One Drake Road, Tavistock

22/06/2026

Our dear friend Halimah picked up these two pieces a few weeks ago. Dark brown, a little tired, and definitely in need of some love.

Before delivering them to her home in Looe, I thought I’d give them a little makeover as a surprise. Armed with a few pots of , a brush, and a bit of imagination, these forgotten pieces are about to begin their next chapter.

I can’t wait to see her reaction when they arrive. Sometimes the best gifts aren’t bought, they’re transformed.

20/06/2026

It was such a special morning to visit Emily and Katherine and the ‘cake lady’ at an open studio day. It’s like I have stepped into heaven to see all the colour, the paint and the brushes.

Gracie (the dog) has her portrait done. It’s very cute.

ullacombefarmshopandcafe is such a special place - great for families and especially for Father’s Day.

Katherine Moore - huge congratulations 🥳 👶

Emily Powell - lovely to catch up.

The Emily Powell Studio is open again tomorrow with tons of work for sale.

19/06/2026

Jack had this made for us at the market in Marrakech back in January.

We couldn’t find anywhere to put it.

We have found a suitable place.

It looks perfect.

13/06/2026

09/06/2026

A lovely start to the day.

This morning I joined BBC Radio Devon live from our house in Tuscany to talk about One Drake Road being named England’s best B&B and Guest House at the Awards for Excellence.

What started as a tired old building in Tavistock has grown into an award-winning collection of character stays, run entirely by Jack and me.

Now, back to Tuscany and a coffee in the sunshine.

06/06/2026

From auction corner to centrepiece.

This week I hosted a private furniture painting workshop in my new studio, transforming a £6 auction chair into something completely unique.

Using a carefully chosen palette of Annie Sloan and wax finishes, we created a piece that perfectly complements its new home. Proof that with a little imagination, guidance and paint, even the most overlooked furniture can begin a new chapter.

Old chair. New life. £6 well spent.

05/06/2026

Silver in England. Still pinching ourselves.

This week Jack and I were honoured to collect the Silver Award for B&B and Guest House of the Year at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025-26.

To be recognised as one of the very best guest accommodation businesses in England is something we never imagined when we opened the doors to One Drake Road seven years ago.

What makes this award even more special is that it reflects every part of our business. The six bedrooms at One Drake Road, our apartments, our cottage in Calstock, and the thousands of guests who have chosen to stay with us along the way.

As a husband-and-husband team with no staff, it’s a proud moment to see years of hard work, restoration projects, early mornings, late nights and plenty of determination recognised on a national stage.

Thank you to our guests, supporters, local businesses and everyone who has been part of the journey.

Silver in England. We’ll take that.

03/06/2026

Proud to share that One Drake Road has been awarded Silver in the UK B&B of the Year awards.

A significant achievement for our small independent business in Tavistock and recognition of the hard work, attention to detail and hospitality standards we strive to deliver every day.

Thank you to our guests for their continued support.

01/06/2026

First impressions matter.

Before guests see their room, they experience the journey through the house. Hallways, staircases and landings set the tone and give a glimpse of what’s to come.

At One Drake Road we’ve filled these spaces with colour, art, texture and personality. William Morris wallpaper, painted panelling, vintage furniture, stained glass, gallery walls and carefully chosen lighting create a warm and welcoming atmosphere from the moment you arrive.

We believe a guest’s experience starts long before they open their bedroom door.

Welcome home.

23/05/2026

Eight years.

That’s how long I’ve waited to finally create my own workshop space in the garage across the road.

The lovely thing is, the building is going back to its roots. Back in the late 1800s it was a workshop owned by John Morris, who later ran it as a horse and cart ‘taxi’ rank for the old local train station.

There’s been a huge amount of work behind the scenes to get to this point, but I’m genuinely so happy with how it’s coming together. It finally feels like a proper creative space to paint, restore, make a mess and disappear into for a few hours.

Now comes the fun part over summer… adding more layers, more detail, more character and, naturally, finding excuses to buy even more furniture to work on.