Couple admits 2025 was ‘difficult year’ for B&B in the scenic Northants countryside but plan to push through
A couple has admitted that 2025 was a “difficult” year for their bed and breakfast in the scenic Northamptonshire countryside, but they plan to push through and adapt.
The Old Vicarage, located in The Avenue, Flore, offers modern accommodation in a historic space – with Grade II listed buildings with origins as far back as the 17th century.
The extensive gardens have many wild patches where nature has taken over, and guests are often greeted by rescue dogs Elsa and Frank and cat Sophie in the courtyard.
The dining room is where breakfast is served and also acts as a conference room. All rooms face the courtyard, which is a shared space and features seating and a fire pit.
Patricia and Gerry Purcell bought the house back in February 2020 and opened the bed and breakfast six months later.
As it was their dream to buy a big house and set up a business, they are proud to offer a quiet and peaceful countryside stay with six en-suite bedrooms and a kitchen per every two rooms.
Talking to the Chronicle & Echo, Gerry said: “It’s been a difficult year and the nature of the business is very up and down. We have periods in the summer when we’re fully booked but takings are very slim this time of year.
“The seasonality of the business is very difficult to deal with and there are a lot of repairs needed to the house. We think we’ve done well to have survived.”
The pair are in the process of looking into other business models they can adopt and opening an on-site cafe remains one of their biggest aims for the space. They are taking their time as they want it to be right from the outset.
Patricia and Gerry were asked what people like most about the experience they have created at The Old Vicarage B&B.
“The peace and quiet,” said Patricia. “We don’t put televisions in the rooms and most people love it. They’re not fixated on watching it and don’t get noise from their neighbours. They love the fact we’re off the beaten track and it’s especially beautiful in the summer.”
Gerry added: “We think we give a unique offer to customers, with nicely furnished rooms, somewhere to safely park their car and a nearby pub they can walk to.
“We’re in the middle of the country and it’s a convenient pitstop. My wife and I are very hospitable hosts and tend to people’s needs and personal requirements. We’re prepared to accommodate these things and do our best to help.
“We’ve had people from New Zealand, Australia, Holland, Belgium and America, as well as from all parts of England. We hope they’ll come back again for holidays in the future.”
The Old Vicarage is proud to house multiple unique businesses and be a space for up-and-coming ventures – Pamper Me, Rainbow Ri Holistic Health Coach and Evermore Permanent Jewellery.
Patricia and Gerry would like to finish the renovation on the house and see the business profitable. The hope is that taking the B&B in another direction will help and they have got the ball rolling with potential future plans.
With a fantastic garden, which will continue to be developed over this year and next, the pair want the community to enjoy it. They plan to establish contact to share this welcoming invitation.
For more information on The Old Vicarage in Flore, visit the business’ website here.