some big UK cities some hotel owners had closed hotels but then made rooms available for hospital workers. We also had an example of a friend or a friend we loosely know, a junior doctor in London, who was going home to her shared flat after a long shift, only to have a message to NOT come home - her flatmate had COVID-like symptoms. In order to stay safe, in order to continue working, she had to make instant adjustments and is now in an AirBnB (paying we think), living alone.

Now the cottage is a perfect place to live in short-term isolation, so we thought let's offer it, for free, to front-line NHS workers who needed to self-isolate for the recommended 7-days. Maybe like our distant friend they need to stay away from home because people at home are showing symptoms. Or maybe they have symptom's, cannot go to work, but equally don't want to take it home where isolation might then be the longer 14-days (as recommended for a household), or maybe some of their family are particularly vulnerable to the virus.

However, having made that decision the challenge was how to we get this message to the people who need to know. Googling around there was no clear point of contact. So eventually we put this up on the local area Facebook help page: "Corona & Cheddar Valley Community". Well some almost instant positive feedback, and one person wanting to take up the option for a week from Saturday (tomorrow). So some partial success. It even, within some hours, had the local radio station following up and asking for an on-air quick interview.

Yet we are still looking for better ways to communicate to the target groups. Some on the FB page have posted on to the local hospital. Maybe this might work? Equally though we are just one tiny place; there could be many needing this option; and there are possibly hundreds of self-catering places in Somerset alone that are currently empty. Not all will lend themselves to isolation: there might be too many shared areas; or the owners might be in a vulnerable category. But even so there might be many more who would like to help.

We don't have a solution. But hopefully as Social Media can help snowball these things, just maybe hospital HR support might notice us and connect us, or someone with tech skills to help create a platform, or someone who can help better communicate this. As and when we get any further development we'll be sure to update you all.

Thats's all for now but stay well and stay safe.

I didn't expect to be back in a blog within 24 hours. But we have just learned that the government have now required all pubs, cafes, restaurants and our social venues (so we presume tourist attractions like Cheddar Caves) to close forthwith. That significantly reduces some of the attractions of staying in the cottage, and we are also now thinking it is the responsible thing to do to not encourage people to travel when there is no need: staying at the cottage is not "essential".

As a result we are halting taking bookings: initially from March through April, but we'll review this. Those guests who have booked will be contacted and have the option to either cancel for a full refund, or postpone to a date later in the year, or even next year, with no penalty.

This is of course sad, because for those not looking for the shops and pubs, and Wells Cathedral and the Caves, there are the beautiful Mendip Hills and some brilliant walks. Not only good for physical and mental well-being, sustaining for the soul, but also some thing which is fundamentally an activity that meets "social distancing" requirements. The hills and the walks are something that is "normal", familiar, solid and takes in a landscape that is (tens of) thousands of years old (or more - I am not a geologist). The cottage is well isolated and we're cleaning it to exacting standards. For a few this could be just what is needed. But, still, we feel closing bookings for now is the right thing.

For anyone interested in staying, do follow the website and any further blogs, or indeed just get in touch.

Meanwhile, to all, we wish you well in coping with the strange, demanding and uncertain times. Stay well.

​Huw & Mary

Dateline: 19 March 2020

These are indeed extraordinary times. A global pandemic that is affecting people and countries around the world. Every day seems to see new developments in policy and guidance. We felt it important to update on where we stand at Gorge View Cottage. But to reassure: we are open for business.




Cleaning and hygiene
We are being scrupulous in the cleaning and turnaround of the cottage. We are firstly steam cleaning everywhere, followed by a cleaning of surfaces etc using a sanitising cleaner. And we finally clean door handles, the key and fob, and the TV control with Isopropyl alcohol. The cottage is only cleaned by Huw and/or Mary. We wash hands thoroughly every time before entering the cottage to clean, or carry on cleaning, and after leaving the cottage. We are fastidious about not touching our faces between entering and leaving. When you arrive we will be our usual welcoming and friendly selves but will be avoiding shaking hands or getting too close. And to be clear, neither of us has any symptoms that might suggest we have the virus, and we are certainly being careful ourselves with social distancing.

Shared space?
The cottage itself is wholly detached and independent. There are no shared spaces, it is entirely for you. In this respect we think it is a great place to continue any personal social distancing.

Food and supplies
Of course the cottage has everything you need to self-cater. You might want to bring all you own food and be completely self-contained. In Cheddar, within easy walking distance, there are convenience stores, specialist food stores, a Deli, and a Tesco Local and the main Sainsbury's store. As of today the Sainsbury's was generally well stocked and working normally, although of course they are asking that people limit shopping and don't mass-buy. The pubs are open at the moment, but naturally quiet which helps ensure social distancing if you should choose to go. Likewise the restaurants, but useful most restaurants do takeaway and some deliver. For Pizza, Chinese, Thai, Indian or Fish and Chips there are plenty of options, and all just two or three minutes away.
We also have a brilliant local grocery delivery company we've recommended and used for years: Somerset Local Food Direct. They deliver orders in Cheddar each week on Thursday or Friday - so you can order ahead online (before the Tuesday morning deadline) and have the food delivered to the cottage. They supply fresh vegetables and fruit, meats, dairy, grocery and deli goods, bakery items, ready meals and larder stock. Its pretty extensive and a lot of it is organic. If this is before you arrive we'll handle it and ensure it is stocked in the the cottage and if appropriate in the fridge/freezer, for your arrival. Currently they re finding they're getting a lot of extra traffic but seem to be coping: supplies are fine but manpower to deliver is stretching them and we and others locally are on hand to help.

What to do?
The obvious thing in these times is the walking. There are many lovely walks in and around Cheddar and we have maps and self-guide walking sheets for many of them. You can keep fit, stay socially distanced from anyone you pass, and enjoy this beautiful part of the world. Check out Cheddar Walking website for some ideas - walks ranging from 1/2 mile to 20 miles and everything in-between. Some on the flat, some up the hills. And we have the bikes if you should want to cycle off along the Strawberry Line old railway track and path.
The other options such as Cheddar caves are currently open but we suggest you check this and other visitor attractions online to be sure.

Stay safe, stay well
We hope this addresses some obvious questions, but if you are booked with us, or are thinking of booking, and have other questions then do please get in touch.

Huw and Mary