Considering re-opening a old CL

Surely there's enough gravel/hardstandings around already?

We stayed on the hardstandings area at the side of the house (it was November). Not sure if it’s still there. 

We stayed on the gravel pathway in winter. If another unit wanted to pass us it could have easily as the pathway was wide and stepped back in places.

Good that you are thinking of reopening. My requirements would be water and waste (of course) plus electricity. As a motorhomer I too would prefer hardstanding. You don't have to cover the site with gravel but perhaps think that most motorhome are front wheel drive so even if it meant widening the access road so that in bad weather motorhomes could park their front wheel on something solid!!! 

Re your comments about the "old "caravans. Not everyone will appreciate that and they could be a cause of negative comment in any reviews. With regard to the toilet. Given that you are both working you need to think how you maintain the toilet in a clean condition as I doubt you will be able to rely on your guests!!! Through no fault of your own it could be a liability so perhaps worth thinking about that. I think people are used to people not being around on CL's but perhaps a contact telephone number. Perhaps a welcome pack pinned to a notice board with a few local details and telling guests where things are would help in the respect of you not being around during the day. You will need to think about site maintenance as guests probably won't appreciate scruffy!!! Personally not bothered about it being adults only but some owners think it taps into a certain client base who are more likely to use a CL without children. It doesn't have to be set in stone you could change either way after a year.

I know it all seems a bit daunting but its really only a case of getting organised and plan how you would operate the CL and how that fits into your life.

David

That's the one!! We've stayed there a few times, even in the snow and when all the water pipes were frozen up. There used to be a few fresh water taps round the field and the previous owner, Steve, encouraged us to pour our grey/waste water around the edge of the site. There was definitely a toilet/elsan emptying point, I think adjacent to the toilet(?). We would certainly use the site again given the opportunity, regardless of whether you allowed children or were AO. I used to take our dog for a walk along the lane, as there was not a lot of local traffic. As a regular user of CLs we are used to making do with our own facilities so should you choose not to open up the toilet that would not put us off from using your site either. It would be grand to have another CL in that area, again

Many on here are always will to pass on good advice, all you Ned to do is ask, Pete.

If I remember correctly there was a blackboard on the garage to the right as one entered the drive where Steve left a contact number, and pitch choices.

Agree Nellie, we would visit again as well. I could see it picking up some transit trade as well as long stays, it was ideal for a stop off using M5.  

We are happy using CLs with minimum owner contact. Owners can be very busy people.

Wow, thanks for all the comments.  I will digest for a wee bit. 

It was, indeed, the one called The Willows, run by Steve and his wife, although I believe it was a site before he took over.  The couple of photos taken are interesting.  Some of the "feature" items were left here, but Steve did take the Water Pump and the little lean-to over the wheelbarrow is now looking a little worse for wear having suffered some wind damage.

There's no guarantee we will reopen it - or will even be allowed to (we're trying to find the Mortgage Ts&Cs).  I will need to think a little more... we'd have to put some investment into tidying the place up a bit.  Unfortunately, a 24-7 phone number may not be possible, I am often incommunicado whilst at work, tending not to be at my desk, might need to give that some thought...

I'll go back over the comments (but do, please, keep them coming) and may come back with further queries or commentary!

Cheers

Pete

There is a CL owners group on Facebook. I believe it is there to help each other out but you may welll actually have to have an open CL to join. If you do decide to go ahead there is the opportunity for on going advice from the experienced.

peedee

I am pleased that you are considering opening again as we mainly use CLs and as far as we are concerned only need electric, water, and emptying points for the waste of both kinds. On many sites we have been told to empty the sink's water in the hedge and it doesn't bother us but I have heard some people don't like it.

We never use the site toilet but many do but I agree with an earlier comment that if you are not there to check it is clean it might be better not to include it. A review that it was dirty will put more people off than not having one.

The two tatty caravans are a definite no no.

I don't mind you not being around a lot of the time or available on the phone during the day but you must have the time to keep the grass short and pick it up.

Finally, on the point of children why not just say in your site description that there is nothing around for children so parents can decide for themselves whether you are a suitable site for them.

For us it is location, location, location followed by electric and views and it sounds as if you have all three of them. Hope that you decide to go ahead.