“My favourite part is interacting with people from around the world.”
Jonathan Hammond HILL VIEW HOUSE B&B
When did you start Hill View House?
In 2001. My partner Suzanne and I came to Dartmouth on a boat trip and loved it so much we bought the place a few months later! We were living in Southampton at the time and had been on a short break to the English Riviera.
Did you have to do much work to the place?
It was two flats, then so we got permission to make it into one property and turn it into a business.
What is breakfast like?
It’s a continental affair with fresh fruit salad, homemade granola, cheese and ham. My culinary skills are quite limited but I can make a continental breakfast look amazing. I used to cook a full English but I’ve always been a vegetarian so it was never easy and we find people really seem to enjoy our offering.
Do you have set times for breakfast?
Usually 8-9.30am but I’m quite flexible. If someone wants it earlier I can do that and I also do breakfast boxes in people’s rooms if they prefer. But I wouldn’t want everyone to do that as I would miss chatting at breakfast!
What is life like as a B&B owner?
No two summers are the same. Sometimes we are busy; sometimes we are quiet. My favourite part is interacting with people from around the world. There’s always a story or something new to learn.
How have things changed over the years?
There are so many accommodation options out there now and they are all widely available on the Internet making it very easy for people to try new things. I don’t think we are as busy as we were when we first started for that very reason. Up until recently we have used only our website as our main advertising tool, I like talking to every person who wants to book, getting to know them a little over the phone and I can tell them more about our property. However, we are currently in the process of joining an online travel agent network.
Is there a future for B&Bs?
I think so. I think some people will always want a traditional B&B expe- rience with a host, a good breakfast and a feeling that someone is look- ing after you. I think we are lucky to live in such a beautiful location and people will always want to visit.
Are your guests mainly tourists?
On the whole yes, but we do get a huge amount of business connect- ed to the Naval College. With the passing out parades, family days, reunions and balls there’s usually something to bring guests in. We also get quite a few wedding parties. Back in the day many people came to try Dartmouth’s restaurants, but I’m not sure that’s the case as much now. When John Burton Race was a big name, every week after his programme finished the phone was red hot for a few hours!
Does the weather affect trade?
Usually in a good way. We look at the forecast and if it’s going to be a sunny weekend we know we will get a fair few calls on the Thursday or Friday!
What is the strangest thing you have found in a room?
Someone once left a huge bottle of champagne, one of those really big ones. I have no idea how they missed it! Maybe it was my tip!
Did you drink it?!
No, I don’t drink actually. We gave it away to someone.
What is the most common left-behind item?
Phone chargers. People rarely check the plug sockets.
Do you go out and about with your guests?
Sometimes. I get to know our regulars and some invite me for a drink or a meal. If anyone needs a lift I offer to take them down to the ferry or to the station. If I’m going into Totnes or Kingsbridge I ask the guests if they want to come along for a few hours to experience a different town.
What is your breakfast treat when you go away?
I have just become a vegan so some- thing plant based would be great!
Where do you like to stay when you are away?
I rarely go away, but if I did it would be an independent B&B or hotel which is interesting and unique - no chains!
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