If anyone is au fait with the website ‘TripAdvisor’, Littleport are proud to announce that our very own AA Four Star The Gate House situated at 2B Lynn Road are constantly at the top of the ratings when it comes to successful B&Bs.
“We have been between 9th to 13th out of 270 to 280 the best B&Bs in Cambridgeshire, and we are even fluctuating from 1st or 2nd place in Ely alone which is quite an achievement,” said one of the welcoming proprietors Edna, who can rustle up a mean breakfast, and likes to give that personal touch by providing homemade biscuits and muffins for the guests placed on the tea tray in their rooms.
They use a lot of organic and free range produce from local suppliers including our advertisers Westmoor House and The Shed.
Edna’s partner Peter, an engineer by trade, built the house on what was originally a vegetable garden that belonged to Colville House next door.
“We did everything from the plumbing, electrics, the flooring, carpentry, to tiling the bathroom and kitchen tiling and even 8 laying the wooden floors,” said Peter who was able to employ local tradesmen to complete the structure of the house, as well as doing the electrics and fitting the windows.
The couple eventually felt that the house was just too big for the two them, so they decided to turn it into this thriving B&B with three bedrooms (2 en suite), whilst still retaining their own privacy with an office upstairs, and a private dining room and lounge downstairs. The Gate House is busy all the year round but Edna and Peter try to get the balance of their work and life right.
“This is our home, but our guests still have their own privacy and we are on call whenever they need us,” said Edna, who prides herself on a spotlessly clean establishment which is modern and spacious including all mod cons from wifi to personal fridges etc.
There are those personal touches with Peter’s family pictures on the walls and his 30-year-old BSA C15 bike taking pride of place on the landing.
“We treat everyone who stays here how we would like to be treated ourselves. We don’t let standards slip. We don’t get complacent because we know people are spending their time and money. If someone is coming to Ely and wishes to stay at our establishment we don’t want to ruin their stay – as time is precious and having that spare time available to you, you want to provide the best service youcan”, Edna told Littleport Life.
When you meet this welcoming Littleport couple, they really do make you feel at home as one satisfied visitor commented, “Everything in this bed and breakfast was first class, from the bed to the bacon. The attention to detail was outstanding and we would certainly recommend a stay at The Gate House. Very convenient too for a trip to Cambridge or Ely, especially if you want to leave the car behind as it is next to the station – but still quiet.”