Jane and Neil tell the story of how they came to live in Bainbridge in the Yorkshire Dales.
"We were living and working in London when we traveled up to the Yorkshire Dales for a long weekend, staying at the Angel Inn at Hetton. We fell in love with the area straight away". Jane had been to the Dales as young girl on camping holidays with her family but this was Neil's first trip to Yorkshire; his second trip to Yorkshire was with a removal van!
On the first day of their stay, Jane wanted to revisit the little village of Countersett near Hawes where she holidayed as a child. On their way they stopped for a wander and a coffee in Hawes. This was a life-changing coffee stop! Whilst wandering round the town Neil spotted an amazing looking run-down building in the estate agent's window and as Jane wandered off he popped in to pick up the details. They returned the next day for a tour of Low Mill. They weren't planning to leave London but the Yorkshire Dales and a wreck of a mill had really grabbed their attention.
"3 months later we had given up our jobs in London and found ourselves moving into our mill with an awful lot of spiders for company and a huge renovation project in front of us. We were still not quite sure how we were going to make the mill pay its way. We soon decided that the best thing to do with our new acquisition was to share it with a lot of strangers - and so the mill's new life as Low Mill Guesthouse began.
"We were welcomed into our new life in the village by the locals who really seemed to appreciate our commitment to live and work in the village and it was a great help to have them onboard as we tiptoed our way through the complicated planning regulations that come with a listed building in a National Park.
"A year later and after a few problems along the way we were ready to open our doors to the public and operate as a Guesthouse: a scary time for both of us and not something we ever thought we would be doing ....ever! It turns out that people seem to love visiting Low Mill with its quirky and unique features and something Neil is very proud of... HIS working waterwheel!
"We were living and working in London when we traveled up to the Yorkshire Dales for a long weekend, staying at the Angel Inn at Hetton. We fell in love with the area straight away". Jane had been to the Dales as young girl on camping holidays with her family but this was Neil's first trip to Yorkshire; his second trip to Yorkshire was with a removal van!
On the first day of their stay, Jane wanted to revisit the little village of Countersett near Hawes where she holidayed as a child. On their way they stopped for a wander and a coffee in Hawes. This was a life-changing coffee stop! Whilst wandering round the town Neil spotted an amazing looking run-down building in the estate agent's window and as Jane wandered off he popped in to pick up the details. They returned the next day for a tour of Low Mill. They weren't planning to leave London but the Yorkshire Dales and a wreck of a mill had really grabbed their attention.
"3 months later we had given up our jobs in London and found ourselves moving into our mill with an awful lot of spiders for company and a huge renovation project in front of us. We were still not quite sure how we were going to make the mill pay its way. We soon decided that the best thing to do with our new acquisition was to share it with a lot of strangers - and so the mill's new life as Low Mill Guesthouse began.
"We were welcomed into our new life in the village by the locals who really seemed to appreciate our commitment to live and work in the village and it was a great help to have them onboard as we tiptoed our way through the complicated planning regulations that come with a listed building in a National Park.
"A year later and after a few problems along the way we were ready to open our doors to the public and operate as a Guesthouse: a scary time for both of us and not something we ever thought we would be doing ....ever! It turns out that people seem to love visiting Low Mill with its quirky and unique features and something Neil is very proud of... HIS working waterwheel!
"Our move to the Yorkshire Dales has worked out very well for us. Living here is something that suits us both and our love for this beautiful area grows with each passing day, no matter what the weather is like there is always something that makes you think how lucky we are to live in the Dales.
"Moving up from London where everything is on your doorstep to the Dales where most things are miles away (apart from a pub!) was a bit of a shock but once we had the hang of planning shopping trips etc then it soon becomes second nature and if we haven't got something then we do without. It's also great working with small family run local businesses.
"We have found people to be so friendly up here, always happy to give you some time and have a chat. Community spirit is very strong and people are supportive and helpful to their neighbours.
"We have both found hobbies which we're passionate about: Jane loves horse riding and can be seen trotting up and down Bishopdale most days and Neil has discovered a passion for photography. We are both able to enjoy these passions out in the magnificent Dales countryside."
"Moving up from London where everything is on your doorstep to the Dales where most things are miles away (apart from a pub!) was a bit of a shock but once we had the hang of planning shopping trips etc then it soon becomes second nature and if we haven't got something then we do without. It's also great working with small family run local businesses.
"We have found people to be so friendly up here, always happy to give you some time and have a chat. Community spirit is very strong and people are supportive and helpful to their neighbours.
"We have both found hobbies which we're passionate about: Jane loves horse riding and can be seen trotting up and down Bishopdale most days and Neil has discovered a passion for photography. We are both able to enjoy these passions out in the magnificent Dales countryside."
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