I first heard about the Landmark Trust almost 24 years ago when my husband booked Tangy Mill on the Mull of Kintyre for our honeymoon. It was a complete surprise to me. I don’t think this still happens, but the tradition then was to find a hidden bottle of wine left by the guests and leave another one if you found it. Tangy Mill was a beautiful place to stay and it started my interest in the Landmark Trust. Over the years we went on to stay in The Library, Shute Gatehouse and Church Cottage.
Before I started looking after Belmont, I had been looking after The Chantry, a late 13th-century priest’s house that is Bridport’s oldest building. Looking after Belmont fits around looking after my four children and it was great helping with the final push to get Belmont ready for the first proper paying guests in 2015. I was also glad I could help with making curtains out of the beautiful silk fabric for the four poster bed - sewing and making things is one of my hobbies.
I like looking after Belmont because despite its size, it's very warm and cosy. It's like looking after a rather large doll’s house, making sure everything is in place and pristine for the next round of guests. My favourite room is the 'writing room' with the balcony: it has such lovely views over the garden, sea and the Cobb. I always wonder how Eleanor Coade in her long dress managed to climb out of the window to the balcony in her day.
Most people who stay at Belmont seem to be groups of friends as it can sleep four couples; more recently it has been used for 60th and 70th birthday celebrations.
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