83 “One lady left all her


Lorna Churchill JUST B ACCOMMODATION


How many units do you have?


10 - from double rooms to family suites and apartments, all in the town centre. They are all rooms or rooms with self-catering facilities, we don’t do breakfast.


When did it all start?


In 2006. I bought St Elmo Cottage in Lake Street and started doing it up, it all went from there!


What is your role?


Owner, manager. I’m in charge of admin, the website and sometimes do the cleaning - general dog’s body!


What do you like about the industry?


I really enjoy the design side. I like styling each room or apartment - I make the cushions and curtains myself. I tend to go for lime green, orange or pink cushions which look great against the soft grey walls and sofas. We also have some beautiful vibrant artwork by local artist Helena Clews.


Do you keep updating as times change?


I think you have to - when people come away they expect, at the very least, the same as they have at home and hope for more. We have recently repainted all units and added smart TVs, fridges and coffee machines.


Where do you advertise?


Everywhere! We put ourselves on a lot of websites. You couldn’t do what we do without shouting about it. It is hard as you have to keep paying agents’ fees – usually 20% - but it generates a lot more bookings than if we just relied on our own website. In the beginning it was just me, a phone, notebook and a pen and we sent out all confirmation by post!


Why did you choose not to include any kind of breakfast service?


I am good at cooking, I grew up in a B&B and could do a mean fry up before I was 10 years old! But when I was in my 20s I travelled around the world and I really didn’t enjoy being forced to eat at a certain time and then feeling as if you should eat lots early in the morning because you had paid for it. So, I decided to give people the choice and freedom to do their own thing, they have enough choice around Dartmouth with all the great cafés!


How long does it take to clean an apartment?


It takes about two hours to do a change-over clean. We service all our units every day – making the beds and changing any dirty towels – each one takes about 20 minutes.


What is the weirdest thing that’s been left behind?


clothes in the wardrobe! You would think she’d have noticed her suit- case was a lot lighter on the way home!”


One lady left all her clothes in the wardrobe! You would think she’d have noticed her suitcase was a lot lighter on the way home! I had to post it all back to her.


Why did you choose Dartmouth?


I grew up here and I love it, I couldn’t think of a better place to live and work, except perhaps Majorca! It’s not hard getting bookings as so many people want to visit.


How do you find juggling the job and two children?


My mum helps out quite a bit. I don’t need to greet people on arrival, they get the keys from a box so I can be flexible with my day. I am still quite busy though with Red who is three and Leni who is nine months. I’m not sure what I did with all my time before children!


What three things would you take to a desert island?


My sewing machine (and all the bits to go with it), a good book and some music.


Favourite meal:


Prawn and rocket pasta. It was the meal my husband, Simon, cooked for me on our first date and I still love it today.


What is your biggest purchase (other than B&B properties!)


I have recently acquired a VW campervan. It was my present to myself for my 40th birthday!


Favourite view:


I’ve got two, the top of Jawbones and looking down on Blackpool Sands from the road.


Ideal summer day:


Taking the family on our little boat up to the Anchorstone Café and having scallops and a glass of rosé.


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