Lindsey Thomas, an associate at Knight Frank in Harrogate, gives us a guided tour of her perfect weekend
We’re a sociable bunch at Knight Frank so we usually start the weekend with a quick drink in one of the bars round the corner from the office; perhaps the courtyard at Hotel du Vin if it’s a nice evening.
Old habits die hard so, even if it’s my weekend off, Saturday morning inevitably means a quick check to see what properties are being advertised or have become available online. Then I’m usually off to see my mum, who lives near Thirsk, to pick up my rather spoilt spaniel Gracie (I think she’s very photogenic, but I am biased). She boards with my mum during the week and I swear she always looks a little bigger than when I left her at the beginning of the week. Either way, I make sure she gets more exercise and a stricter routine after a week of pampering (Gracie that is, not mum!).
Saturday afternoons are for spending time with the girls, usually in Northallerton. It’s a wonderful market town that offers everything you could want (dare I mention Bettys and Barkers?).
But, for me, it’s also a nice change from Harrogate where the reality of being an estate agent means I often bump into people I know from buying or selling in years past. I like to think I can remember who bought what, where and when but, still, I love the anonymity of wandering around Northallerton – and you can always get parked!
David and I to like to spend Saturday evening together as we are often like ships that pass in the night during the week. We always aim to be back home early in the evening, although David can often be a bit windswept and soggy given he loves outdoor pursuits like shooting and skiing.
We live in a beautiful village in Nidderdale and are spoilt for choice when it comes to places to eat out although somewhere local like The Sportsmans Arms at Wath or the Timble Inn tend to be favourites. But, as David is a fantastic cook, we do like to spend a night at home. He’s hoping that one day some of his culinary skills will rub off on me, but I’m not convinced.
Sunday inevitably means it’s time for Gracie’s exercise regime, which often starts with an early morning march around the reservoirs at Swinsty and Fewston, or Brimham Rocks if we’re feeling particularly energetic. That said, anywhere in Nidderdale is great as the scenery is so beautiful. Many say Nidderdale is the undiscovered Yorkshire dale and, as far as David and I are concerned, we like it that way so we can enjoy the peace and quiet, particularly when we know we’ve got a busy week ahead.
Sunday afternoon is a much valued chance for us to simply potter about and address more mundane domestic duties. I try to resist checking my mobile to see what’s happened while I’ve been away from the office, then it’s time for my most important job of all – making sure Gracie is back at mum’s in time for tea.
