When I started our holiday home business Penstar Locations I knew I wanted to encourage people into our towns and onto our high streets.

So when I renovated Osprey Cottage, in Oakham, supporting local businesses was key to this objective.

I worked with Portess furniture stores and Knights of Oakham, plus local antiques shops to furnish the home to enhance its heritage.

Sew Rutland helped me to design a one-off piece of embroidery, a sign for the WIFI code, and the Spotty Robin was perfect for the little pieces that make a holiday home welcoming.

I commissioned local artist Phoebe Leadbeater to paint a couple of images of the area to enhance the local theme - two beautiful paintings of the Market Cross and Normanton Church take pride of place in the property.

I have a notice board publicising local coffee shops and restaurants and Discover Rutland maps and booklets are available for guests to read.

The welcome book is also building with current local events and attractions, from Oakham Castle, Rutland County Museum, the library and Rutland Showground.

I also showcase whichever local events are happening on the high street, such as the markets, fairs and events being held at Victoria Hall. We also support other community events.

advertisement

Products from our wonderful food companies are also available for guests to enjoy - or take home. Two Chimps Coffee supplies ground coffee from the Oakham roastery - we have had great feedback about their fabulous coffee - and chutney maker The Bytham Kitchen provides locally-made marmalade.

Osprey Cottage is pet-friendly - there's a small garden - and I put together a dog welcome box of locally-bought products to make them feel at home. The cottage is popular with families and those with four-legged friends - Rutland Water with its abundant attractions is a real draw for visitors.

Osprey Cottage can be booked for holidays as well as business trips and short term renting, such as in between moving house.

Free WIFI, smart TV plus a sound bar helps our guests stay connected and there are hotel grade linens and towels, with housekeeping for each visit, and a large kitchen and living area to relax in. The property has a main bedroom, a single bedroom and a bed settee in the living area. There's also a brand new bathroom with a bath and a shower.

Oakham is a fabulous town and a great area to live and visit, and I love being able to share this with my guests.

To find out more about the property click the red button below.