This page is a page for Guests who have stayed at Pen y Lan before.

A quick update on the state of Pen y Lan since you were here in 2007....

For our first year, it was a very good year. We had 29 bookings from when we officially opened in March '07. There were some hiccups in the beginning - particularly with the brand-new dishwasher which didn't want to work! So, thank you for your patience.

Nearly every guest completed the questionnaire that we left - thanks for taking the time to do this. We read every one and tried to make changes whereever possible.

One of the most common concerns was the access for elderly relatives travelling with you. Along with this was the limited parking. So, we closed in January 08 and put in a new drive (it mirrors John's next door now). There is room for 3 cars to park off-road. We've put better steps in and most importantly a solid, wooden handrail that goes all the way from the new drive to the door. There is also a gate at the lower entrance of the drive so now all the garden can be enclosed -- a worry for some with dogs and children.

I have put some of the before and after shots of the new drive and path in the photo gallery, but as it has just been completed, I'll have to get some better ones. I do hope this addresses many of your concerns.

We've also put an electric fire insert into the fireplace of the lounge. We didn't have to disturb the existing fireplace at all - and it fits well and gives some extra warmth during stormy winter days. We hope you'll enjoy this added benefit.

The other most common problem was the quality of the television reception. Despite having a new digital aerial, the freeview channel reception was very intermittent. I guess this is the problem of living by the sea. Therefore, we have installed a satellite dish - still only with Freeview Channels - but it is a much more reliable signal and there are a multitude of channels. In fact, Sky had a special on with 3 months free, so there are even extra channels available until May of this year!

We consistently graded lower on the garden. No one really put any reasons for this - which would have been a great help (so email me if you want to mention something specific). But with the new drive and pathway, we hope that solves some of the problem. We also plan to do some planting and gardening in the spring so come summer, you should notice a big difference. I'll keep you updated with photos later in the year.

I'd like to start a guest photo gallery, so if you want to email me up to 3 photos from your stay at the house or the surrounding area, please do so to mail@idealcottageholidays.co.uk
I will add as many quality photos to the website as I can.

However, you must do this first:
1. Reduce the file size before you email
2. Give me the first names of any people or pets in the picture
3. Give me the location of the picture
4. Give me the month/year picture was taken

And finally, I am sending each of you a newsletter shortly, which basically reiterates all of the above. But it's just a reminder that we're here and to think of us when booking your 2008 holiday - or pass our website on to your friends as recommendation. It's hard to get the business going in the first couple years - so anything you can do to help is much appreciated!

If there's anything you wish to comment on - always feel free to email us.

Kind regards,

Brad & Susan Miller