I moved to the beautiful village of Calstock which sits next to the river Tamar in May 2016, and retired from Bristol CID as Detective Constable in May 2017.
I then decided I needed a new challenge and took up the post of Housekeeper at Danescombe Mine, following the retirement of Rosemary the previous Housekeeper after 46 years. Before I took up this role, I had walked past Danescombe Mine on many occasions with my family and Humphrey my Springer Spaniel admiring the towering and very dramatic structure, not realising that very soon I would be taking care of this wonderful building.
Danescombe Mine is nestled in Danescombe Woods (so called after the Dans who landed). It stands in a beautiful location with a babbling stream outside, inquisitive squirrels, and chirping birds. The historic mining history can be seen all around with the stack chimneys and the secluded cave like Adits that are dotted throughout the woods protecting the entrances to the old mines.
Danescombe mine is a fusion of industrial old meets new, which makes a fantastic combination, and as you climb the steps to the front door you know you are entering a very special building.
We had snow this year which made the house quite magical looking, however my favourite time of the year is the spring and summer months, when all the windows and doors are open bringing the outside in. Bees become familiar hum as they come in to explore the house in search of something sweet.
The house has amazing stairs which is one of the main features to the building and these are quite often referred to as waffle stairs by guests due to the patterns it leaves on your feet if barefoot!
As for my favourite room, the top bedroom offers a fantastic birds eye view looking out from the huge framed glass windows down into the valley, but for me it's the outside wooden decking area to the front of the house. When sat at the wooden table on a warm day listening to the stream and nature all around you is very soothing, especially with a nice cup of tea.