Welcome Letter and Guest Book entires below pictures
One of the most important things is to have a comfortable bed and bedding. All beds are pocket sprung and some are the most luxurious of all beds - vi spring pocket sprung. The sheets are all Egyptian cotton.
Owing to allergies there are NO feather pillows or smoking in house at any time
This is the non refrigirated welcome basket. It is approxiamtely this so don't be upset if yours is different.
This is the refrigirated welcome selection in the small under counter fridge. There is also a US style fridge freezer. Dont worry it wont be half drunk milk.
Here is the page containing entries from guest book and your welcome letter and other details:
GUESTBOOK AND EMAILS
Below is a recent email fro lovely Belgium doctors who have stayed at the house many times showing concern about the house owing to the amazing storms. Luckily the house is unscathed other than the SKY dish now repaired - see email from guest below who stayed during the worst part of the storm.
From: Küster Sent: Monday, February 17, 2014 08:26 PM GMT Standard Time To: Hilton Mervis (EU) Subject: AW: Beach View
Hello Hilton,
although we unfortunately were not able to visit your great house any more in the last 2 years (living in the south western part of Germany due to the German Army…) I wanted to check on you due to the horrible weather reports of the southern English coast – is everything alright with you and your family and also the house in Southbourne?
We still enjoy our beautiful memories of the several stays at your house – if you ever want to sell please let us know…J!
At the end of his month we will move to the USA (Missouri) due to my husband´s job for 3 years and we are looking forward to it – although I will miss Europe with its history and culture…
At some time we will contact you again to stay at your house – one of the best places in the world that we know!
Take care and kind regards,
Meike Küster
BELOW IS GUEST STAYING AT WORST OF STORM
From: Alice E
Sent: 18 February 2014 16:24 To: Hilton Subject: RE: Beach View Dorset
Hi Hilton,
Thank you again, we had lovely stay at Beachview. Just to let you know the Sky was not receiving a signal. Not sure if it was becuase of the storms on Friday night! We had weather extremes, from storms destroying beach huts on Friday to sunbathing in the garden on Sunday!
Alice
GUESTBOOK ENTRIES - ORIGINAL GUESTBOOKS WITH MANY MORE ENTIRES ON SITE IN HOUSE FOR YOU TO READ
We have very much enjoyed our first visit to Beach View and appreciate all the care and thought that has gone into making this an excellent holiday base, whatever the weather. HC
To arrive to such a beautifully prepared house was such a great start to our holiday. An such exquisite linen on the beds without a single crease - totally five star. We have had a lovely time, and have been fortunate with the weather (some days too hot!) but once a breeze arrived to cool the air we enjoyed lovely weeks by the sea. We also enjoyed a good meal at The George Hotel. Many thanks, we are very sorry to leave. AM, Buckinghamshire.
A fantastic home, spacious and well equipped. The views of the sea are truly superb, and the garden is the best around. The weather was a bit dull, so the Russell Cote Museum was a useful place to visit, good food, good for children and surprisingly eclectic displays. The beach is really clean and there is so much to do in the area, we look forward to being here again. GF, Greenwich
Despite the blustery weather and the sound of crashing waves, we have been cosy and warm in this wonderful house. A truly fantastic place to unwind with your family and a great location for a birthday. We're already planning our next visit. DF, Surrey
Fantastic house with beautiful views. The sound of the sea last thing at night and first thing in the morning is superb.The walk along the beach on a beautiful sunny Christmas Day in the afternoon was great fun. I can recommend a quick dip in the sea too.. although a little chilly. CL, Essex
Can't belive how quickly the week went - such an amazing place and relaxing. All felt our batteries have been recharged. JA, Maidenhead, 05.06.2010
We had a really lovely holiday with our daughter, son in law and two grandchildren. It was really great to have so much space. We visited the model village in Wimbourne and enjoyed a walk to Hengistbury head and then on the land train to Mudeford a lovely lunch at the Beach Cafe (recommend food here). Otherwise due to the idyllic weather we spent time at the beach hut. SM, Farnham, 19.06.2010
We enjoyed the house and beach. Some of us also visited Kingston Lacy. The Beaulieu Motor Museum, Lulworth Cove and Christchurch Priory. We also enjoed the Ferry ride from Lymington to Yarmouth. MH, London
We have thoroughly enjoyed our holiday. It has been excellent. We appreciated the house, the location and the well equipped kitchen. We were blessed with good weather, a heatwave and loved the cooling breezes from the sea. We bought dinner from the Indian takeaway, good and reasonable, at at Chez Fred, excellent. We bought line caught Sea Bass and Prawns from the fish stall at Mudeford Quay. Mudeford in the brilliant sunshine was lovely and there is so much to do in the area. DK, Staffordshire
One could describe the house and its location in one word - PERFECT! We struck lucky with the weather - one partly cloudy day. Little one's had a great time exploring the surrounding attractions. One favourite being the Adventure Wonderland (near Bournemouth Airport) and the other being The Raptor and Reptile Centre (near Ringwood). All in all a fabulous family holiday - we'll be back soon. TW
Great house for all three generations. Toys, games and hiding places for the children, comfy chairs and beautiful views for the oldies. We especially enjoyed sitting on the deck in the sunshine and relaxing in the conservatory. Can recommend a trip to Brownsea Island and Splinters Restaurant at Christchurch. HF, Berkshire
A lovely, comfortable, well equipped house. The weather was bright but freezing, but we had a good time notwithstanding Mudeford (lunch at the Beach Cafe was lovely); the Russell Coates Museum and the Oceanarium. We liked Christchurch - lovely in winter and the Priory Church was fantastic. Lunch at Spinters Restaurant was good. KR, London
Absolutely gorgeous house, didn't want to leave. Will definitely return in warmer weather. Very efficient housekeeper, house was immaculate and the welcome hamper was very much appreciated. The house is very spacious and grand, yet homely. The children loved the den and the cuddly toys. We enjoyed the pool at the Carlton, and was nice to have that option available. Sitting in the Beach hut in February was certainly an experience! PF, London
We have had an amazing three days enjoying everything this part of the English Coast has to offer. Our young boys loved the chain ferry at Sandbanks (we had a wonderful lunch at Shell Bay) and the land train at Bournemouth. The highlights here were just simply playing on the beach - thank you for the use of your beach hut. A wonderful beach holidays perfect for 3 young boys. Thank you for letting us stay in your gorgeous and comfortable home. RB, London, 22.04.2010
WOW! We have loved our weekend here, no matter what the weather. The house is so pretty and full of character. We really enjoyed our beach walks out to Henistbury and felt really relaxed heading back to LOndon. We're looking forward to returning in July. TH, London, 24.05.2010
We were quite lucky with the weather - rain was forecast but rarely appeared. We were able to watch quite a lot of the air displays from the house! We have been renting holiday homes for many years and this is quite simply the best! BG, St Albans, 21.08.2010
A wonderful stay enjoying Beach View in sunshine all week. A great Rural Retreat property with the different twirl of being by the beach. We really enjoyed walking over Hengistbury and eating in Christchurch. Thank you for a great family vacation. NH, Birmingham.What a wonderful house. Everything you could ever need and the standard of cleanliness was second to none! Weather was excellent and the children enjoyed their first ever beach holiday. The girls loved the chocolate cake in the welcome pack on arrival. We visited the adventure park which the kids loved - loads of fab rides and things to do. Cassie enjoyed the dry ski-ing and the food was fantastic. NY, Swindon.
Thank you! Thank you! A wonderful house! The upstairs deck is dreamy. Brownsea Island is a great trip as is Mudeford. The sound of the sea at night is surprisingly restful. Oh well - back to real life. Wonderful house - you open the door and the only way is up. It gets better as you discover the family friendly beach and local trips. TP, Harpenden
What a lovely house and beach! We have had a completely wonderful time here - there is no doubt a huge amount to do in the area but aside from a couple of trips into Christchurch (10 mins by car - the Priory is very beautiful and shops serve all needs) and to the swimming pool, mostly we preferred to sit by the beach or in the house admiring the beach. We were blessed with mainly sunny weather and enjoyed every moment. Thanks too for all the thoughtful touches (a kitchn equipped for acutal cooking). A great family holiday enjoyed by all of us aged 11 - 70. PS Loved the beach hut most of all. JW, London, 07.04.2010
We have had a fantastic time! The weather could not have been better so we have really enjoyed the perfect beach holiday in the perfect holiday home. The views are stunning and the proximity of the beach to the house made a holiday with small children easy. Thank you for letting us enjoy your lovely home. SM, London, 16.04.2010
You have a fantastic house and location. Thank you very much for sharing it with us, we have had a lovely week and don't want to leave. The weather has been great for April and so we have spent time on the beach using the great beach hut, exploring Christchurch, Mudeford and Avon beach areas. We took the land train to Hengitsbury Head which my young son loved! We would recommend all these places for visits. We did not get to eat at the famous 'Rhodes South' restaurant so headed for a few country pubs instead. The New Inn near Ringwood was great for food (and atmosphere/decor) as was The Woolpack nearby although the former was our preference. Thanks again for making our first holiday in the Dorset area such a lovely one. HC, Wimbledon, 30.04.2010
We've all enjoyed wonderful weather and have been appreciated comfy beds and crisp sheets. This holiday has been enhanced by beautiful views of a full moon over the sea. Boat trips to Swanage and Brownsea Island were most enjoyable; all in all a GREAT HOLIDAY - Super house! ML, Coventry, 26.06.2010
Lovely house, very comfortable, unusually good weather - all good. DB, Kent, 03.07.2010
We have had the family holiday of our lives! What a wonderful house in a perfect location. There is so much to do around here we wish we could have stayed longer! Our daughter enjoyed the Adventure Wonderland the most! Swanage, Corfe Castle, Sandbanks, Christchrch, Poole Harbour, Bournemouth Pier..... fantastic. The house itself was so well equipped and we wanted for nothing, sitting in the garden alone was a highlight. Thanks again and we will definitely come back. CD, Essex, 15.07.2010
Another beautiful stay! Really hard to pack up and leave, but sadly the house belongs to someone else! Really enjoyed our walks to Hengistbury and some lovely lunches and much appreciate the standard of beds and accommodation. Hope to visit again. TH, London, 31.07.2010
Had a lovely time, the house is beautiful and the view is stunning! We enjoyed an early cycle ride down to Sandbanks and lovely afternoons on the beach in the beach hut. Thank you very much, we all had a lovely time! GM, Eastbourne, 14.08.2010
Wonderful house - Superb position! Weather absolutely amazing - quite a shock following the miserable summer that we had endured! Splinters Restaurant in Christchurch is a delight - on the street leading up to the fabulous Priory in a very atmospheric building. Easy parking in the long stay car park near the Priory and a stroll through the Priory Grounds. CM, Cheshire, 26.09.2010
Lovely stay in a very comforatble house - especially upstairs. Amazing weather - hottest October day for 5 years yesterday. We walked for miles and miles along the beach and slept to the sound of the waves - magic! NS, West Sussex, 10.10.2010
The perfect place, in fact the third one that we have experience with Rural Retreats. Whoever says its always raining in the UK is deinitely wrong. HK, Belgium, 06.11.10
A comfortable, cosy house for an off peak holiday. We come back frequently to our former home town. Loved Voyager's views , shower room and TVs in all rooms. The sunsets were spectacular, impressive lawn, beautifully edged. A great spot to share. Many thanks to the owner. AW, Buckinghamshire, 30.10.2010
Email from LG 8 March 2010 Back from an amazing week-end. We loved your property; those views are the best ever and we had such lovely sunny weather. We have some great photographs of breathtaking sunsets! We all commented on the cleanliness of your property; it is immaculate and the bedding smells so lovely crisp and clean; we all slept like logs every night! Thank you also for the hamper – we put that to good use; having fresh fruit in the property was also a lovely touch.
We all fully recommend the Edwardian banquet at the Langtry Manor Hotel. 6 courses of divine food in fantastic surroundings of the great dining room. The courses were not rushed, plenty of time between courses and a lovely little 10 minute show before the main course informing us of the life and loves of Lillie Langtry. We informed them on booking that it was Ians 65th birthday and he was presented with a lovely meringue swan with sparkler and also a commemorative scroll. A lovely memory of an evening that offered great food and “something different”. All in all a lovely week-end was had by all 8 of us – I think this may be the first of many visits.
Thank you so much and please thank your house keeper too.
WELCOME TO BEACH VIEW!
Welcome to Beach View – really she should have been called “Voyager” because when standing on her upper deck or in the house you do feel you are on an ocean liner. If the weather gets bad you are in for an exciting experience (but won’t get sea sick).
The row of about 2 dozen houses are unique along this coast in that they back directly onto the cliffs. 30 years ago the garden was restructured by the council to make way for the path beneath the cliff with the result that the house has magnificent views of the sea and beach – better than from Sandbanks (according to the FT report)!
Its not the view which makes the house so special – it’s the relaxing (or if there is a storm exhilarating) sound of the sea!
Just recently the travel writer from the Guardian newspaper stayed and the house appeared in the 100 best beach holidays worldwide (being the main feature on the English section). To see what she thought of it see the second page of the website).
You MUST read the TIPS below at section F right at the end of this letter ( just above the sat nav coordiantes at the bottom of this page).
A THE GARDEN
I hope you enjoy the garden. It is difficult to grow things right on the sea and to maintain a comfort bowling green lawn. We are greatly helped by having a former Wisely gardener in charge. As the lawn is 50 years old and has no rye grass in it we built that wonderful decking to accommodate chairs and table. So please only use the plastic chairs and metal sun loungers on the grass and only when it is not soaking wet! No wooden chairs on the grass please.
B Must DO
If the weather is not beach weather there is a lot to do. Please read the literature. In addition you have access to the Carlton Hotel via the passes for 4 – see separate letter. It is a great place to drink in their bar (10 per cent discount) or have food at the bar (20% discount) or in the main dinning room ( 15 % off food and drink). You can pick up more leaflets there of places to go. The indoor pool is very warm and even in good weather is a favourite of our children. They do a good cream tea too.
C Walking from the House and driving
a) Going right from the house (with your back to the sea) – towards Hengistbury Head
If you go right when leaving the house (with your back to the sea) you will come to a straight path which takes you to a beach with restaurant serving lunch and by reservation dinner – Bistro on the beach – food is adequate ( open for breakfast and lunch and until around 8 on some nights – call 01202 431473 or www.bistronthebeach.co.uk). There is also a stall selling buckets and spades etc. If you want to drive you can go right (from the house with your back to the sea) and park in a car park just past where the restaurant is situated .
Carrying further on right (easy just keep hugging the coast and turning right until you can get no further - you cant get lost). You will get past another big car park turning, carry on to the next (where you get a golf course on your left) and when you can drive no further there is a restaurant (and car park) called the Hikers café -01202 428552 - which is open all year, popular and reasonably priced. A land train runs from outside it which , for a nominal fee, takes you to the magnificent mud huts of Mudford. It is through the Hengistbury head nature reserve. On this narrow strip of sand – see painting in the entrance hall you can eat right on the beach – is the Beach House Café - 01202 423474 or www.beachhousecafe.co.uk for a look at the views – not open all season.
A very short walk (2 mins) is an Indian take away that has a great chicken jhal frezzi and nan bread and you get 20% off if you collect – Indian Ocean tel 01202 428 441 at 5 St Catherines Road Southbourne BH6 4AE.
b) Go left with your back to the sea form the house (towards Bournemouth)
With your back to the sea, if you walk left you will get to a zig zag which takes you to a more remote beach. It is a 6 minute walk for my son aged 11 from the house, along the coast road to the bottom of the cliff but obviously the eldely or very young may want to consider the many other options for getting on the beach as outlined here. On the cliff you have opposite there a pub, hotel and restaurant. A bit further on by car is a café RIVA ( right on the cliff) (opposite the Commodore hotel) with children’s play area right on the cliff.
By car carry on along the cliff (going left ( West) and come Boscome (just before Bournemouth) where for a fee you can drive right onto the beach to park on the level.
The rest of the many things to do and see are on leaflets – one more thing. We have always as have our kids enjoyed the Russell Coates museum and café. It is just past the Carlton hotel travelling into Bournemouth on the left (sea) hand side. Kids can run around in a special area and sometimes there are activities. The house is very peaceful with a beautiful house to look around. See www.russell-cotes.bournemouth.gov.uk and click on visitors information for details or call 01202 451 858.
Apparently (we have eaten there) according to a recent Times article the best place to eat is called West Beach which is right on the beach at the west beach side of Bournemouth. If you park on the bath road junction near the Oceanarium and walk along the front towards the west you will get there in 5 minutes or so. You have to book – 01202 587785 or www.west-beach.co.uk.
There is the new Michelin stared Gary Rhodes restaurant www.rhodes-south.co.uk - see web link for menu prices and setting - which is in Christchurch on the sea front.
For a more casual evening try " Best fish and chip shop in Great Britain" former winners www.chezfred.co.uk in Westbourne (just past Bournemouth town centre). The website has history and menu on it. For just £5.95 for fish and chips you can eat in and admire the pictures of the stars who have frequented the place. By the way westbourne shopping area is where the restuarant is and has upmarket shops such as Multi York etc. There is also a big Marks simply food just down the one way from Chez Fred.
D TOURIST INFORMATION
Christchurch - The tourist web site for the Christchurch area is www.christchurchtourism.info and it will give you details of things to do – like the French market or art exhibitions and restaurants – Telephone 01202 471780 Fax: 01202 476816 or call into the Christchurch Information Centre 49 High Street, Christchurch BH23 1AS. Alternatively you can contact us via e‑mail at enquiries@christchurchtourism.info
The bustling town centre includes the High Street, Saxon Square and Bargates where you will find a good mix of traditional and specialist shops, restaurants and cafes. There's plenty of atmosphere in the town centre with a large open-air market on Mondays, a weekly Country Fayre on Thursdays and the Dorset Farmers' Market on the first Friday morning of each month.
Major events include the Christchurch Food and Wine Festival in May, Mudeford Lifeboat Fun Day in July and the Christchurch Regatta and Carnival in August.
Bournemouth tourist information –
Bournemouth
Visitor Information Bureau Westover Road Bournemouth Dorset BH1 2BU Great Britain
Lulworth cove and Durdle door – the hotel has a good restaurant and I think using the sat nav should take you there The Beach Hotel, Lulworth • Lulworth Cove • West Lulworth • Wareham • Dorset BH20 5RQ Telephone 01929 400404 • Fax 01929 400159 •. Amazing scenery on the Jurassic coast - try www.lulworthonline.co.uk and click on the picture gallery for lulworth and also Durdle door.
8 Tennis Courts, 5 artificial grass and 3 acrylic. The 3 acrylic courts are indoor under an air dome from 1st October to end of April. Professional tuition, changing facilities and toilets are available at the site. Equipment hire and professional´s shop.Licensed bar and cafe.Kids Zone, 2 half size courts for children.
Bournemouth Gardens Tennis Centre Bournemouth Tennis Centre Central Gardens BOURNEMOUTH Dorset BH2 6EY Great Britain
Tel: (+44) 1202 298570 Tel: (+44) 1202 298318
GOLF
Lots of courses around but go for something amazing with views! - Isle of Purbeck – www.i purbeckgolf.co.uk or call 01929450361 or 01929450354. An international standard Golf Club on the Isle of Purbecks close to Swanage in Dorset
D NIGHTLIFE
As a starting point I would suggest the Old Christchurch Road in Bournemouth (not Christchurch) which has a row of clubs, bars and restaurants leading into the top of the town. Watch out for the hen and stag parties !
E STANDARDS
The house will have been cleaned to the highest standards. If there are any suggestions for improvements or observations please do not hesitate to let me know.
Likewise if there is any equipment, electrical or furniture, which you feel could add to the enjoyment of your experience please let me know by phone or email afterwards : hilton@goprop.co.uk.
Anyhow that’s enough of me chatting away.
If for any reason you need to call me I am on 079 395 30880.
Have a great stay!
Best wishes on behalf of the Mervis family.
F AND FINALLY FOR THE MUST READ BORING TIPS (FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT)
DUSTBINS – please only use the very large dustbin . It must be left on the footpath every Sunday night. You can put all rubbish in it as it is a commercial bin so no need to recycle.
1) CONSERVATORY ROOF WINDOWS :Intelligent windows – the windows in the roof of the conservatory are automated and open when it is hot and close when it is cold – YOU MUST NOT ADJUST THEM.
2) DOORS FACING SEA: Always close the doors facing the sea when you go out – a gust of wind and rain can do tremendous damage and even on a good day can appear from nowhere
3) WATER SOFTNER: The house has a water softener – so you need half or less of the normal detergent for washing machines, dishwashers and your hair. If you use too much it will foam forever.
4) HEATING/HOT WATER CONTROL AND FUSE BOX: The heating and hot water controls are next to the utility room door in the cabinet along with the fuse box. If the lights go make sure all the switches (the big one on each box) is returned to the on position. The heating does not need to be altered and the timer for heating should be off ( yes not a typo off as it still works) and it will then work from the temperature control outside the bathroom in the entrance hall downstairs.
5) THE TRICKY DOOR ON THE ROOF TERRACE FIRST FLOOR: now repolaced so no need to worry 6) BATHROOM FANS: The one in the ground floor switches off automatically, the one on the first floor you need to pull on – wait – then pull off and it switches off after a period of time. The new en suite shower room in the Upper Deck room has a fan which goes off 5 minutes after the light has been switched off and is silent and extremely powerful. The light for the mirror in the en suite and the towel rale are operated from a switch at low level on th outside of the shower room wall. The new en suite in the voyager room has two fans which switch off automatically on a timer once light is off but can be over ridden with switchs on outside above the door
7) The rooms extractors in the utility or kitchen as they are blocked to prevent drafts so please don’t turn them on. The extractor over the gas hob works and is powerful but silent so don’t forget to switch it off.
8) SANDY FEET – there is a tap on the outside of the house under the covered garage next to the utility room door where you can wash your feet.
9) GARDEN TAPS – please do not adjust the timers or switch the taps on or off as the plants will die. Outside at the back to the right of the garden facing the sea is a hose attached to a hozelock timer – if you turn the red circular button ( not the tap handle itself) water will go into the hoze if needed.
10) BROADBAND – the broadband is 8 meg and wi fi – I will let you have the security access code. Please remember there is a fair use policy and as the Internet Service Provider for this address keeps a record of the number, time, computer identification and volume of download and web sites visited so please only use the access the web responsibly. Call me on 079 395 30880 to obtain the security code.
11) Help – how do the TV’s work and sky? The sky is wired into all rooms and to change channels on sky you need to turn to the analougue terrestrial TV (i.e not on the digital TV setting) and then point the sky remote at the middle of the TV and you can change channel. We now have hd box with live pause and ability to record other programs while watching one. We also have "anytime" which means you get a selection of sky movies free of charge at anytime you would like to watch them. There is a 47 inch 3d TV LCD - you can watch 3d DVD's but the tv can only be watched in semi 3d mode as we do not subscribe to sky 3D channel. There are 8 pairs of glasses.
PLEASE don’t leave taps on as the area has opted for water conservation and the taps are METERED.
MANY THANKS
SAT NAV coordinates which may help:
1) Carlton Hotel corner of east Overcliff Drive and Meyrick Road : “ East Overcliff DR and Meyrick” is what you will see under favourites – push it and it will take you there!!
2) deleted 3) Centre of local shops in Southbourne near garage, shops, boots , bakery etc - go to corner of Grand Avenue and Southbourne Grove – Southbourne Grove is where the shops are at : “ Southbourne Gr and Grand Av.”
4) Getting to the Oceanarium and access to beach and gardens in Bournemouth - well the issue is where to Park – so I will take you where bath Road meets Exeter Rd and leave you to choose your car park : “ Bath Rd and Exeter Rd”
5) The Hengistbury/ mudeford nature reserve with access by overground land train to the wonderful huts of mudford – this is a cycle along the beach and then up on the cliff past the first big car park to the very end where there is a tea room and the land train (dogs can go on it). Why not drive there first. It is in a dead end road so the sat nav takes you to the start of the road – it is Broadway Way and the sat nav takes you to the intersection with Rolls Dr so just keep on going on Broadway Way along the east to the very end and you can park there and get on the train or walk ; “ Broadway and rolls Dr ( inters..)”
6) Heart of Christchurch : “ Bridge St and Castle St”
7) Great big newly built shopping centre called Castlepoint : shops include – M&S, Gap, Next; Waterstones, WH Smiths ; Sainsbury’s restaurants and easy parking go to: “Yeomans Road intersecting Yeomans Way” – if you go the sat nav route you also pass a giant Tesco on the way.
This is the non refrigirated welcome basket. It is approxiamtely this so don't be upset if yours is different.
This is the refrigirated welcome selection in the small under counter fridge. There is also a US style fridge freezer. Dont worry it wont be half drunk milk.