With Mother’s Day just around the corner, Pat shares her thoughts on being a mother and grandmother, and what makes her perfect Mother’s Day.
What makes Bosinver such a special place for families?
Part of it’s the environment. We’ve got such a wonderful setting here that makes it ideal for families with babies, toddlers or school-age children. Each year, we try to come up with something new for the kids to discover, especially as we’ve got so many families who come back year after year! Some of the children that came to Bosinver with their families years ago are now coming with their own children, which is really lovely.
One thing we’ve noticed over the past few years is that a lot more people are coming to stay at Bosinver with their extended family – three generations all staying under one roof. It gives mums and dads some time off and grandparents the chance to spend some quality time with the kids, particularly if they don’t live nearby. We’ve also hosted quite a few family celebrations – 80th birthdays, wedding anniversaries, and even one wedding party who chose to spend a week here together.
What’s it like being a grandmother?
My son Mark and his family moved back to Cornwall a few months ago so he could take on the project management of our new eco-build, Lowen. It’s been great having them close by and spending time with my two young grandchildren, Wilf and Megan. They love coming up to Bosinver and going to the playbarn, feeding the animals and exploring the woods. It’s very hard to stay in the office on a beautiful sunny day when I hear a little voice calling out “Nanny Pat, come and play!”
What’s your idea of a perfect Mother’s Day?
This year, I’ll be going to Lanhydrock as I’ve done the past few years. There’s a group of us that go every year now. I’ll be taking my mum, and my son Mark, his wife and their children will be joining us. We’ll pack up a big, traditional-style picnic and make a real day of it. Lanhydrock is beautiful in spring, with lots of space for the kids to run about and play and woodland walks to walk off our lunch!
What’s the most memorable Mother’s Day gift you’ve ever been given?
Burnt toast, hard boiled eggs and spilt tea wobbled up the stairs to me in bed when the boys were about 5 and 7.
Wherever you are, and whatever you’re doing on Sunday, have a happy Mother’s Day!