Often Sundays I share pictures of the sun setting over beautiful Shag Rock. Thanks to Joe, today I can share one of the sun setting over the beautiful Doctor’s House. Of course, the tourism industry picks up dramatically in the summer, but we stay open all winter, offering a unique opportunity for warmth and romance (don’t forget, we have a Valentine’s Special coming up, plus spa specials all winter long). In our experience, people need to get away and take time for themselves all year round. I hope you’re taking time for yourself today.
Thanks, Joe!
If you’ve been to our cottages or even just read our blog a little bit, you know how essential Joe Friday has been to our operation here – the Wonderful World of Whiteway would be a little less wonderful without him! It has always warmed our hearts to see how much our guests love him, too. Take this recent review on Trip Advisor, simply titled ‘Awesome.’ According to this guest, “Upon arrival Joe Friday (who is the jack of all trades) greeted us with his awesomeness! He had the fire going, lights dimmed and popcorn and Hot chocolate waiting for us. My friends and I spent an evening in solitude. This truly is a little piece of heaven. Customer service was excellent and atmosphere was superb! It was Awesome! This place would be top of my list to recommend for anyone!
So while Joe might brag about himself, we sure can! I’ll include a recent comment left in our guest book, below. As always, thanks, Joe, for all your hard work (and if you’d like to see what all the fuss is for yourself, don’t forget about our Stay in and Stay Warm package, which adds all kinds of cozy extras to your stay, now through the end of March!).
Construction on Wedding Banquet Hall Begins at The Doctor’s House!
We’re working hard to turn The Doctor’s House a world-class wedding destination. One of our steps is converting our big barn into a banquet hall that seats 200 people. We started work last week with Point Contracting, the local contractor who also built our house and cottages.
For all the grief that the winter weather has brought us, this current thaw allows us to get a foundation in early. This is a big move to help keep us on schedule.
So here are the ‘before’ shots of the Big Barn Project. We’ll use this blog to keep all our booked wedding couples booked appraised of our progress.
And don’t worry – since this barn was currently empty, we’re not putting out any of our animals. They’re still snug-as-a-bug in their current home!
A Day Just Right
What weather we’ve been having. It was such a beautiful day yesterday that we decided to take Murphy on a walk along Jimmy Rowe’s Trail here in the Wonderful World of Whiteway (not far from the cottages). It was a great walk – refreshing and uplifting. And it was one of those great work days when everything goes right. So definitely a count-your-blessings kind of day. We’re glad then that people are taking advantage of our Stay In and Stay Warm package for the cottages this winter – that plus the weather just sweetens an already sweet deal.
Tulips Are Better Than None
It is beginning to look a lot like spring, especially with a fragrant bouquet to brighten the room. Soon we’ll be growing our own tulips at The Doctor’s House, which has the most amazing English gardens. For now, we’ll take the mild weather, and all the extra excuses to cozy up.
New Year’s Recap
Between recouping and the weather and power issues, I completely forgot to do a recap of our New Year’s Eve party at The Doctor’s House. We had a great time with great guests, loved our gourmet meal, and enjoyed lots of dancing and fireworks into the night. It was our first big event we’ve hosted – we enjoyed it, learned a lot, and hope to offer more such occasions in the future. Thanks again to our staff and to the guests who came to celebrate with us. And we hope you have a truly blessed New Year.
Thanks to Clifford and Shirley George, who joined us and sent us these lovely photos. Oh, what a night!
And if you look closely, you can see some mummers in the crowd!
Winter in Whiteway ….
…. is cozy and warm, good for a fire, great for the soul, and, in a word, magical. Thanks to Leonard Howlett, a Newfoundland artist whose work we feature in our gift shop at The Doctor’s House, for capturing the season here so stunningly. We stay open during the winter, because we know a stunning getaway just an hour outside St. John’s is something people need and love all year round. Remember that we’ve extended our spa packages at The Doctor’s House to last all winter, and, also at the Inn, we’re offering buy one night, get the second for $99 for January-March. It’s our way to make your winter a little warmer.
Sunset Sunday: Before and After
These pictures are like life: all the same, all different, all wonderful, and totally beautiful. Shag Rock, before, during and after a sunset – reminding us why we love the Wonderful World of Whiteway.
Thanks to guests, Shag It artist and friend Leonard Howlett for the gorgeous shots. What an eye, or should I say three?
55 Years of Wedded Bliss
We recently had the pleasure at The Doctor’s House of helping this lovely couple, Brenda and Steve, celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary. I had to share the email they sent us after their stay:
“Hi Jerry and Laurelyn,
We have been treated royally by Anna, Joe and Rosemary. We are truly happy to have chosen the Doctors House to celebrate our very special Anniversary. 55 years of wedded bliss! As we were married in Dublin it seemed apt to be in the Irish Doctors House!
We succeeded in doing something that we have not done for a very very long time, which is doing absolutely nothing!! We explored the house and are so impressed to see your progress since we visited on the day before opening and Laurelyn showed us through.
It has been frigid and so we have not been out and about. Anna made us a delicious lunch today and dinner last night was perfect. We are sipping a Pinot Grigio right now in your sunroom. Lots of happy people in the dining room having a Christmas get together. Warm atmosphere all round.
Wishing you both a Merry Christmas and many blessings in 2014.
Brenda and Steve”
To Brenda and Steve, a hearty congratulations again, best wishes, and Happy Holidays – and thanks for the great feedback.
Legendary Coasts at The Doctor’s House
Since becoming involved in the hospitality business, The Berry and I have learned lots and reached out to local organizations, and thankfully, there’s lots of support in this wonderful community. Namely, the Legendary Coasts of Eastern Newfoundland District Management Organization (formerly known as EDMO), has been an invaluable resource. I actually became the Vice Chair at our Annual Meeting in November, and we’re excited to continue to work to promote the region.
We recently had a meeting at The Doctor’s House, which was exciting on many levels, not the least of which it being our first corporate meeting here. We got lots of great feedback, which is to be expected when Joe Friday serves dessert trays like this one!