Soooooooo, various people have been chatting about possibly booking a farmhouse/cabin/what have you over Christmas/New Years and having it be a base for Badgerfest style shenanigans. Rosie has done some searching, and it looks like there may be some fantastic places up in the Peak district or around and about. They will, however, go fast. Is anyone else interested? People could pop in and out as they pleased over the week, probably, if you didn't want to/couldn't stay for the entire time....

Discuss.

Thank you.

Yes. I would say five days max though to save on money and also to allow for all the 'family stuff' before hand. Say weds 29th or Thurs 30th Dec through to Sunday 3rd or Monday 4th Jan. I like the idea of having tons of food and being in the wilds, like on a stormy coast line or in the middle of a wild moor. But that's just me, I accept that not everyone plugs for the 'Hound of the Baskervilles/ Wuthering Heights' style of gettaway!

Yes 29th or 30th would also allow me to celebrate my birthday beforehand, which would be useful for me obviously.

29th not so useful for me...

but I don't care =p

I'm confirming winter travel plans with Cat. Should be able to confirm soon after that.

You could always make your way up later...

Honestly it doesn't matter. I've written my birthday off for years I'm fully intending to celebrate my 30th in August like I did my 21st =p

What a thoroughly spiffing idea. I'm in.

Im strugling to find anything with availability within a decent price range but thought I would add this one as it amused me.

http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p461164 = wife swapping lodge. (IMHO)

And this is the only thing i have seen so far which could qualify http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p7019456hi#calendar-bar

It's not clear on the cost but if there were 9 of us I think it would be around £100.00 each.

Im not certain this is ideal but it's a starting point! Anyone else seen anything?

Well maybe this is actually more like it? http://www.wales-holidays.co.uk/property_detail.php?id=Y156

oh dear, I do recognise Im posting inefficiently and should be more patient in delivering my links but I have found a good site for the Brecon Beacons. Search for properties for 8 people and the prices to say call to negotiate a short break. I like the look of the The Old Postie, even though it is in fact a new build!
http://www.breconcottages.com/

The Breacons are easy to access, just get on the M4, or M5 and M50. Easy peasy.

Yes we can def do a couple of days, we can bring our bikes, as long as we only have to cycle downhill. Yes, it all sounds good to me, food, snuggled up with fire, food, books, food, mulled wine, food, games, food and i can make a production line of microwaved steamed puddings for anybody that wants them... wohooooooooo

yes im on here, its been ages yes

x

Rosie - good work so far. I spent an hour last night but didnt find much - lots of stuff at £2000 / week though!

I'm liking the 'by the ocean' thought - a house on a cliff would be cool. Otherwise up a mountain would appeal as well.

Fucking big fireplace is a must though...that's all i really want. And infinite wood. Must burn....

The Old Postie is still available? Shall I ring? Also, the "House in the Swansea Valley" is free for £670 for the dates. Will try and book this week, maybe?

Also, ahem, I would like to place myself first in line for the puddings!

Jennie
Pete
Rosie
Tart
JP
Tiz
Sam
Em
Woz

Confirming soon (just need to check cost vs money but most probably yes)
Dan
Cat

Do these guys know?
Loz / Ayesha
Noj / Suz
Doo / Sim
King / Jess

Potentially quite a lot of people now so 8 beds not enough.

It all does sound utterly awesome but you'd better put us down as probably not - Christmastide (inluding New Year) is usually busy blessing our respective families with our wonderous presence (and presents?).

One of them (not the Old Postie) has options for a few more.

The Old Postie, however, is available for £629.

Last edit, the "House in Swansea" (for £670) would be available to us from the 28th of Dec to the 4th ofJan, so people could make their way up (and back) at leisure.

Tizzy and I are a 'maybe' at the moment.

Also, 28th is likely to be the date of my 30th birthday party, so is definitely off the cards for me. Having said that, if you were all in Swansea I wouldn't have anyone to invite so would have to rearrange. So, in summary: as you were.

I reckon call them up and see what they have available, maybe for 5 nights from the 29th? You may be able to bargain on prices and/or number of nights maybe? It looks like we will be looking for 9 - 11 people as it stands and I think we are all going to have to be flexible on sharing twins etc etc. I doubt we can afford a house with a separate double for each set of lovebirds.

A place like Neuadd Cwmyoy Abergavenny http://www.breconcottages.com/cottage-details/NEUCW is ideal but pricey although the proce list says next to it to 'call' which makes me think it is open to negotiation maybe?

In fact the more I look at the place the more I think we should literally ORDER the straggling 'festers to attend because it is an absolutely FAB property and more people along makes it more affordable - Mike and Jess that includes YOU even if it is only for the new years weekend! COME ON HOW CAN YOU MISS THE' FEST PARTY OF THE NEW DECADE? saddo's......

Umm, well, I doubt they'll go under £1500 pounds for the week. I've contacted both Old Postie and "the house" one and they both said because it's peak season, we would have to pay for the entire week, so I think maybe the negotiation happens at other times of year? But I will drop them a note!
Does anyone else have a preference between the other two?
I agree that only the squares are missing out on the party of the century though (Jonnyboy, we can always keep your (and Dan's!) birthday going ALL WEEK LONG and added in Rosie's and mine as well for extra...cake excuses).

I think it's probably best to assume that we won't be coming.

Thieving barstewards. So, if JP doesn't come we are looking at 9 people or thereabouts. This means there is more choice doesn't it? Should we decide on a maximum price per person and take it from there? The Old Postie was fairly affordable wasn't it? Can't remember now!

I think it would be best to plan without us and we can always pop up and join you guys for the day if you end up somewhere nearby.

Right my hungover saturday searching has uncovered this site http://www.lastminute-cottages.co.uk/searchresults.php

and this house http://www.oldparishpoorhouse.co.uk/

The poorhouse sleeps 12, so I think 4 double beds and then the rest singles. I called the owners as the site said it was available for the new year weekend but she said someone has emailed her to book it but hasnt sent the deposit. I left my number for her to call me if she doesn't receive the deposit.

it's 1800 quid for 4 nights so if there was 12 of us that works out at 150 each. So if there are any less than 12 then really its not worth it but I liked the 4 night availability rather than committing to a week.

Your opinions please. If you browse the site see if you can find other cottages too. I think availability is low and prices are high so we shall have to do some raking to find a bargain!

Okay, so, so far we have 9 people available for the food/fire/cabin fever winter holiday.
The Old Postie is £629 for the entire week (we don't have to go up there until we like, though). And would involve some rearranging of twin beds I imagine. It is here:
Old Postie.

The House in Swansea valley has a bit more room in case people decide to come up. It's £670. House.

Both of these properties are probably going to be booked soon, but if we agree on a budget (maybe no more than £120 per person for the lodging?), and if neither of them suit, Rosie and I can keep an eye out on lastminute.com for a swanky place closer to the time. The Walker residence is also in the process of being swankified, so we have a back up place for poker, gin, guitar hero and shenanigans.

Fantastico.

Ok, change of plan, we've been offered a couple of very nicely paid gigs at venues we've been waiting to hear from for ages, Plus after the move and Christmas I think we'll need any extra income we can find, So think it's safe to count us out, sorry folks. Will happily Parcel Force the steamed puddings though x

Ok I've booked the Old Postie for a full week 28th December to the 4th January. It is here:
Old Postie. 

The total cost is 629 pounds for the week and Chris and I have paid a 100 pound deposit.

So here is a list of orders and suggestions for you all to consider and comment on;

At the moment there are 5 definites:

Jennie and Pete
Rosie and Chris
Sam

Chris and I shall stay until Sunday/ Monday as I am back to work Tuesday 4th.

There are a couple of wobblers:

Dan and Cat
JP and Tiz

Dan and Cat are unlikely to stay new year but could maybe come for a few days ahead of NY. JP and Tiz would like to come for NY but aren't certain about parental commitments. I suggest you guys act as 1 set of guests and when Dan and Cat leave, JP and Tiz turn up and therefore you split the cost between you and have time for NY in Campbridge (Dan) and Birthday shenanigans (JP and T). JP and T you shall just have to leave your parents in your house eating all your food I guess.

Unknowns

Drew and Simona
Matt and Michelle
Loz / Ayesha

No's

King and Jess
Noj and Susie
Warren and Emily
Marno and Sam (just a wild guess!)

So, as it stands the 5 people have an affordable house for a whole week. If Dan and Cat and JP and Tiz work out that they can come on different dates that will lower the cost again for the original people and fill up the house more which is good as it is big.

Others, you can arrange to turn up and contribute cash towards the kitty/ people already there to pay for your night or whatever. If you want to confirm that you are definitely in and therefore wish to reserve a bed then do so!

Im bored of typing and organising. The balls are in your hands. Let me know which way they fall.

Well done the Rosie!

I will probably be up for doing the whole week but I'll check at work tomorrow as have a few days left

I'll also try hassling the Drew and the Loren

Sounds good!

Right - so I've discussed with Cat and we are actually keen to come but from the 28th - 1st (maybe 2nd). Would that be fine? Happy to pay towards deposit or whatever.

Rosie, as I mentioned, Cat has a couple of nice friends (girls, sisters) who may also be interested as well but am concious of space...
If it turns out that it would be 2tarts,2blakes,Dan,Cat,Sam could the house fit an extra single bed? Would fill the house nicely and make it all uber cheap.

I think that'll be fine Dan, no problemo. I'm sure that the house will accommodate 9. Im not sure how many beds are there at the moment, it may mean someone brings an air bed and their own duvet or something but I know there is plenty of space and bathrooms!

So a definite No can do until at least 3rd Jan, would like to get involved but family commitments mean no can do. Depends on getting 4th off work as well else it will be up for a day and back again.

Update - I'm sorry to say Cat can't make it nor her friends so there is certainly still room for anyone on the fence about coming.

This leaves Blakes, Tarts, Sam and Myself on the confirmed list. If there is a room with two twins book it for us.

Potential short visits from: Noj and Drew

Any word from the Anandappas? Change of heart Nendick?

We may be able to rock up for a day or two, but it would be after New Year's Day as I have a concert that day and rehearsals beforehand.

Also, probably won't know until nearer the time.

ok no probs, shame we won't get to see Cat but there is always another time! There is a twin with a single off it so one spare bed and tons of floor space.

I shall be making a cash call up towards the end of November.

Anyone who wants to come up at any time is welcome, I don't think you need to make plans until the last minute as we shall be there anyway and will provde contact details and maps. I say bring a bottle and some fodder along with a bag wot you can sleep in if you do come along. The house is booked from 28th Dec- 4th Jan

Sammyboy - what are your plans to get there? Would make sense to head down together as both from the same neck of the woods. Perhaps most importantly - what are your intended dates? The whole time? I may be up for the same.

Dannyboy - that would indeed be a good plan, are you thinking of driving? Would probably be looking to do the whole week.

I may also be bringing a +1 if there is enough room, just thought I would leave you with that tantalising thought :-)

Sam, I'm sure there's room. The more the merrier! Really starting to look forward to a week of baked goods, lounging about, and booze. Also, Halo/books/general hilarity, obviously. Is anyone bringing Buck's Fizz?

I'm going to assume that you mean this:

<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pACePi441ds?fs=1&amp;hl=en_GB"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pACePi441ds?fs=1&amp;hl=en_GB" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>

Yep love a bit of Fuck's Bizz with Orange Juice...

and sam, you could put the plus 1 in a bed on their own in their own room if they smell bad. You could take the twin room and have a bed each of they are tolerable or indeed if you are feeling amorous towards said plus 1 you could even push 2 beds together and Dan go in the spare single room. OR the ultimate...all three can have single beds pushed together for a mass snuggle.....or indeed Dan sandwich....

Mmmmm Dan sandwich.... tempting

That's called a Danwich and they are indeed very tasty but only when made properly using two +1's and one Dan. Sorry Sam, HOWEVER I do predict a Samwich would also go down quite well.

I'm another vote for Fucks Bizz (both the new name and the drink).

Jennie - are you really looking forward to Halo? Be careful, if Pete sees you saying things like that it may well oblige you to a few games of Capture the Flag

Should I even bother to ask whether the projector will be necessary? =)

Dan

Dude, we have a Kinect. Can you imagine how epic beach volleyball will be on the projector?

so pleased you have a projector because then i can have the telly....

I've never tried the Kinect so difficult to imagine but I assume it will be somewhere between cool and awesome. Can I propose a motion that we play it in proper beachwear?

Cool + awesome = coolsome

Call for Cash!!!

ok, so the final payment is due.

The total cost for the house is £614.00

614/ 7 = 88 (rounded up) each.

We have already paid £100.00 so the final breakdown is this:

Rosie and Christart: £76

Jennie and Pete: £176

Sam + 1 (to complete the Danwich) : £176

Dan (the filling for the afforementioned Danwich, or bread for the Samwich): £88

We'll send a cheque for the total, we will need the cash back Im afraid to say, pay by calling chris and discussing options...or he may choose to post if he wakes from his snooze....

£88 for a Danwich? Deal. I expect you to deliver.
Paypal or BACS. Just send info.