Final Reading
Jonathan & Denise >
We’ve sold Eight Askernish. After taking the final reading of the electricity meters, we’ve handed over the keys to the new owner, who has moved to the Outer Hebrides from Monmouthshire – in south-east Wales.
The last booking was a disaster, the guests badly abusing the cottage and leaving us traumatised and seriously out of pocket.
That’s such a pity, as it’s tarnished our memories of our time owning the cottage. We put a great deal of hard work, commitment, energy and ideas into the cottage, and got rewards both financial and personal ; but the whole business environment has changed out of all recognition, since we bought the cottage in 2005. The likes of AirBnB and TripAdvisor are to blame, but they are too big, too powerful to ignore. So, whilst we can be proud of what we achieved, it was – and it is, time to move on.
The proceeds from the sale will be used – when the opportunity arises – as a (not entirely figurative) downpayment on a new chapter in our lives.
In the meantime – and for the forseeable future, we continue in the self-catering business, focussing on our other self-catering property, in Eriskay.
We used to let holiday homes too but although there were lots of nice people, we had terrible experiences, so finally decided not to do this anymore. At the end of the day, there’s no money in it either. Good luck with your next project 🙂
Sorry to read of tarnished memories and your trauma. All the best for the next chapter of your lives.
So sorry your time with the cottage ended so badly. I hope all contiues to go well for you on Eriskay.
Wishing you all the very best with the next chapter in your lives. Ignore the trolls – and waste no more energy on them. Try not to let them tarnish the good memories of a special place. Onwards and upwards! I’m sure that you’ll face the challenges with the same adaptability and resilience that you’ve exhibited in spades so far.
Be very proud of what you have acheived. I first discovered Outer Hebrides 2007, then it seemed a safe haven from all the madness of mainland living, a place where decent values and behaviour lived on. As you say, very sadly, the ‘cancer’ of modern times has long reached the Hebrides.I see things and attitudes changing every year I visit. It saddens me greatly and I truly feel for my friends and residents having to put up with the increasing inconsideration, rudeness and complete lack of underdstanding and respect of the very environment they claim to come to see. Sadly, I fear it is only going to get worse with ‘staycations’ set to increase.
Keep us posted!
I’m so sorry you had to endure clods that don’t know how to be guests, they don’t deserve that title. I was taught to leave a place in the same or better condition than the way I arrived and don’t understand such rude behavior. I hope your next chapter includes your readers. When you are absent for long periods of time, there is always worry that all is not well in your world. Take care.
So sorry to hear that your last rental tenants were so abusive. It’s a beautiful place, I’m sure you will miss it! Mazel tov on your new adventures :*)