Meet Your Hosts
Find out about your hosts, Paula & Ray
So when did we know that we’d made the right choice, giving up well-paid jobs, to risk it all and buy a guest house? Really, as soon as our first guest bought a lovely thank-you card.
We knew then, our aim of providing a warm friendly welcome, clean and comfy rooms, a healthy or hearty breakfast, and value for money was on the mark.
Since that day in spring 2015, we’ve greeted hundreds of guests in the same way. Some, of course, are just transient. A fleeting stop, travelling to Land’s End, not realising a week here, is still not long enough to enjoy the English Riviera. Fortunately, so many more stay longer, visit regularly and become great friends. THE reward, for taking THAT risk!
Living in Hertfordshire, Paula’s background was in customer services, Ray’s in event management and journalism. We hankered to be our own bosses before we were 50. Fed up working for ‘The Man’, Ray is, of course, now working for ‘The Woman!’
Having hosted big events for family and friends, including our 2011 wedding, and been hands-on with our holiday rental in Florida, albeit from 4000 miles away, our skills were ideal for running a guesthouse.
We fell in love, the second we caught our first glimpse of the English Riviera.
Travelling the country for the right location, we fell in love, the second we caught our first glimpse of the English Riviera. Smitten once we saw the beaches, countryside and wealth of natural and man-made attractions.
So, Torquay and Grosvenor House are home, for us, and our cats. Sprite is now our elder statesman at 16, while Pumpkin is a mere youngster at just 4. If you relax on the patio, you may see them in their outdoor ‘catio’.
When it’s time to relax, green-fingered Paula keeps the pots and baskets looking bright. On a winter Saturday, with Torquay United coat and scarf, Paula cheers on the Gulls, as Ray commentates for the club’s radio service. We’re fans of Eurovision (UK fan club members), not just the week-long festival in May, but the whole build-up as countries select their songs. Staying with a musical theme, if time allows, Ray likes to play his synthesizers.
Now you know us, we’d love to get to know you too, and look forward to seeing you again, or meeting you soon.
Meet Our Team
Becca, Hazel, Molly, and Alistair
When she’s not working with us, Molly has finished her college studies and now works as a care assistant. And, not content with just looking after you during your stay, she’s still working towards a future, possibly as a midwife or a paramedic.
Becca is in her final year at sixth form, working towards her A Levels and then looking to continue her studies in Business Management or Law. She likes vintage clothes, although she admits her wardrobe is already full, and look out in the breakfast room – she has a soft spot for those little hash browns!
Another student in her final education year is Hazel, who juggles her college and Grosvenor House duties, with playing an active role in her local community in the Bay. She’s also a businesswoman, having started her own online business. If you’re a Croc wearer, you could ask her about her Croc charms!!
Alistair has been a friend for nearly 40 years and was with us on day 1 as we moved into Grosvenor House. Having now moved to the Bay , you’ll often find him helping with running repairs or washing up! Now retired from a long career, mainly in catering, if he’s working behind the scenes it will be to keep the appliances running properly – or keep the girls supplied with cake for their tea-breaks!