...... a word from Ian Gordon (top bloke)
At the start of another year we would like to take the opportunity to thank all our guests to Valhalla for their custom and at times, forbearance. Holidays are an important part of our lives and we want your visit to us to be memorable for all the right reasons. We understand there are many self-catering cottages available and fully understand that we need to adapt and continuously improve to be able to keep you returning to enjoy Valhalla.Over the past 10 years we have gradually tried to improve the house so that that it feels like a “home from home“ in terms of comfort and convenience. It’s a difficult balance to provide all ….. not cluttered but not stripped back like so many rentals.Guests Suggestions for Improvement
In line to our desire to keeping improving, we would like to ask you for your input as to what additional changes and improvements we could make to make your stays even more comfortable. We are afraid that solving the midge problem cannot be one of them ! But please, if you can find a few minutes to help us plan the next steps we can take it would be extremely helpful. I’m afraid there are no prizes and of course we reserve the right to cherry pick and only focus on the ones we like…2017 External Improvements
For our own part this year we expect to focus more on the garden, certainly a new BBQ, perhaps refine the far end of the garden to be more attractive, freshen up external paintwork and improve composting.Refuse Collections
One change from previous years relates to bin collections. I’m sure you share our frustrations over the 2 weekly cycle of rubbish collections. Its been a real challenge for many to cope with this constraint and we appreciate the efforts made by guests. The good news is that from April through September there will be WEEKLY rubbish collections. Same day, Wednesday. The recycling will only be 2 weekly so we ask that you continue to follow the guidelines regarding what can be disposed of in this bin. Its not the same rules across the country so please take special note. Empty bottle disposal is still a chore having to take them down to the harbour but seeing as we drink so little these days I’m sure its manageable!2017 Internal Improvements
Internally we are planning to tidy up the PC area in the kitchen to make it less obtrusive (does anyone ever use the PC?), improve the “feel” of the place with a change of colour scheme and soft furnishings, fit a thermostat to the central heating system to better control the temperature (maybe even upgrade to a SMART unit NEST or HIVE); and add some additional chairs.At the end of the season the kitchen carpet will be replaced; the use of the shed will be reviewed to enable it to be used for storage by guests and we will redecorate hall, stairs & landing.Next year the seating in the front room (or lounge depending on where you come from) will hopefully be improved.But of course we would really appreciate your contributions. We cannot commit to implementing them all but we will take the most popular requests first. Please email any suggestions for improvements to valhallaholidayhome@gmail.com.
With the fall in the value of the £ abroad we are expecting a busy season this year so we would encourage you to secure your preferred dates ASAP. Please contact Jackie Boyd on 07813 660204 who will be delighted to organise your booking for you.Historical Improvements
In 2011 we carried out big improvements - we laid new carpets and redecorated throughout, fitted fire alarms and new lighting, created new colourful furnishings which have been added to each year. Recently we replaced all radiators, renamed rooms (we still get confused), repainted doors in kitchen to brighten up the room, had fibre broadband installed with nearly 40Mb download speeds, added Google Chromecast so you stream your Amazon Prime and Netflix services (if you have them), fitted a wifi extender upstairs, replaced mattresses in most rooms with Hypos ones, and provided percale Egyptian cotton bed linen.
