Pardlestone Farm is home to Mark, Ann and occasionally, their daughter, Freya, all of whom want to do their utmost to make your stay – whether in Groom’s Cottage or our B&B – as perfect as possible. The family (together with the inevitable menagerie including dogs, cats and horses) only came to West Somerset in 2016, having been born and bred in either Devon or Hertfordshire and followed work around the world over many years, including to China, Australia, New Zealand, Norfolk, Cornwall, Glos, Cambs, Herts and the USA.
We now feel very settled back in the West Country where the B&B and cottage are very much Mark’s project, while Ann works full-time from her home office in a self-employed capacity (and also tends to deal with bookings). Mark spent 25 years working in farming but gave in to the deep inner urge to train as a butler in his 40s (some might call it a mid-life crisis!). He took his first job in his new career far away, where the buffalo roam, on a ranch in Wyoming. Here they called him the butler in cowboy boots.
On returning to England in 2004, Mark experienced a complete change of scene and worked for Rolls-Royce, just outside Bristol, where he ran the company’s corporate venue/private hotel for 12 years.
He is now thrilled to have the chance to look after our very own guests in our Somerset farmhouse where we feel privileged to live, and which we’re delighted to be able to share with our visitors.
He is ably assisted by Lucy and Sarah, who turn their hand to most things, particularly on changeover days, while Sandie takes charge of the garden.
Mark and Ann’s daughter, Freya, spent her early childhood years in Wyoming, which etched on her an indelible impression, and probably ignited her love of horses. When she’s at home, (not as often as we’d like!), she loves to meet our guests and introduce those with an interest, to the animals.