Elizabeth Gradidge was recently named the best landlady in the country by the AA. She runs a bed and breakfast at her home, Ruthven House, in the Scottish Borders with her husband, Francis. She tells Emily Manson how overjoyed and surprised she was to win the award.
Have you run a B&B before?
No, never. My husband was in the Army for a long time, so I followed him around and did bits and pieces, but nothing remotely like this.
How did you become a landlady?
We came to live here completely by accident. We were living in a thatched cottage in Wiltshire, and only came up here to see relations. We saw Ruthven House in an estate agent's shop and thought we'd just visit it for fun, but then fell in love with it. We couldn't just live in such a large house, and eventually I persuaded my husband to agree it was a good idea to run a B&B here.
Do you enjoy working with your husband? How do you split the workload?
Yes, very much. We couldn't do it without each other. He cooks the breakfast and I do the rooms, with some help. I love doing the B&B side of things - everyone is so appreciative that you're welcoming them into your home.
What do you offer for breakfast?
I have my own chickens, so all the eggs come from here, but people can have whatever they like, from full English or fruit salad, to porridge or kippers.
Why do you think you won AA Landlady of the Year?
I don't really know. We treat everyone who comes here as our friends, and hopefully that warm welcome helps make them feel relaxed. But also, when I'd got down to the final five, I had a booking for two women who I thought were on a girly weekend. Then my husband had an accident and sliced his finger off the day before they arrived.
I had to take him to hospital, but rang the ladies and arranged for someone to be at the house to let them in, welcome them and booked a table at our local pub for their dinner. When I got back from the hospital later that night, we had a glass of wine together and chatted.
This story was mentioned when I got the award, but I hadn't a clue that they were inspectors. I was completely gobsmacked. I never thought I would win but am very touched the AA think I am worth the award.
What's your advice to anyone wanting to set up a B&B?
You need to enjoy meeting all sorts of different and new people, who you may well never see again, and not mind strange people staying in your home.
What makes your property so special?
It looks slightly different - it has a turret and a tower which give it an unusual appearance and makes it look grander than it is!