Who’s Actually in Charge at Hanley Mill?
An opinionated pony, an independent hen and a terrier with expectations. Meet the animals who keep life at Hanley Mill entertaining — and their humans firmly in their place.
Belinda Palfrey
10/16/20262 min read
When you run holiday cottages in the Worcestershire countryside, people tend to assume you’re in charge.
You manage the bookings. You bake the welcome cakes. You make sure everything is ready for your guests.
It’s an understandable mistake.
Here at Hanley Mill, Mike and I are responsible for the work. The animals look after policy.
Ola: Head of Guest Relations
Our Welsh Terrier, Ola, takes a keen interest in proceedings.
Her approach to hospitality involves establishing who has arrived, whether they appreciate a terrier, and whether there might be anything in it for her.
We deal with booking enquiries. Ola deals with the much more pressing question of why someone has stopped fussing her.
Bella and Caramac: Senior Management
Our two Welsh Mountain mares bring very different qualities to the team.
Bella is the experienced redhead. She has opinions, standards and absolutely no need for anyone to explain how things should be done.
Caramac brings the golden good looks and an equally firm belief that her own suggestions deserve immediate consideration.
Both are particularly committed to matters involving grazing. Neither has volunteered to help with cottage changeovers.
The Chicken Committee
The hens operate a busy department involving scratching, inspecting and discussing things at considerable length.
Egg production is part of their remit, although we’ve discovered that putting something in a job description doesn’t necessarily make it happen.
Henny Penny has negotiated her own working arrangements. More on her another time.
Dina and Horny: Grounds Inspection
Our sheep favour a quieter style of management.
A long look. A measured chew. The unmistakable impression that whatever you’re doing could probably have been organised better.
Horny’s impressive horns lend authority to proceedings. Dina has no need of props.
And Our Role?
Mike and I carry things, mend things, clean things and open gates for creatures who were perfectly happy on the other side until they saw us approaching.
We also get to share this lovely corner of the Teme Valley with our guests: the woodland, the waterfall, the wildlife and the characters who make it home.
So, who’s actually in charge at Hanley Mill?
We’d ask for a show of hands, but we suspect the result would be overturned by a hoof, a paw and a strongly worded cluck.
Experience your next luxury self catering holiday at Hanley Mill.
Contact
info@hanleymill.co.uk
01584 781254
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