Well, I hoped for a less severe winter than last year and I have got it.   Having said that I am delighted to see the arrival of some wintery weather now.  For the past few days the freezing fog overnight has left everything dusted with white sparkling delight which is lasting pretty much through the day.

Added bonuses are that the dogs and horses are not knee deep in mud and we are not looking like early eliminations from Dancing on Ice as we skid our way round the outdoor tasks.

The added frost makes the views absolutely breathtaking and if you have a sturdy pair of boots with good grips all the ingredients are there for a very invigorating walk while taking in the gorgeous landscape and bright winter sky.

And yet in the midst of all this sharp frost and as the lake is now completely frozen there are hints of what is around the corner.  The Kilmarnock Willow is in bud, daffodil shoots are piercing the hard ground, the parsley has had a growth spurt and a rose has had two flowers (definitely during the warmer weather - they don't look quite so good now).  It is not just in the garden - in the woods the bluebells are pushing through in a determined manner and birdsong is on the increase.

So, there is a hint of spring around the corner but it is still a great time to have a few days away in a cosy bed and breakfast.  Get out in the bracing air and give some of those cobwebs a really good dust off.  Then sit in the conservatory and look across the fields as the sun sets and casts that fantastic golden winter light across the fields and woodland.  With a cup of tea in hand and a piece of cake on the plate all that is left to think about is what to have for dinner.

I can also recommend getting outside in the dark to see the clear sky at the moment - stunning and the Milky Way is so clear.  I had forgotten it was ther when I lived in town.  North Yorkshire has got winter glory covered so open the diary and find a day or two to get away for a break.

Here we are again, December is around the corner, Christmas is on its way and the nights are drawing in.  This time of year is a great time to take a break - either from the hustle and bustle of the festive preparations or to visit relatives in the area.

What would you like when you arrive at your B&B for your seasonal break?  Well, a warm welcome is always nice and we like to make sure our guests are met with a fresh pot of tea and homemade cake along with handmade chocolates and shortbread in your room.   At this time of year we are also offering a further choice of some lovely mulled wine or seasonal drivers' punch to take off the chill help you relax.

We also offer evening meals which you can pre-book to make sure that they are available on the night you arrive and so that any dietary requirements can be met.  So you can get settled in and then enjoy your meal without having to go out again.  If you prefer to eat out then we are happy to recommend local restaurants and pubs for you to enjoy.

We are also running our 3 for 2 Winter Offer this year during December, January and February.  When you book 2 nights dinner, bed and breakfast at our winter bargain price of £110.00 per room per night, you will be offered a third night bed and breakfast FREE.  That is a three night break for two for £110.00 per person!  There are a few conditions on the offer -

It is subject to availability, so if your room is not available for the third night we cannot make the offer.

Full payment will be required on booking and is not refundable.

The offer is not available on 24/25/26 December or 31st December or 1st January.

So check your diary, find three days to treat yourself and make your booking with us.  We are looking forward to seeing you.

Those of you who have stayed at Elmfield House in the last year will have met Emma Blackmore who will have cheerily served your breakfast and done so much to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.

I cannot believe that, on the day I sit down to write about some of what we will be offering this summer, I am looking out on yet another snowscape.  I, along with many people I have spoken to, had allowed myself the thought that spring is round the corner.  I have even brought Bentley, the horse, back into work thinking the slightly longer days and nice weather give me a chance to give him some regular outings and excercise.  It is a shame because, for a horse who has not been ridden for well over a year, he has hardly put a hoof wrong apart from one little episode of overexcitement.  I would like to keep him going but, as the ground is too wet to ride, I have to make sure the roads are safe when we do venture out.

Anyway, summer will be here and if you are reading this then you are probably planning your break in North Yorkshire.  This year there will be some changes and Elmfield House will be closed between 5th and 18th of March while some alterations are made to the house.  Once we re-open evening meals will be available right through the summer 6 nights a week.  This will give guests the chance to eat here rather than go out, or mix and match with some nights in and some out.  We still have great places to eat locally so there will be no shortage of choices.  Eating with us will be a great chance to take advantage of our residential license and enjoy a glass of wine or beer with your meal knowing that bed is only a short walk up the stairs.  As in previous years local and seasonal food will be at the core of what is on offer and we will put samples of the kind of dishes available on the website.

I you are looking for a dinner bed and breakfast break in the Dales or Moors and would like a peaceul setting then give us a call.  Evening meals will need to be booked in advance and we will be offering a discount on dinner, bed and breakfast breaks of 3 nights or more.

We are looking forward to cooking up some fantastic meals in our new kitchen for you to enjoy.