Fursdon House & Gardens was going to be part of my dog blog a day series but there ended up being not enough days in the month! So as promised to them and to you here is their Dog Blog A Day.
Question of the day (QotD) – Where is your favourite place to go for a walk with your dog that has fabulous refreshments for you as a reward at the end?
If you are keen to know more about what Fursdon House and Gardens have to offer, you can find them on the below links;
https://www.instagram.com/fursdondevon/
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Emily Fursdon kindly answered my questions, here is what she had to say...
How does your business help dogs and their people?
We love dogs at Fursdon! Our holiday cottage is loved by dog-owners as it's equipped with a large utility area, perfect for drying off wet-dogs, as well as a dog stair gate, dog throws, and a little 'doggy welcome pack' for new arrivals! There are lots of lovely walks to do on the estate and dogs love lying by the wood-burner at the end of a long day. From Easter to the end of September (Wednesdays, Thursdays and Bank Holiday Mondays, 2-5pm), the main house, garden and tearoom are also open to visitors. We welcome dogs on leads during these times and always have lots of doggy visitors, who enjoy a stroll around the grounds with their owners :)
What are your goals and ambitions for your business over the next year and how can we help?
Fursdon has a long history (the Fursdon family has lived here since 1259!) and is considered a special place by many, each of whom have their own special memories associated with it. Conservation, restoration and maintenance are part and parcel of life here. Our business helps to support these projects and (we hope) preserve Fursdon for future generations. Anyone who visits and loves Fursdon like we do is helping to keep it alive for the future - we are always delighted to see people here and enjoying it!
What was your biggest triumph from the last year?
My husband Ollie and I took over the running of the place from his parents David & Catriona in summer of 2019. It was a lot to take on and a big change from our previous lives, but we are proud to be getting to grips with the place now, making home - and hopefully keeping it as lovely and welcoming for visitors and guests as it always has been!
What is your favourite part of your job?
There is never a dull moment here, but we love the variety and challenges that come with running a diversified rural estate business and are incredibly grateful to our lovely team who help us! A perk of the job for me is undoubtedly the flowers - we put fresh flowers in our holiday cottage, throughout the house (when house tours are running) and at The Coach Hall tea-room. It's always a peaceful thing to do on an otherwise hectic day.
What is the funniest thing that has happened in your job?
We have been quite entertained by the variety of wildlife that makes its presence felt - we once had three different varieties of bird come into the office during the course of a single Zoom call!
What are your favourite things about your community of clients, customers and supports?
We love meeting new guests and visitors - it's an opportunity to cross paths with someone you might not otherwise have met, and great to see them having a good time! Having had such a long period without visitors this last year, we've really appreciated having people back again. Long may it continue!
If this wasn’t your job, what would you do instead?
I was a journalist in my previous life, and sometimes dream of writing a book...!
If you were to start a business again, what advice would you give yourself in general?
You learn from every mistake. Make sure to look up sometimes!
If you could be any dog, what breed would you be and how does that align with your personality?
Scrabble is my border terrier - I've had her since I was 29 and she is a firm part of the family. She is friendly, loyal and a bit scruffy - I think that could probably sum me up too!
What is the earliest dog related memory that you can recall?
My first dog was an 8th birthday present from my godmother - I'll never forget her arriving in a bundle of energy, and all the cuddles and fun that ensued!
Name three things you couldn’t live without?
Family, friends and a lovely dog!
Scrabble outside Fursdon Coach Hall Tea Room
Hugo, the Kerry Blue Terrier at Fursdon Cottage
Zola, the Ladradooble at Fursdon House
I took my lovely friend Hermione and her beautiful dog Rosie for a location scouting photo shoot at Fursdon House and Gardens during Bluebell season, see the blog here.
We also tested out their tea rooms, just for research purposes of course! It passed our high standards with flying colours so, we can highly recommend the tea rooms and such friendly staff too.
I think Fursdon House and Gardens would make a fantastic base for a dog friendly holiday in Mid Devon. We are a hidden jewel here, nestled between Dartmoor and Exmoor so don’t tell everyone, it’s just between me and you right?
You can find Fursdon House and Gardens on the following links;
https://www.instagram.com/fursdondevon/
Don’t forget I would love to hear of your answer to my Question of the day (QotD) – Where is your favourite place to go for a walk with your dog that has fabulous refreshments for you as a reward at the end?
Bye for now…Fx
