Pandemic Recovery and NDAs

Fine dining and farmers fields

I would say that 20% of my bookings are business that are looking for a venue for corporate off-site meetings and retreats. They are looking for the specifics in the location, bedroom configuration, meeting spaces, outside space for activities, good Wi-Fi, and strong mobile phone signal. Increasingly they are also placing an importance of sustainability. The other 80% are bookings that cover weekends away, holidays, birthdays, weddings, and golfing groups, so they are looking not only at the property itself, but what the wider location offers. Fine dining can be arranged through award winning chefs and a butler/host service will ensure that you feel like Royalty, but those looking for less pampering can learn survival skills during their own private mini adventure.

I am always busy and never switch off fully, part of the challenge of being my own I suppose. I try to make sure every client gets the experience that they want, always going the extra mile. Weddings are a joy to be part of, knowing that I have played a part in making their special day that little bit more special. Sometimes that means doing unusual things to make them happy. One of the properties has a stunning garden and woodlands, it really can make for such a special setting. Though one couple decided that they would rather get married in an adjacent farmer’s field, surrounded by sheep…so having obtained permission from the rather bemused local farmer I was able to make it happen for them, underfoot conditions and all!

Can’t get you out of my head

Susan Reid, class of ’88, has created a unique business specialising in high end rentals of castles, estates, country homes and accompanying luxury services. We last spoke to her in 2018, so it was good to touch base again and chat about pandemic recovery and non-disclosure agreements.

Susan says that her academic achievements were nothing spectacular, but she excelled at practical subjects and is grateful for the support she received which gave her the confidence to leave the High School after F5 to study for an HNC in Hotel Catering & Institutional Management at Queen Margaret College Edinburgh.

Airbnb considers both its owners and renters to be customers and provides a service to both. Susan also sees her owners and renters as customers, but there the similarities end. The properties that she oversees are a long way from cheap city breaks fare and the ability to peer between the lines of the listing is not required.

Christmas and New Year bookings at the properties are stunning, quiet, beautiful and with just a little luck, the perfect dusting of snow. One such booking was for an Australian singer who decided to enjoy the cold of our winter rather than the warmth of the Antipodean festivities. A non-disclosure agreement was signed as normal, but this was compromised when she went sweetie shopping in the local village where the owner of the shop was lucky lucky lucky enough to take a picture that was so good he felt that he couldn’t get her out of his head and decided to post it on social media. From there it straight into tabloid newspapers.

Non-disclosure agreements (NDA’s) are de rigour Susan Reid’s world. Historically used to prevent staff sharing secrets learned from previous employers, or talk to the press they are now frequently employed by celebrities eager to protect their privacy, celebrity does after all come with a price. But if the star in question is caught buying sweeties what can be done? So the question – ‘Most famous client you have rented to’ gets a necessarily predictable answer.

It was a Hollywood star, but due to NDA… you get the picture.

I really love what I do, my clients are fabulous, I love working with and for them. My dream is to continue doing what I do best.