AN ENTREPRENEURIAL couple have taken up the reins at a Herefordshire holiday-let business after falling in love with the county.

Well-established local holiday-let business, White House Cottages is now under new ownership following a purchase by married couple, Paul Carter and Angela Crawley.

WHC consists of five self-catered cottages in the village of Aylton, just outside of the historic market town of Ledbury, Herefordshire.

Moving from Leicester after almost 25 years near the city-centre, the couple went in search of a more meaningful and slower pace of life that could see them make use of their experience and life-long love of travelling.

In various senior roles for hospitality and leisure companies, Paul travelled the world, leading teams to design and build holiday experiences for award-winning travel brands, whilst Angela is a therapist with a passion for crafts and gardening.

As new entrepreneurs of their own retreat, they want to take on a new challenge and put their heart and soul into making White House Cottages a top holiday destination in Herefordshire. They also plan on continuing the good work of previous owners, including providing guests with freshly-pressed juice from the apples in the orchard.

Mr Carter said: “After decades spent with long commutes working in the hospitality and travel industry, it’s a relief to be able to get to work in just 30 seconds! As the proud new owners of the White House Cottages, we are stepping out of our comfort zones.”

Angela Crawley said: “Leaving our family home in Leicester was a tough decision, but as soon as we visited the gorgeous and quaint town of Ledbury and saw the potential of White House Cottages, we knew this was an opportunity we couldn’t let pass us by.

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“We want to maintain the connection to the local area that we fell in love with, whilst adding our own personal touch. We’re looking forward to putting our own stamp on each cottage and begin welcoming our guests as we embark on our new adventure.”

Over the winter, they plan to begin refurbishments, including updating some of the kitchenettes and bathrooms to add their own personal touches to each of the already charming cottages. Their vision is to create the perfect place for guests needing somewhere to relax, slow down and reconnect with nature.

The aim is to root themselves in the local community in Ledbury. In time, they anticipate offering pre-bookable hampers filled with local artisan-made produce, before adding experiences like local farm and vineyard tours, wellbeing, arts, craft workshops and other events in partnership with other local enterprises.

All but one cottage (The Kiln) is dog-friendly and dog towels, treats, and a list of pubs, restaurants and attractions that are suitable for pets is provided.

Calling on other local business owners, Paul Carter added: “The previous owners did a brilliant job that we know those who stayed before will want to see continue. We want to ensure that our guests get to experience the best Herefordshire has to offer, taking a hyper-local approach to how we run the cottages that is grounded in the heart of the community.

“We would love to partner with other local businesses wherever we can and support the area. Neighbours, potential prospects, customers, and businesses with a similar ethos - we would love to meet and chat!”

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