We are Pauline and Stuart Diplock, retired (well, nearly). The complete makeover of Queenswood, a tired but majestic old Victorian house, was our retirement project after spending 25 years establishing a very successful 5 Star, award-winning cottage holiday and bed and breakfast business in a neighbouring village.

We spent our time wisely, listening to our guests and ensuring we provided what they wanted. So in retirement we decided to downsize and continue to do what we know we do best, whilst at the same time taking a greater part in village life. So we moved to Queenswood in 2017.

If you happen to come whilst we are away in Turkey, you will meet Elaine who has worked for us for nearly 30 years. She moves in and takes over the reins, so we can have a break. She is loved by all our guests and gets rave reviews whilst we are absent!

We have twin son and daughter, now left home but they are not far away so we see them often, a collie dog, and 2 young ginger cats. Stuart used to run the local Explorer Scout group, but since we retired our son has taken over the leadership and Stuart helps. In 2013 we built a 4 bedroomed villa with a big swimming pool in Dalyan, Turkey. It’s our ‘bolt-hole’, but it’s also available to rent in the summer months – see our website www.ourvillainturkey.co.uk