TravelsMoore
Similar to an earlier July 2016 review, we wondered if Linda & Gary were new the B&B business and guest experience. First, their relatively newly built B&B and adjoining home are located just under a mile from Hornby's Co-op island center, and on about 5 acres to create - as their well designed website notes - an aspiring farm, with the goal of converting much of the 3 acres of cleared land into pasture and a sustainable garden.||||Their stated goal is "...to create an oasis where our guests can rejuvenate with some well-earned rest and relaxation..." It too is aspiring.||||The setting is remote, incredibly quiet, somewhat bucolic and filled with bird sounds, nearby bees buzzing through new plantings. The house and connected B&B rooms are all very new, tasteful and clean.||||Our room was #1 configured for a king bed and the only one with potential for a cross-breeze. The room overall was relatively new, very clean, tiled radiant-heat floor and “European” sized - very small, compact. Furnishings were simple, had a minimalist feel involving only the king configured bed, two night stands with lamps, a small, narrow, freestanding closet and one picture over the bed.||||As frequent business and pleasure travelers utilizing a range of accommodations, the bed was among the more comfortable we've experienced. However, it possessed only a nice quality bottom sheet – but no top sheet - only a comforter, which was too warm for summer nights. The four pillows were all standard size (not king or queen sized) - all soft (none firm).||||Perhaps in the theme of their goal of helping guest disconnect from a busy life, also absent was a bedside clock. The wifi signal at this remote island B&B was among the better we've experienced - including at top rated hotels costing twice or more.||||Since the newly landscaped patio afforded no cover (no umbrella or shading structure) from a blazingly bright and uncomfortably hot afternoon sun, our only option to “rejuvenate and relax” was within our small room, sitting on the bed. We separately wondered if the room had been expanded outwards to the patio just another 2 or 3 feet, it could have afforded a small interior sitting table and chairs.||||The bathroom was simple and tasteful. A modern new small, narrow and long rectangular sink, supported by a new, all white cabinet containing 2 shallow shelves. The shower was modern with a rain shower head and sufficiently hot water was almost instantaneous.||||Having visited Hornby frequently over 20 years, much of the island ground water possesses a sulfuric, mineral quality. However, it's totally potable and safe - but relatively scarce, so limited use (showers especially) is needed. From experience, we separately brought a large cache of bottled water.||||As the prior reviewer noted, breakfast is at a 4 seated table shared with Room #2 guests. It's also with Gary & Linda's two large dogs who continuously circle, paw and nose in while dining. Gary prior offered to set out coffee, toast (delicious island baked bread) and fruit (bananas) around 7A. Remainder of the breakfast offering was a simple assortment of granola mix, yogurt, hard-boiled eggs and freshly cooked bacon. Gary offered to prepare fried eggs but we politely declined.||||Other:||- What surprised us as a first - there was no key for securing our room upon departure (or a back-up in room safe). Gary simply noted there is no island crime, so we should trust not to be the first||- A large refrigerator in the adjacent work shop was offered for communal use of food storage and access to ice cubes (from trays)||- There was no room service or change of linen or towels during our 3 day stay. So 2 small bath towels, 2 hand towels and 2 wash cloths got old after 3 days of continual use….||- Absent are any screens on the windows, although our room seemed free of any crawling or buzzing critters||- One suggestion - the bathroom door hinges could use lubrication to remove an audibly loud and long squeak each time it's used||- After the second night, Gary offered to empty our sole, and by then brimming room trash can||- Neither Gary or Linda made any inquiries into how our stay was - even at check-out, which felt a bit "transactional"||||Overall, the B&B’s overall price to value seemed better than other island options. However, as Gary was a former cartographer, sensing he & Linda may still be new to and therefore, learning the B&B business and overall guest experience.
