1 00:00:01,599 --> 00:00:03,599 (Francis Brennan) Who in their right mind would think to build 2 00:00:03,639 --> 00:00:06,160 a beach resort in the Midlands? 3 00:00:06,239 --> 00:00:08,839 We're known as the crazy farmers, but we'll take it. 4 00:00:08,919 --> 00:00:10,800 It's okay. (cow moos) 5 00:00:11,279 --> 00:00:13,760 (John Brennan) Welcome to the dream of one Irish dairy farmer 6 00:00:13,800 --> 00:00:15,559 and his Latvian sweetheart. 7 00:00:15,639 --> 00:00:17,239 He's quiet and unassuming... 8 00:00:17,319 --> 00:00:18,680 She's definitely not. 9 00:00:19,559 --> 00:00:22,319 Every morning I wake up and I tell him I have an idea, 10 00:00:22,360 --> 00:00:23,760 he runs, okay? 11 00:00:23,839 --> 00:00:27,639 They're building a Baltic inspired Bali-style holiday resort 12 00:00:27,720 --> 00:00:29,760 in the fields of county Laois. 13 00:00:29,839 --> 00:00:32,879 There's a little bit of Latvia I try to bring with me 14 00:00:32,919 --> 00:00:33,959 and create here. 15 00:00:34,000 --> 00:00:35,360 This is one of these projects 16 00:00:35,400 --> 00:00:38,919 that is on the borderline between genius and madness,. 17 00:00:38,959 --> 00:00:40,400 And they want to finish it all 18 00:00:40,440 --> 00:00:42,519 in time for their wedding next summer! 19 00:00:42,599 --> 00:00:44,919 This is gonna be emotional. 20 00:00:45,000 --> 00:00:46,879 The wedding flashed in front of us, 21 00:00:46,919 --> 00:00:50,360 you know, the criticism kind of shattered everything. 22 00:00:50,400 --> 00:00:52,680 Iveta, I'm sorry that it is a shock... 23 00:00:52,720 --> 00:00:54,800 I can't do it. I'm sorry. 24 00:00:55,480 --> 00:00:58,120 ♪ (theme music) 25 00:01:01,199 --> 00:01:03,839 We're being called in to advise on what might just be 26 00:01:03,879 --> 00:01:06,559 the most unusual farm in the Midlands, 27 00:01:06,599 --> 00:01:09,519 ten minutes outside Rathdowney in County Laois. 28 00:01:11,160 --> 00:01:14,680 It all began eight years ago, when Iveta from Latvia 29 00:01:14,720 --> 00:01:16,120 met the love of her life, 30 00:01:16,160 --> 00:01:18,919 third generation Irish dairy farmer Pat. 31 00:01:18,959 --> 00:01:20,879 (cows moo) 32 00:01:20,959 --> 00:01:23,959 I've been milking cows for 22 year here... (Iveta laughs) 33 00:01:24,000 --> 00:01:29,959 and this is something way out of my league! (Iveta laughs) 34 00:01:30,040 --> 00:01:33,599 The combination of a small herd and low milk prices has made it tough 35 00:01:33,680 --> 00:01:35,720 for this couple to make ends meet. 36 00:01:35,800 --> 00:01:40,239 So back in 2019, they diversified into the hospitality business. 37 00:01:40,279 --> 00:01:42,199 (cow moos) 38 00:01:43,239 --> 00:01:45,360 Behold: The Ranch Cabin, 39 00:01:45,400 --> 00:01:48,000 a cluster of wooden chalets in the middle of the farm 40 00:01:48,040 --> 00:01:50,239 designed for families of up to six. 41 00:01:51,440 --> 00:01:54,559 And now, having tested the water, Pat and Iveta 42 00:01:54,599 --> 00:01:58,720 are about to dive in headlong with a full-on holiday resort for adults. 43 00:01:58,800 --> 00:02:01,279 They're calling it Pond Beach. 44 00:02:02,239 --> 00:02:06,279 What we have here is a beach in Laois. 45 00:02:07,879 --> 00:02:10,599 I come from the Baltics and I love the water. 46 00:02:10,680 --> 00:02:13,160 So I said to him, if he wants to hold on to me, 47 00:02:13,199 --> 00:02:15,959 we have to get a water here. I need water. 48 00:02:17,239 --> 00:02:20,959 We have two cabins, a grill and bar area, 49 00:02:21,000 --> 00:02:24,720 which is under construction, and sauna and spa, 50 00:02:24,760 --> 00:02:28,000 which will be open to public as well. 51 00:02:28,080 --> 00:02:33,839 And up behind us here, we have a sports area, we have chess, 52 00:02:33,919 --> 00:02:37,760 we have basketball, volleyball, and 53 00:02:37,800 --> 00:02:41,680 we're not made up yet with either croquet or mini, eh... 54 00:02:41,720 --> 00:02:43,639 Crazy golf. Crazy golf. Yeah. 55 00:02:44,599 --> 00:02:46,000 So let's recap. 56 00:02:46,080 --> 00:02:50,199 A beach resort and restaurant beside a pond on a farm in the Midlands. 57 00:02:50,239 --> 00:02:51,680 (cow mooing) 58 00:02:51,760 --> 00:02:54,360 Crazy golf doesn't sound that crazy now. 59 00:02:55,879 --> 00:02:59,800 The restaurant idea is to have this bamboo beach bar, 60 00:02:59,839 --> 00:03:03,440 with fancy cocktails and just something exotic 61 00:03:03,480 --> 00:03:07,120 that people can come and chill and have a beautiful view of the pond. 62 00:03:07,199 --> 00:03:09,839 Alright, so, tropical paradise, here we come. 63 00:03:10,959 --> 00:03:13,239 I think they might get a surprise. 64 00:03:14,120 --> 00:03:15,879 Now. The autumn colours are lovely, anyway. 65 00:03:15,919 --> 00:03:18,080 They are, very nice. Yeah. Oh, here we are. 66 00:03:18,160 --> 00:03:19,559 Pond Beach resort. 67 00:03:19,639 --> 00:03:21,559 We are landlocked, you know, in Laois. 68 00:03:22,319 --> 00:03:23,959 Have you your bikini with you? 69 00:03:24,040 --> 00:03:25,040 Yeah, polka dot. 70 00:03:25,680 --> 00:03:27,040 Hello! 71 00:03:27,120 --> 00:03:29,040 There's the lady of the house. Oh, yeah. I can see her there. 72 00:03:29,080 --> 00:03:31,680 How are ya? Nice to be here. John. Iveta. 73 00:03:31,720 --> 00:03:33,760 Welcome! Hi! We're delighted to be here, 74 00:03:33,800 --> 00:03:36,919 on a dry morning! For a change! Ideal for the beach. John? 75 00:03:36,959 --> 00:03:38,639 Yeah, we'll get the towels. (laughter) 76 00:03:38,720 --> 00:03:41,199 Towels are ready. So that's great. We're dying to see it. 77 00:03:41,279 --> 00:03:43,279 So will you show us? Yeah, looking forward to it. 78 00:03:45,879 --> 00:03:47,680 This is the beginning of it all. 79 00:03:47,760 --> 00:03:50,160 And we call it the Ranch Cabin. 80 00:03:50,239 --> 00:03:52,279 It's here four and a half years. 81 00:03:52,360 --> 00:03:54,599 It was a baby of it all. Okay. 82 00:03:54,680 --> 00:03:56,720 And the beach is the next phase. 83 00:03:56,800 --> 00:03:58,440 Beach was the wild card. Right, come on! 84 00:03:58,480 --> 00:04:00,199 (Iveta laughs) Lead the way to the beach! 85 00:04:01,599 --> 00:04:05,599 If the word beach inspires swimming, is it ever intended that 86 00:04:05,680 --> 00:04:06,839 people would swim in it? 87 00:04:06,919 --> 00:04:11,519 I do have a plan to come up with something that people can swim in. 88 00:04:13,199 --> 00:04:15,639 This is the pebble beach area. Right. Okay. 89 00:04:15,720 --> 00:04:17,599 And there's no sand anywhere? 90 00:04:17,680 --> 00:04:20,239 No, we decided to go with a pebble. 91 00:04:22,239 --> 00:04:25,279 Is the Irish market even ready for something like this? 92 00:04:25,559 --> 00:04:27,599 Well, Iveta and Pat think so. 93 00:04:28,199 --> 00:04:31,080 They've already installed two self catering pods 94 00:04:31,120 --> 00:04:34,760 with plans to expand sometime in the future. 95 00:04:34,839 --> 00:04:36,599 So how many can you accommodate here? 96 00:04:36,680 --> 00:04:41,000 At the moment, it's 10, but when we're finished, will be 26. 97 00:04:43,000 --> 00:04:44,000 Across the pond, 98 00:04:44,040 --> 00:04:46,480 the couple are planning a restaurant, bar and grill 99 00:04:46,519 --> 00:04:49,199 with a name hat reflects the watery theme. 100 00:04:49,279 --> 00:04:52,519 And we gonna call it Poseidon, God of the ocean. 101 00:04:52,599 --> 00:04:55,160 Oh, right. You know, in the film that sank, 102 00:04:55,199 --> 00:04:57,680 that Poseidon boat. Well, I'll make it float! Good girl! 103 00:04:57,720 --> 00:04:59,239 (Iveta laughs) Come on, show us! 104 00:05:00,760 --> 00:05:04,559 So now, this is gonna be the bar and restaurant area? 105 00:05:04,639 --> 00:05:05,839 Yes, bar and grill. 106 00:05:05,919 --> 00:05:08,400 You have to use your imagination. I am trying to. I'm sure you 107 00:05:08,440 --> 00:05:09,440 have a good one. 108 00:05:09,480 --> 00:05:11,559 I'm extensively trying to get the head to work. 109 00:05:11,639 --> 00:05:14,239 So now, how many people do you think you'd be serving in this space? 110 00:05:14,319 --> 00:05:15,839 Well, we're gonna start small. 111 00:05:15,919 --> 00:05:18,279 Right. So we're gonna start maybe with four or five tables, 112 00:05:18,319 --> 00:05:21,400 which will seat 16 to 25 people. 113 00:05:21,480 --> 00:05:25,319 And this area out here, then, is this a terrace area for seating? 114 00:05:25,400 --> 00:05:28,680 Well, we were planning to put tall tables around there, 115 00:05:28,720 --> 00:05:33,800 and then planning to put kind of timber valley beds there 116 00:05:33,839 --> 00:05:36,559 that people can lie down and enjoy the cocktail. 117 00:05:36,599 --> 00:05:39,720 That was the idea. Kind of row of timber beds, 118 00:05:39,800 --> 00:05:42,160 with the mattresses to lie down and... (John laughs) 119 00:05:42,199 --> 00:05:44,519 Listen, do you ever sleep? Do you ever sleep? Yes! 120 00:05:44,559 --> 00:05:46,239 (John laughs) 121 00:05:46,440 --> 00:05:49,919 Okay, now. Keep... No, tell us everything. 122 00:05:49,959 --> 00:05:51,480 Yeah. Because then we'll filter it. 123 00:05:51,559 --> 00:05:53,279 He's gonna drop down laughing at it! We'll be here for a month 124 00:05:53,319 --> 00:05:54,319 if she tells us everything! 125 00:05:55,120 --> 00:05:57,319 Seriously, though, valley beds in Laois, 126 00:05:57,360 --> 00:05:59,400 now that's what you call a leap of faith. 127 00:06:01,080 --> 00:06:03,720 Well, now, do you intend opening to the public all year round? 128 00:06:03,760 --> 00:06:06,239 With a bit of a blessing, yes. 129 00:06:06,319 --> 00:06:08,120 That would be... the pope will have to come. 130 00:06:08,199 --> 00:06:10,599 Right? Yeah. Well, you have water to bless the place, anyway. 131 00:06:12,480 --> 00:06:15,279 We want to give the pods our own Brennan blessing. 132 00:06:16,440 --> 00:06:17,720 That is the one-bedroomed 133 00:06:17,760 --> 00:06:20,199 open plan. This is a wheelchair open plan, yes. Yeah. 134 00:06:20,279 --> 00:06:22,360 Right. Okay. Oh, and you have the privacy curtain. 135 00:06:22,400 --> 00:06:25,199 That's great. Because if I wanted a lie-in in the morning 136 00:06:25,239 --> 00:06:26,760 I can stay in bed and then get up late. 137 00:06:26,800 --> 00:06:27,919 That's exactly it. 138 00:06:28,000 --> 00:06:31,160 And then say at half eleven, "Good morning!" (Iveta laughs) 139 00:06:31,239 --> 00:06:34,040 It's wonderful. Yeah, that's good. 140 00:06:34,080 --> 00:06:35,279 It's a nice little touch. 141 00:06:35,360 --> 00:06:36,599 Yeah, lovely. Very nice, isn't it? 142 00:06:36,680 --> 00:06:38,720 Yeah, yeah, yeah. Great. 143 00:06:38,760 --> 00:06:39,760 Well done. 144 00:06:40,040 --> 00:06:42,760 Next summer, Pat and Iveta will celebrate their wedding 145 00:06:42,800 --> 00:06:45,559 with friends and family from Ireland and Latvia, 146 00:06:45,599 --> 00:06:49,559 which will be magical as long as Pond Beach is ready for them. 147 00:06:50,040 --> 00:06:52,879 That's a lovely view out over the pond, look, isn't it nice? Yeah, 148 00:06:52,959 --> 00:06:54,599 very nice. 149 00:06:55,040 --> 00:06:57,680 This is a fire pit and a Celtic house, 150 00:06:57,720 --> 00:07:01,279 which we're gonna use in time for a storyteller entertainment 151 00:07:01,319 --> 00:07:02,559 for our guests. Oh, right. 152 00:07:02,639 --> 00:07:03,959 This is in progress now, is it? 153 00:07:04,040 --> 00:07:06,080 This is still in a progress, there's a fireplace 154 00:07:06,120 --> 00:07:08,360 to go at the back. (laughter) 155 00:07:13,839 --> 00:07:15,720 So now what do you think of where we are? 156 00:07:16,400 --> 00:07:18,680 I just don't know. Sure, everywhere you look, 157 00:07:18,720 --> 00:07:19,720 there's something else happening. 158 00:07:19,760 --> 00:07:20,959 Yeah. That's the problem here. 159 00:07:22,279 --> 00:07:24,120 Nothing is finished. Nothing is finished! 160 00:07:24,199 --> 00:07:25,919 And I don't get Bali. 161 00:07:25,959 --> 00:07:28,319 I'm sorry, I've never been, but I don't think it's like, this. Yeah. 162 00:07:29,599 --> 00:07:30,680 But it's daft. 163 00:07:30,720 --> 00:07:32,319 Yeah. And that's the issue. 164 00:07:33,879 --> 00:07:36,559 Oh, look, I just don't know. Yeah. I just don't know. 165 00:07:36,639 --> 00:07:37,639 It's hard to know. 166 00:07:37,720 --> 00:07:39,080 Inspection was wonderful. 167 00:07:39,160 --> 00:07:42,800 It was actually very, very interesting and pleasant. 168 00:07:43,319 --> 00:07:48,360 Francis responded better than I thought, which made me smile. 169 00:07:48,440 --> 00:07:51,360 So, yes, it was a positive reaction. 170 00:07:51,440 --> 00:07:53,080 So we'll go and have a chat with them, will we? 171 00:07:53,160 --> 00:07:56,160 Yeah, we'll put our thoughts to them and see what they think. 172 00:07:56,639 --> 00:08:01,919 John was more reserve and quiet, I'd say I will have 173 00:08:01,959 --> 00:08:03,720 a lot of advice there. 174 00:08:03,800 --> 00:08:07,199 And I'm actually really looking forward to his opinion. 175 00:08:10,800 --> 00:08:12,160 It's time for the truth. 176 00:08:12,239 --> 00:08:13,919 And the truth may just hurt. 177 00:08:15,839 --> 00:08:19,160 Now, I came here with no concept of what you were doing, 178 00:08:19,239 --> 00:08:23,680 alright? And to commend you both, you've done a mountain of work. 179 00:08:23,720 --> 00:08:25,160 Mm. Absolutely. Thank you. 180 00:08:25,239 --> 00:08:28,839 But we're... not madly happy about all the projects 181 00:08:28,879 --> 00:08:30,440 that are on the page at the moment. 182 00:08:30,599 --> 00:08:32,319 ♪ (suspenseful music) 183 00:08:32,760 --> 00:08:35,599 We feel that everything has been started, 184 00:08:35,680 --> 00:08:38,160 but has everything been finished? No. No. 185 00:08:41,120 --> 00:08:43,279 What you've achieved is wonderful, 186 00:08:43,360 --> 00:08:45,720 all the work you've put into it is enormous, 187 00:08:45,800 --> 00:08:48,839 but we would feel that you look at television at night, 188 00:08:48,879 --> 00:08:51,279 you see something and you decide at 9 o'clock the next morning, 189 00:08:51,360 --> 00:08:52,519 "Right, we're going doing that." 190 00:08:53,440 --> 00:08:58,279 It is a project of desires, which is fantastic, 191 00:08:58,319 --> 00:09:00,680 but it's not as polished as it should be. 192 00:09:00,959 --> 00:09:04,040 We would believe not one new project 193 00:09:04,080 --> 00:09:08,120 should be entered into until you finish what ye have got. 194 00:09:09,519 --> 00:09:12,599 And there's one big black cloud on the horizon. 195 00:09:12,680 --> 00:09:14,199 That'd be the bar restaurant. 196 00:09:17,319 --> 00:09:19,559 Okay. I cannot understand 197 00:09:20,000 --> 00:09:25,199 why you would consider spending capital money on that, 198 00:09:25,239 --> 00:09:27,680 and you have three sites available here, 199 00:09:27,720 --> 00:09:31,040 with planning permission, for extra pods, 200 00:09:31,080 --> 00:09:33,199 because that is where the money is. 201 00:09:33,279 --> 00:09:38,239 No client comes to stay in the pods today thinking of food. 202 00:09:38,400 --> 00:09:42,639 It's a huge job, and it's a colossal financial drain. 203 00:09:42,680 --> 00:09:44,919 Mm. And I would actually worry 204 00:09:44,959 --> 00:09:48,199 about how many people would come here to eat. Mm-hm. 205 00:09:49,360 --> 00:09:52,720 The margin on accommodation is far, far greater than food and beverage. 206 00:09:52,760 --> 00:09:54,319 True. And you're putting all your money into 207 00:09:54,360 --> 00:09:57,440 a food and beverage operation of which you have limited experience, 208 00:09:57,519 --> 00:09:59,599 you have to buy the expertise for the kitchen, 209 00:09:59,680 --> 00:10:01,680 the chef leaves, the food changes, 210 00:10:01,720 --> 00:10:03,639 and your reputation is wobbly-wobbly 211 00:10:03,680 --> 00:10:06,239 because you're not in control of the kitchen yourselves. 212 00:10:06,319 --> 00:10:09,480 There's a huge amount of cost to go into that area 213 00:10:09,519 --> 00:10:11,000 with an unknown return. 214 00:10:11,959 --> 00:10:13,239 You put in a restaurant, 215 00:10:13,279 --> 00:10:15,559 you have a whole people-management situation. 216 00:10:15,639 --> 00:10:17,720 You have your new toilets that you have to put in, 217 00:10:17,760 --> 00:10:18,879 you've kitchens, you've HACCP, 218 00:10:18,919 --> 00:10:20,400 you've food and beverage inspections, 219 00:10:20,480 --> 00:10:22,680 you've all of those things, you've a licence... 220 00:10:22,760 --> 00:10:24,720 It is a ton of work, 221 00:10:24,760 --> 00:10:27,080 and you don't know how much you're gonna turn on it. 222 00:10:28,639 --> 00:10:31,519 Also, I know that it's a big day planned for next August. 223 00:10:31,599 --> 00:10:32,800 I heard it on the grapevine. 224 00:10:32,879 --> 00:10:34,559 And I know, perhaps in your mind, 225 00:10:34,599 --> 00:10:36,400 you'd love to have that space finished, 226 00:10:36,480 --> 00:10:38,760 but I would be looking for someone to come in 227 00:10:38,800 --> 00:10:40,839 and put a lovely marquee in the centre of that, 228 00:10:40,919 --> 00:10:43,919 get an outdoor caterer to do the wedding, have a great party, 229 00:10:44,000 --> 00:10:46,440 and you don't have to worry about where the glasses are coming from, 230 00:10:46,480 --> 00:10:49,120 or where the forks are coming from and they bring the chairs. 231 00:10:49,800 --> 00:10:51,480 You need more accommodation. 232 00:10:51,519 --> 00:10:54,519 And the money that you would set aside for the barn 233 00:10:54,599 --> 00:10:56,440 can be put into your accommodation. 234 00:10:56,519 --> 00:10:58,319 Now. You're very happy, 235 00:10:58,360 --> 00:11:00,000 you are not happy, by the look of you. Iveta... 236 00:11:05,879 --> 00:11:10,959 The price of one house doesn't come near of the budget 237 00:11:11,040 --> 00:11:15,000 we want to build the little cosy bar-restaurant. 238 00:11:15,040 --> 00:11:19,000 But I'm willing to take it on because I genuinely believe 239 00:11:19,040 --> 00:11:21,839 that something unique would work. 240 00:11:21,919 --> 00:11:23,639 It will work. 241 00:11:23,680 --> 00:11:26,519 There's no return, you won't make any money on it, let me tell you. 242 00:11:26,599 --> 00:11:28,080 It'd be different if you were just opening a restaurant 243 00:11:28,120 --> 00:11:30,120 and nothing else. But you have the opportunity 244 00:11:30,160 --> 00:11:32,319 of getting a good bottom line 245 00:11:32,400 --> 00:11:34,360 from the three extra pods. 246 00:11:35,000 --> 00:11:38,360 None of it adds up in our minds. Right. 247 00:11:39,440 --> 00:11:44,559 We honestly believe that you'd be out of your mind to build 248 00:11:44,599 --> 00:11:45,760 the bar-restaurant. 249 00:11:45,800 --> 00:11:49,319 Mm. (laughing) And you would be also out of your minds 250 00:11:49,400 --> 00:11:53,800 to add anything further to the site apart from accommodation, 251 00:11:53,879 --> 00:11:55,400 'cause you have so much going on here. 252 00:11:55,480 --> 00:11:57,480 It's unbelievable. Mm. (Pat exhales) 253 00:12:01,120 --> 00:12:02,919 We knew when we stepped into this, 254 00:12:02,959 --> 00:12:06,720 it's a very high risk and there's no doubt. 255 00:12:06,800 --> 00:12:08,400 What is the cost of those pods? 256 00:12:08,480 --> 00:12:10,800 Oh, the cost is great. 257 00:12:10,879 --> 00:12:12,519 75. 258 00:12:12,599 --> 00:12:14,879 And how much would you expect to be out of the restaurant at? 259 00:12:15,080 --> 00:12:16,400 Em... 260 00:12:16,480 --> 00:12:19,639 What budget has you got in your mind to open that restaurant 261 00:12:19,680 --> 00:12:20,959 for serving? 60. 262 00:12:21,000 --> 00:12:22,720 Ah, stop. 263 00:12:22,800 --> 00:12:25,480 No, I mean, 'cause you know, I'm not, I'm not... 264 00:12:25,559 --> 00:12:28,080 Yeah, but I was looking at the small operation. 265 00:12:28,160 --> 00:12:30,040 Not to that scale at the start. 266 00:12:30,120 --> 00:12:33,559 Yeah. Yeah, but even to close in the walls and put up the windows, 267 00:12:33,599 --> 00:12:35,160 it'd cost 60,000. 268 00:12:35,519 --> 00:12:37,559 Mm, no, I worked it out. 269 00:12:37,639 --> 00:12:38,720 It didn't cost me that. 270 00:12:38,800 --> 00:12:42,080 I have the windows worked out and the brickwork worked out, 271 00:12:42,120 --> 00:12:46,319 insulation worked out, the timber cladding worked out. 272 00:12:46,760 --> 00:12:48,839 It didn't come near it. Yeah, but where money will come into it 273 00:12:48,879 --> 00:12:50,199 is in extraction. 274 00:12:50,239 --> 00:12:52,639 And it's making a lick. Yeah. 275 00:12:55,040 --> 00:12:57,959 You wouldn't see 100 grand making a lick in there. Mm. 276 00:12:58,040 --> 00:13:00,440 And you're putting in drains on the floors, 277 00:13:00,480 --> 00:13:04,199 and wash-downs and, like, 278 00:13:04,239 --> 00:13:08,319 the health officer would put four handbasins in there, 279 00:13:08,360 --> 00:13:10,760 for staff. Yeah. Just to wash their hands. 280 00:13:11,760 --> 00:13:14,360 And you have to have your shower room for the staff. That's right. 281 00:13:14,400 --> 00:13:16,440 That is in a plan. Yeah. And that's up there. 282 00:13:16,519 --> 00:13:19,639 But that's more money, isn't it? Now, that's another cost up here. 283 00:13:19,680 --> 00:13:21,279 (Iveta sighs) Well... 284 00:13:23,279 --> 00:13:24,879 Anyway, we can... We can do no more than 285 00:13:24,919 --> 00:13:26,360 tell you what we think will work. 286 00:13:26,440 --> 00:13:29,480 Okay? Mm. Iveta, I'm sorry that is a shock... 287 00:13:30,440 --> 00:13:32,480 Like, a dream is a dream and you love a dream. 288 00:13:32,519 --> 00:13:33,680 Mm. I mean, look at all the work 289 00:13:33,720 --> 00:13:35,400 that's gone into it. Yeah, absolutely. Yeah. Yeah. 290 00:13:35,440 --> 00:13:36,440 Listen, we... as my wife says, if 10% of the projects 291 00:13:36,519 --> 00:13:39,199 we have in our attic at home 292 00:13:39,239 --> 00:13:42,800 happened, we'd be grand. (Francis laughs) Okay? 293 00:13:44,919 --> 00:13:46,879 I can't do it. I'm sorry. 294 00:13:46,959 --> 00:13:48,839 You're fine. I can't do it. 295 00:13:48,879 --> 00:13:50,919 ♪ (melancholy music) 296 00:13:51,680 --> 00:13:53,639 It would be a million times worse 297 00:13:53,680 --> 00:13:57,599 if we didn't think the product that is here 298 00:13:57,639 --> 00:13:59,639 was a fantastic achievement. Yeah. 299 00:14:12,319 --> 00:14:15,519 Francis and I are on a mission to help Irish dairy farmer Pat 300 00:14:15,559 --> 00:14:17,680 and his Latvian partner Iveta 301 00:14:17,720 --> 00:14:21,360 as they create an adults-only Baltic oasis in the Midlands. 302 00:14:21,440 --> 00:14:23,160 An impossible dream, some would say 303 00:14:23,199 --> 00:14:24,879 but not for these two. 304 00:14:25,400 --> 00:14:30,000 What we have here is a beach in Laois. 305 00:14:30,080 --> 00:14:32,800 So far, we've advised them to abandon plans 306 00:14:32,839 --> 00:14:34,879 for a costly bar and restaurant, 307 00:14:34,959 --> 00:14:37,360 which didn't go down well. I can't do it. 308 00:14:37,440 --> 00:14:38,559 I'm sorry. 309 00:14:38,639 --> 00:14:41,919 Pond Beach is more than just a business for these two. 310 00:14:42,000 --> 00:14:44,559 It's an emotional investment, because next summer, 311 00:14:44,599 --> 00:14:46,440 they plan to hold their wedding here. 312 00:14:46,519 --> 00:14:48,440 The wedding flashed in front of us. 313 00:14:48,519 --> 00:14:52,480 You know, the criticism from outside is hard to take... 314 00:14:53,680 --> 00:14:56,760 and kind of shattered everything. 315 00:15:01,120 --> 00:15:03,400 We advised the couple to boost their profit margin 316 00:15:03,440 --> 00:15:04,879 by adding more accommodation, 317 00:15:04,959 --> 00:15:07,120 and putting the bar and restaurant on hold. 318 00:15:07,199 --> 00:15:09,680 And guess what? They've taken our advice. 319 00:15:09,720 --> 00:15:10,800 For now. 320 00:15:12,080 --> 00:15:14,879 Today, I can see it that... 321 00:15:14,919 --> 00:15:17,519 a lot what they said makes sense, 322 00:15:17,599 --> 00:15:20,360 and yes, they probably saved us a fortune. 323 00:15:20,440 --> 00:15:22,720 I thought it was good to hear 324 00:15:22,760 --> 00:15:26,760 their experience of running something that scale, 325 00:15:26,800 --> 00:15:31,639 em... and what we might be getting ourselves into. 326 00:15:33,839 --> 00:15:36,239 I suppose every business, when you build it and do it, 327 00:15:36,279 --> 00:15:42,239 is kind of personal, emotional, you get attached to it, it's your 328 00:15:42,279 --> 00:15:45,599 little baby, if you like, and you believe in it so much. 329 00:15:45,680 --> 00:15:46,959 And I still believe in it. 330 00:15:47,199 --> 00:15:48,279 I'm not giving up. 331 00:15:48,360 --> 00:15:50,080 I have a Plan B, 332 00:15:50,120 --> 00:15:53,559 and maybe not to the scale we were doing, 333 00:15:53,599 --> 00:15:55,879 but something will happen. 334 00:15:57,279 --> 00:15:59,239 I wouldn't doubt that for a second. 335 00:15:59,319 --> 00:16:01,239 After all, this is Iveta's dream - 336 00:16:01,319 --> 00:16:03,639 a little bit of Latvia here in Ireland. 337 00:16:04,599 --> 00:16:07,480 I am a fisherman's daughter and I'm very proud of it. 338 00:16:07,559 --> 00:16:09,959 I dug the pond because I miss water so much. 339 00:16:10,040 --> 00:16:14,199 It is a little bit of Latvia I try to bring with me and create here. 340 00:16:14,959 --> 00:16:17,120 I've been in Ireland 24 years. 341 00:16:17,199 --> 00:16:19,879 Do I miss Latvia? Of course I do. 342 00:16:19,959 --> 00:16:21,519 My family's still there. 343 00:16:21,599 --> 00:16:25,360 But my heart, I suppose belongs to Paddy at this stage, 344 00:16:25,440 --> 00:16:28,120 okay, (laughing) so my heart is where home is, 345 00:16:28,160 --> 00:16:30,680 and the home is in Ireland at this stage. 346 00:16:30,760 --> 00:16:34,919 I love her because she's the most genuine, 347 00:16:34,959 --> 00:16:38,160 easy-getting-on-with person. 348 00:16:38,239 --> 00:16:41,760 It's just so easy with her, and... 349 00:16:41,800 --> 00:16:44,959 we just bounce off one another 350 00:16:45,000 --> 00:16:48,400 It's gas out. I never met anyone like her, so... 351 00:16:48,440 --> 00:16:49,800 that's why I love her. 352 00:16:51,919 --> 00:16:54,959 We're looking at approximately, for the wedding, 353 00:16:55,000 --> 00:16:57,800 around 100, a little bit over. 354 00:16:57,839 --> 00:17:01,480 Yes, my family from home is coming, 355 00:17:01,519 --> 00:17:03,559 which I'm so excited about. 356 00:17:03,639 --> 00:17:06,199 So, yeah, no pressure! (laughs) 357 00:17:07,000 --> 00:17:10,639 Well, a bit of pressure, because our Latvian wedding guests 358 00:17:10,680 --> 00:17:12,720 will need to be accommodated on site. 359 00:17:13,680 --> 00:17:16,199 There is planning permission for three more cabins, 360 00:17:16,239 --> 00:17:18,480 which the couple can't afford at the moment. 361 00:17:18,559 --> 00:17:20,120 But we've got a plan. 362 00:17:21,040 --> 00:17:23,000 Good morning, Iveta! Good morning! 363 00:17:23,080 --> 00:17:25,360 How are ya? I'm great, thank you. And yourself? 364 00:17:25,400 --> 00:17:29,239 Have you recovered from our visit? (Iveta laughs) 365 00:17:29,279 --> 00:17:30,279 I did indeed. 366 00:17:30,360 --> 00:17:33,279 I suppose the first thing and the biggest financial 367 00:17:33,319 --> 00:17:37,040 impact on yourself is the idea of the bar and the restaurant. 368 00:17:37,199 --> 00:17:38,919 We're still of the same mind 369 00:17:38,959 --> 00:17:42,480 that it is a huge chunk of money 370 00:17:42,519 --> 00:17:44,360 that has to be funded to be put into something 371 00:17:44,400 --> 00:17:46,239 that's going to give you very little return. 372 00:17:46,319 --> 00:17:49,000 Our suggestion was that we would do nothing new, 373 00:17:49,040 --> 00:17:51,959 only absolutely finish everything that's there. 374 00:17:52,080 --> 00:17:54,440 And one of the things we were going to suggest you was 375 00:17:54,480 --> 00:17:58,000 that the three platforms that you have ready for additional houses, 376 00:17:58,040 --> 00:18:01,080 that maybe you would consider doing glamping on those sites 377 00:18:01,120 --> 00:18:04,319 for the summer and increase your revenue. 378 00:18:04,440 --> 00:18:06,760 We have a glamping site ourselves. 379 00:18:06,800 --> 00:18:10,680 It was 12-15 thousand for a quality tent. 380 00:18:10,720 --> 00:18:13,680 Well, that is way overstated. 381 00:18:13,720 --> 00:18:16,639 Yeah. From my experience of what you buy a tent for. 382 00:18:16,720 --> 00:18:20,319 So you're looking for a tent that you put up in April 383 00:18:20,360 --> 00:18:22,680 and you take down on September. It's a temporary structure. 384 00:18:22,760 --> 00:18:24,760 You have planning permission for those sites already, 385 00:18:24,800 --> 00:18:26,000 and they're serviced. 386 00:18:26,080 --> 00:18:28,599 And it's a cheap way of getting into accommodation 387 00:18:28,639 --> 00:18:30,559 that generates proper revenue, 388 00:18:30,599 --> 00:18:34,599 profitable revenue, without risk, on the site, for small money. 389 00:18:34,680 --> 00:18:37,959 Maybe you can send me where you were getting the tents. 390 00:18:38,000 --> 00:18:39,760 Yeah, there's no issue with that. 391 00:18:39,839 --> 00:18:41,559 If, as we leave here, you're going to 392 00:18:41,599 --> 00:18:44,239 work on all the existing 15 things that you have there, 393 00:18:44,319 --> 00:18:45,440 tidy them up, get them together. 394 00:18:45,480 --> 00:18:46,639 Okay? Talk to John 395 00:18:46,680 --> 00:18:49,120 about the tents and we'll come back to you at that stage. 396 00:18:49,199 --> 00:18:50,440 Fantastic. Alright. Thanks so much. 397 00:18:50,519 --> 00:18:51,639 Okay! Very good! Morning! 398 00:18:51,720 --> 00:18:52,879 Thanks! Thanks indeed! Bye! 399 00:18:52,919 --> 00:18:54,000 Thanks for that! 400 00:18:56,599 --> 00:18:59,160 To keep them focused on the value of accommodation, 401 00:18:59,199 --> 00:19:01,800 I'm taking them to see a pioneering farm 402 00:19:01,839 --> 00:19:04,680 on Slane Castle Estate in the Boyne Valley. 403 00:19:08,760 --> 00:19:12,680 It's a gold certified Ecotourism Ireland destination. 404 00:19:13,440 --> 00:19:16,239 Now, I brought you here today to Rock Farm in Slane, 405 00:19:16,279 --> 00:19:17,440 which is a working farm, 406 00:19:17,519 --> 00:19:19,120 so you'll know all about that. Okay? 407 00:19:19,199 --> 00:19:22,519 And they have done many different things in the tourist area, 408 00:19:22,599 --> 00:19:24,000 so you'll learn from it. 409 00:19:24,080 --> 00:19:25,559 We're looking forward to it. 410 00:19:26,279 --> 00:19:28,279 Located among the trees by the river 411 00:19:28,319 --> 00:19:30,959 is a glampsite run by Carina Conyngham, 412 00:19:31,040 --> 00:19:32,959 Countess of Mount Charles. 413 00:19:33,559 --> 00:19:35,480 Oh, there's Carina. How are ya, Carina? 414 00:19:35,559 --> 00:19:37,319 Hi, Francis! This is Pat. .. 415 00:19:37,400 --> 00:19:38,720 Hi, Pat. Nice to meet you. 416 00:19:38,800 --> 00:19:40,040 And Iveta. Hi. 417 00:19:40,080 --> 00:19:41,919 And thank you for giving us your time today. 418 00:19:42,000 --> 00:19:43,400 So, we want to learn. 419 00:19:43,480 --> 00:19:45,680 So will you show us around? Let's go see! 420 00:19:50,720 --> 00:19:53,839 Tell us, Carina, when did you start all the tourist things on the site? 421 00:19:53,919 --> 00:19:56,800 So, we're a 90-acre organic working farm, 422 00:19:56,839 --> 00:20:00,639 and we started the glamping in June 2013... 423 00:20:00,680 --> 00:20:02,720 Yeah. And what have you got on the farm now? 424 00:20:02,800 --> 00:20:04,879 So, we have a herd of Dexter cattle, 425 00:20:04,919 --> 00:20:07,800 we have outdoor pigs, chickens for eggs, 426 00:20:07,879 --> 00:20:10,239 and we also grow vegetables. Oh, very good. 427 00:20:10,319 --> 00:20:11,959 So you have a quite a mix. Yes. 428 00:20:13,400 --> 00:20:15,319 Accommodation-wise, what have you got on the site? 429 00:20:15,360 --> 00:20:19,360 So we have two shepherd's huts and they go all year round. Right. 430 00:20:19,440 --> 00:20:21,720 And how many do they sleep? They sleep two people each. 431 00:20:21,800 --> 00:20:24,440 And then, really, the star attractions here are the yurts. 432 00:20:24,519 --> 00:20:25,959 Oh, yeah. And how many yurts have you got? 433 00:20:26,040 --> 00:20:27,639 We have five yurts. Alright. 434 00:20:27,720 --> 00:20:30,760 And they're open from April to October. Alright. 435 00:20:30,839 --> 00:20:32,559 That's very good. Now, all is revealed, 436 00:20:32,599 --> 00:20:34,919 Iveta, have a look. Thank you! 437 00:20:35,800 --> 00:20:38,040 Look at this, it's lovely! 438 00:20:38,120 --> 00:20:39,400 It's cosy, yeah. Isn't it? 439 00:20:39,480 --> 00:20:40,720 This is nice and cosy. 440 00:20:40,800 --> 00:20:42,559 It is indeed, isn't it? It is! 441 00:20:42,639 --> 00:20:43,919 Now, Iveta, what do you think? 442 00:20:45,360 --> 00:20:46,879 I think it's beautiful! 443 00:20:46,959 --> 00:20:49,120 It's actually nicer than I expected. 444 00:20:49,199 --> 00:20:51,839 I love the timber work on it, I really do. 445 00:20:51,919 --> 00:20:54,080 And tell me, how many to sleep here in this one? 446 00:20:54,160 --> 00:20:55,919 So, four sleep in these ones. 447 00:20:56,000 --> 00:20:58,879 These are 16-foot yurts and then we've got two 20-foot yurts 448 00:20:58,919 --> 00:20:59,919 that sleep six. 449 00:21:00,000 --> 00:21:01,279 Alright. Wow! 450 00:21:01,360 --> 00:21:03,199 Very nice and cosy. Yeah. 451 00:21:03,279 --> 00:21:05,400 Carina, what's the lifespan of this? 452 00:21:05,480 --> 00:21:07,760 So this has been going ten years, 453 00:21:07,800 --> 00:21:10,919 and we've just changed our canvases this year. 454 00:21:10,959 --> 00:21:13,519 So is there a lot of maintenance on them every year? 455 00:21:13,599 --> 00:21:15,559 We have to treat the canvases every year, 456 00:21:15,599 --> 00:21:17,480 which is why we take them down in October. 457 00:21:18,279 --> 00:21:20,480 So, now, what do you charge per night for the yurt? 458 00:21:20,919 --> 00:21:23,879 175 for this size of yurt. 459 00:21:25,239 --> 00:21:27,080 So, anyway. There we go! There we go, now! 460 00:21:27,120 --> 00:21:28,959 Weeey! Ah, look! 461 00:21:29,000 --> 00:21:30,160 Aaaaah! (laughter) 462 00:21:30,239 --> 00:21:33,440 Come on. Football was not in the family. (Iveta laughs) 463 00:21:34,959 --> 00:21:38,080 Rock Farm extends for about a kilometre and a half 464 00:21:38,120 --> 00:21:39,680 along the banks of the Boyne. 465 00:21:40,760 --> 00:21:44,599 It's very different to what we are building, but it's mesmerising. 466 00:21:44,680 --> 00:21:50,519 It's beautiful, truly. The scenery, the setting, it's very, very nice. 467 00:21:51,879 --> 00:21:56,040 I suppose all who is in a hosting business, we're trying to create 468 00:21:56,120 --> 00:21:59,599 that pleasant and lovely experience for the people to stay, 469 00:21:59,680 --> 00:22:01,360 and that's what we are creating. 470 00:22:01,440 --> 00:22:04,080 And they most certainly have created it here. 471 00:22:04,800 --> 00:22:10,839 I like the animals that's here, the Dexters, and... 472 00:22:10,879 --> 00:22:14,360 that's something I'd say we could be looking into down the line. 473 00:22:14,440 --> 00:22:15,480 Very nice to look at. 474 00:22:15,559 --> 00:22:17,000 People would enjoy them, I think. 475 00:22:17,040 --> 00:22:18,440 That was quite a day! 476 00:22:18,519 --> 00:22:21,519 It was interesting that they noticed things that you could do on a farm 477 00:22:21,599 --> 00:22:23,360 that they hadn't thought about, particularly Pat. 478 00:22:23,440 --> 00:22:25,599 He didn't think you could ever have anything to do with an animal 479 00:22:25,639 --> 00:22:27,239 on his own place, whereas he could have 480 00:22:27,279 --> 00:22:29,720 pot-belly pigs, or chickens, or wherever it might be. 481 00:22:29,800 --> 00:22:31,480 So that was interesting, too. (pig grunts) 482 00:22:31,519 --> 00:22:32,639 Yeah. I think it opened up their eyes. 483 00:22:32,720 --> 00:22:34,360 It's exactly what we wanted them to see. 484 00:22:34,400 --> 00:22:35,400 And it worked. 485 00:22:35,440 --> 00:22:38,120 (pig grunts) 486 00:22:42,080 --> 00:22:45,680 It's all go at Pond Beach. 487 00:22:47,400 --> 00:22:50,400 Pat is pulled on the digger duties. 488 00:22:50,519 --> 00:22:53,160 It's very much out of his character, 489 00:22:53,199 --> 00:22:55,040 but he enjoys something different. 490 00:22:55,120 --> 00:23:00,480 So, yes, he's helping the digger man to do a bit of a landscaping. 491 00:23:01,599 --> 00:23:06,000 Pat and Iveta have taken our advice to add new accommodation, 492 00:23:06,080 --> 00:23:09,279 but of course they're doing it their way. 493 00:23:09,360 --> 00:23:15,319 I know the advice was to put some tents, maybe, or pods or so, 494 00:23:15,400 --> 00:23:19,480 but when me and Pat really start to think about it, it's... 495 00:23:19,559 --> 00:23:21,879 I don't think we wanna go that way. 496 00:23:21,959 --> 00:23:27,000 So we kind of said if we do it, we do it right and we do it proper. 497 00:23:28,559 --> 00:23:31,319 I don't think tent really work here, 498 00:23:31,360 --> 00:23:36,120 in our setting or environment or what we're trying to achieve. 499 00:23:36,199 --> 00:23:38,599 So we decided to go with a proper 500 00:23:38,639 --> 00:23:41,239 comfortable and luxurious accommodation. 501 00:23:41,319 --> 00:23:43,279 We might not be able to do three. 502 00:23:43,360 --> 00:23:46,160 We will start with one and add one every year. 503 00:23:51,199 --> 00:23:54,639 So there's a new plan, and with Christmas fast approaching, 504 00:23:54,720 --> 00:23:57,879 I wanted to keep everything on track. 505 00:23:57,959 --> 00:24:00,519 I know we were suggested to put some tents 506 00:24:00,559 --> 00:24:03,279 or temporary accommodation, but we kind of decided 507 00:24:03,319 --> 00:24:05,720 to do a permanent structure. Right. 508 00:24:05,760 --> 00:24:10,800 So, our plans are this year to do at least one. Right. 509 00:24:12,160 --> 00:24:15,360 I'm delighted to see the couple invest their money in the right way, 510 00:24:15,440 --> 00:24:20,000 but as always with Iveta, there's more, lots more. 511 00:24:21,160 --> 00:24:23,160 Okay, so what we're doing here, 512 00:24:23,199 --> 00:24:26,279 we're planning to have a kind of dip pool for people in the summer. 513 00:24:26,319 --> 00:24:28,680 Now, it's still work in progress. 514 00:24:28,760 --> 00:24:32,360 This is a jetty, and we finally got a permission 515 00:24:32,440 --> 00:24:35,040 to actually allow people on the boats. Right. 516 00:24:35,120 --> 00:24:37,480 So we're introducing boats this summer. 517 00:24:39,120 --> 00:24:42,279 We want to also add two fish aquariums here, 518 00:24:42,319 --> 00:24:44,639 so while you lie down, you can actually watch the fishies. 519 00:24:44,680 --> 00:24:46,639 Oh my God. Come on. 520 00:24:47,599 --> 00:24:50,319 And there's a new two additions coming this year, 521 00:24:50,360 --> 00:24:52,120 which is a horseshoe game. Oh, yeah. Throw... 522 00:24:52,160 --> 00:24:56,120 the horseshoe. That's right. And probably six hole golf. 523 00:25:00,319 --> 00:25:02,360 Now, Iveta, that's an awful lot of projects. 524 00:25:02,440 --> 00:25:05,199 Dipping pools, aquariums, golf. 525 00:25:05,279 --> 00:25:08,319 I'm starting to lose count of her projects at this stage. 526 00:25:08,400 --> 00:25:10,000 But she's not finished yet. 527 00:25:10,080 --> 00:25:12,279 Francis, I brought you here for a little surprise. 528 00:25:12,360 --> 00:25:14,519 Oh, a surprise? Yes, indeed. 529 00:25:14,599 --> 00:25:16,040 Yeah. (laughs nervously) You ready? 530 00:25:16,080 --> 00:25:19,080 (laughs) But you'll have to close the eyes and I'll bring you to it. 531 00:25:19,120 --> 00:25:20,120 Alright. Let's go! 532 00:25:20,199 --> 00:25:21,919 Don't put me in any pothole now. 533 00:25:22,000 --> 00:25:23,800 No, but you have to be brave. 534 00:25:23,879 --> 00:25:26,000 (Iveta laughs) Okay, here we go. 535 00:25:28,120 --> 00:25:30,559 Well, Francis, it's not too far to go now. 536 00:25:30,639 --> 00:25:33,000 Well, I hope it's not ice swimming or anything, is it? 537 00:25:33,080 --> 00:25:35,279 We're not in Baltics, but not far from it, 538 00:25:35,360 --> 00:25:36,480 by looking at the crisp... 539 00:25:36,519 --> 00:25:39,800 My heart rate will be going up! (Iveta laughs) 540 00:25:40,599 --> 00:25:43,319 One more step, Francis. Yeah. 541 00:25:43,400 --> 00:25:44,440 Are we nearly there yet? 542 00:25:44,519 --> 00:25:45,879 We're nearly there. 543 00:25:45,959 --> 00:25:47,080 Are you ready? 544 00:25:47,160 --> 00:25:49,839 Oh! Open your eyes, Francis. This is the moment, yeah? 545 00:25:49,919 --> 00:25:51,639 Yeah! Open your eyes. 546 00:25:58,760 --> 00:26:01,360 A... a food truck? Yes. 547 00:26:01,440 --> 00:26:05,080 You suggested that the restaurant is a bad idea, 548 00:26:05,120 --> 00:26:07,680 so I went for the restaurant on the wheels. 549 00:26:08,559 --> 00:26:10,919 Well, it's a lot cheaper, so I'll give you that. 550 00:26:11,000 --> 00:26:13,000 Yes. Now, have you worked in one before? 551 00:26:13,040 --> 00:26:15,360 I've been around the kitchens for 20 years, 552 00:26:15,400 --> 00:26:16,760 so I think I can manage. 553 00:26:18,919 --> 00:26:23,680 Now, Francis, come into my little restaurant on the wheels. Oh! 554 00:26:23,760 --> 00:26:25,760 Let me put a bit of a light in it. 555 00:26:25,839 --> 00:26:27,160 Oh, that opens out. There you go! 556 00:26:27,800 --> 00:26:30,319 Look at the view. Yeah, it's lovely. (Iveta laughs) 557 00:26:34,599 --> 00:26:36,599 So, now, tell me, where did you get the food truck? 558 00:26:36,680 --> 00:26:39,519 I got it in Dublin off a very lovely gentleman. 559 00:26:39,599 --> 00:26:41,080 Right. I'm delighted with it. 560 00:26:41,160 --> 00:26:44,400 Right, so, now, what facilities have you got here for cooking? 561 00:26:44,480 --> 00:26:47,879 We have two double fryers, we have chip pan, 562 00:26:47,959 --> 00:26:49,400 we have soup bain-marie, fridges... 563 00:26:49,480 --> 00:26:51,639 Griddle up here. Foreman griddle. 564 00:26:51,720 --> 00:26:53,839 And more bain-maries. Oh, yeah. 565 00:26:53,879 --> 00:26:55,720 Panini machine... There's loads! 566 00:26:55,800 --> 00:26:58,360 Now, looking around, menu wise, what have you got in your mind? 567 00:26:58,440 --> 00:27:00,080 Because you're very tight on space. 568 00:27:00,160 --> 00:27:03,000 The idea of the menu is to do healthy salads, 569 00:27:03,040 --> 00:27:05,440 which I will grow my own. Alright. Okay, 570 00:27:05,519 --> 00:27:08,000 so I will have a greenhouses down in the back, 571 00:27:08,040 --> 00:27:09,480 so I will grow my own greens, 572 00:27:09,519 --> 00:27:12,639 homemade burger, fish, either on a grill, 573 00:27:12,680 --> 00:27:14,000 or fish and chips. 574 00:27:14,080 --> 00:27:15,279 The menu won't be big. 575 00:27:15,360 --> 00:27:19,360 It will be four appetisers, four main courses and four salads. 576 00:27:23,120 --> 00:27:24,760 Well, having spent the day here now, 577 00:27:24,800 --> 00:27:27,800 and having seen what she suggests she's going to do, 578 00:27:27,839 --> 00:27:32,000 from six hole golf courses to swimming pools, 579 00:27:32,040 --> 00:27:35,279 AND opening the food truck, AND building a new 580 00:27:35,319 --> 00:27:37,839 accommodation unit, like, hello? 581 00:27:38,919 --> 00:27:41,800 Obviously, I wasn't making myself clear enough. 582 00:27:41,879 --> 00:27:44,080 Francis was pleasantly surprised 583 00:27:44,120 --> 00:27:47,599 by the food truck, which was... amazing! 584 00:27:48,559 --> 00:27:50,879 I would like to have it ready by this summer. 585 00:27:50,959 --> 00:27:53,279 It has to be operating by June. 586 00:27:56,959 --> 00:27:59,040 Do you know, you wouldn't know what to do with Iveta. 587 00:27:59,120 --> 00:28:04,040 She is a powerhouse, but there's no goal. 588 00:28:04,120 --> 00:28:05,199 No, you have to rein her in. 589 00:28:05,279 --> 00:28:06,319 Well, I wish you the very best, 590 00:28:06,400 --> 00:28:09,680 'cause I just don't think it's possible to hold her back. Yeah. 591 00:28:09,760 --> 00:28:12,440 But where we're going and where she's going with the whole place, 592 00:28:12,480 --> 00:28:14,000 I get... I lose sleep over it. 593 00:28:14,080 --> 00:28:15,919 I get the impression it's such a challenge 594 00:28:15,959 --> 00:28:18,160 that we'll actually be the first people in history 595 00:28:18,199 --> 00:28:19,440 to be able to hold her back. 596 00:28:19,519 --> 00:28:21,120 Yeah, if we do! Yeah. 597 00:28:22,440 --> 00:28:24,040 There's an awful lot going on. 598 00:28:24,120 --> 00:28:27,000 But everything stops in December for Iveta's annual visit 599 00:28:27,040 --> 00:28:28,319 home to Riga. 600 00:28:28,400 --> 00:28:30,559 This place is called Lido, 601 00:28:30,599 --> 00:28:34,919 is one of kind of traditional Latvian places 602 00:28:35,000 --> 00:28:37,120 people go and eat. 603 00:28:38,279 --> 00:28:40,959 And she's brought a little bit of Laois back to Latvia. 604 00:28:41,040 --> 00:28:44,400 Daughter Chloe, and Pat in his woolly hat. 605 00:28:45,559 --> 00:28:47,160 This is Lime's Park, 606 00:28:47,199 --> 00:28:50,599 which is the one of the most romantic places in Riga. 607 00:28:50,680 --> 00:28:53,800 People do their first dates at it. 608 00:28:55,599 --> 00:28:59,440 Now we are having gingerbread, mulled wine. 609 00:28:59,480 --> 00:29:00,480 (camera clicks) 610 00:29:01,760 --> 00:29:04,000 ♪ (festive music) 611 00:29:04,400 --> 00:29:06,440 A few days later, the family festivities 612 00:29:06,480 --> 00:29:09,319 continue at Pond Beach, managed by an elf 613 00:29:09,400 --> 00:29:11,559 with no intention of sitting on the shelf. 614 00:29:17,559 --> 00:29:18,839 That's what elves do! 615 00:29:19,360 --> 00:29:20,360 (Iveta chuckles) 616 00:29:23,680 --> 00:29:26,120 We love Christmas here at the Ranch Cabin. 617 00:29:26,160 --> 00:29:29,279 We make it magical for every family who comes here. 618 00:29:31,160 --> 00:29:35,120 Elf meets everybody on arrival and shows the children, you know, 619 00:29:35,199 --> 00:29:38,040 little crafts and magical things to do, 620 00:29:38,080 --> 00:29:40,199 and gives them games and tricks. 621 00:29:41,239 --> 00:29:42,800 Around 6 or 07 o'clock, 622 00:29:42,839 --> 00:29:45,839 the big man, Santa himself, comes over the fields 623 00:29:45,879 --> 00:29:46,879 to meet them all. 624 00:29:47,360 --> 00:29:49,519 We are very busy elves here, 625 00:29:49,559 --> 00:29:52,959 as you know, it's a busy season in the North Pole, 626 00:29:53,040 --> 00:29:56,440 so we are making an effort to meet every family here. 627 00:29:56,519 --> 00:29:59,879 And yes, we try to make it as magical as possible. 628 00:30:00,720 --> 00:30:02,959 Let's hope it doesn't rain, dear! (twinkling) 629 00:30:14,199 --> 00:30:16,279 (cows mooing) (Pat) Come on! 630 00:30:16,720 --> 00:30:17,720 Come on! 631 00:30:17,760 --> 00:30:20,400 Dairy farmer Pat and his Latvian partner Iveta 632 00:30:20,440 --> 00:30:22,160 have decided that County Laois 633 00:30:22,199 --> 00:30:25,760 really needs an adult-only Bali-themed beach resort. 634 00:30:25,839 --> 00:30:26,879 Who would have thought? 635 00:30:27,839 --> 00:30:30,480 They may be 100 kilometres from the nearest coast, 636 00:30:30,519 --> 00:30:32,639 but they have a pond, a food truck, 637 00:30:32,720 --> 00:30:34,720 and plans for new accommodation. 638 00:30:34,800 --> 00:30:38,160 The problem is they're getting married in August and they want 639 00:30:38,239 --> 00:30:39,599 the whole place ready for then! 640 00:30:40,000 --> 00:30:41,519 (calf moos) 641 00:30:43,040 --> 00:30:44,919 It's now late January and work on site 642 00:30:44,959 --> 00:30:47,839 has had to take second place to the constant demands 643 00:30:47,879 --> 00:30:49,120 of running a dairy farm. 644 00:30:49,160 --> 00:30:53,120 (cows mooing) 645 00:30:53,480 --> 00:30:56,239 It's a very busy season for 646 00:30:56,279 --> 00:31:00,480 farms like ourselves in January and February to, you know, 647 00:31:00,519 --> 00:31:04,440 calving season, milking, starting feeding the babies... 648 00:31:06,319 --> 00:31:07,519 (calves mooing) 649 00:31:07,559 --> 00:31:11,440 A lot, a lot of work with cows and calves at this time of year. 650 00:31:12,120 --> 00:31:15,400 You're doing 12, 14 hours a day there, handy. 651 00:31:18,319 --> 00:31:20,319 Yeah. No trouble sleeping at night, anyway! 652 00:31:21,360 --> 00:31:23,000 (cow moos loudly) 653 00:31:25,480 --> 00:31:27,760 There's no doubt farming's a tough life. 654 00:31:27,839 --> 00:31:29,919 And Pat and Iveta are right to diversify, 655 00:31:29,959 --> 00:31:32,120 but if they're going to run two businesses, we need 656 00:31:32,160 --> 00:31:33,360 to keep the pressure on. 657 00:31:34,000 --> 00:31:35,400 Do you know, I'm dying to see the food truck, 658 00:31:35,440 --> 00:31:37,199 'cause Francis was really excited about it, 659 00:31:37,239 --> 00:31:39,080 so it must be special. 660 00:31:39,160 --> 00:31:41,160 But the really exciting thing about today is 661 00:31:41,199 --> 00:31:42,480 she hasn't a clue I'm coming. 662 00:31:45,400 --> 00:31:48,360 'Cause we do decide that we want to do the cladding, 663 00:31:48,400 --> 00:31:52,160 and we have a local lady who is gonna do that for us, 664 00:31:52,199 --> 00:31:53,760 and we're very excited about... 665 00:31:53,800 --> 00:31:56,720 Aargh! (John laughs) You're very excited about everything! 666 00:31:56,760 --> 00:31:58,519 Yeah! (laughs) How are ya? 667 00:31:58,559 --> 00:32:00,400 Thank you, everyone! (John chuckles) 668 00:32:00,480 --> 00:32:02,680 Hi. Welcome! Good to see ya! Good to see ya! 669 00:32:02,760 --> 00:32:05,480 And it's great to have the sun shining and the place looking well. 670 00:32:05,559 --> 00:32:07,040 Thank you. Yeah! 671 00:32:07,120 --> 00:32:10,000 And the tide is in. Yes, for sure, why not! 672 00:32:10,040 --> 00:32:12,680 Tell me now, this here is the food truck, the famous food truck, 673 00:32:12,760 --> 00:32:14,519 I assume, is it? It is indeed. 674 00:32:14,599 --> 00:32:16,000 Can we have a little look at it? Yes! 675 00:32:20,480 --> 00:32:22,199 That's a great base. 676 00:32:22,279 --> 00:32:24,360 Well, the base was number one. Yeah. 677 00:32:24,440 --> 00:32:27,040 And now we're gonna try to waterproof 678 00:32:27,080 --> 00:32:28,440 and clad the whole place. 679 00:32:28,519 --> 00:32:30,639 And the cladding, now, that's all timber, is it? 680 00:32:30,720 --> 00:32:32,839 Yes. And what kind of food will you do? 681 00:32:33,000 --> 00:32:38,720 We're gonna start with coffee, and fish and chips, and scones, and 682 00:32:38,800 --> 00:32:40,639 something light and tasty. 683 00:32:40,720 --> 00:32:41,919 Bitter of everything? 684 00:32:42,000 --> 00:32:43,919 No, very small and tasty. 685 00:32:44,319 --> 00:32:46,440 So now I'm intrigued as... what's this over here? 686 00:32:46,519 --> 00:32:48,760 We're gonna build a stage down there. 687 00:32:48,839 --> 00:32:51,120 So that will be kind of raised stage. 688 00:32:51,199 --> 00:32:53,639 And yes, you could have a live music on it. 689 00:32:53,720 --> 00:32:55,120 On the stage? On the stage. 690 00:32:55,239 --> 00:32:57,160 Another little feather in the hat. 691 00:32:58,000 --> 00:33:00,080 What's your time frame? What do you have in your mind? 692 00:33:00,120 --> 00:33:02,639 Well, we're very tight for the time. 693 00:33:02,720 --> 00:33:06,720 As you know, our big day is coming the first week of the August, 694 00:33:06,760 --> 00:33:10,120 so hopefully this could be finished by July. Okay. 695 00:33:10,199 --> 00:33:13,400 Okay. And you envisage using this for the wedding? 696 00:33:13,480 --> 00:33:15,040 Yes. Yeah, that's the goal. 697 00:33:15,120 --> 00:33:18,000 This will be our wedding venue. Excellent. 698 00:33:18,559 --> 00:33:21,080 For most people, a fully functioning wedding venue 699 00:33:21,160 --> 00:33:22,680 would be enough of a challenge. 700 00:33:22,760 --> 00:33:24,959 But this is Iveta we're talking about. 701 00:33:25,040 --> 00:33:26,160 This is a new addition, 702 00:33:26,239 --> 00:33:28,360 what I decided to do is 703 00:33:28,400 --> 00:33:31,639 that if the people are wanting to come here with a horse, 704 00:33:31,720 --> 00:33:34,239 you can park your horse and go for a cup of tea. 705 00:33:35,199 --> 00:33:37,519 Is there many people riding horses up and down the road? 706 00:33:37,559 --> 00:33:40,360 There is a good few horses on the road at our driveway. 707 00:33:40,440 --> 00:33:41,480 With people on them? 708 00:33:41,519 --> 00:33:43,279 Yes, with the people on them. 709 00:33:43,400 --> 00:33:47,559 It's another thing. Mm-hm. When nothing is finished. Mm-hm. 710 00:33:47,639 --> 00:33:50,599 And you have to finish things. (cow moos) 711 00:33:51,319 --> 00:33:53,680 The horses, like, where's that coming from? 712 00:33:53,760 --> 00:33:56,000 And it's typical of what's happening here. 713 00:33:56,080 --> 00:33:57,760 It's... we wake up this morning, we get an idea, 714 00:33:57,800 --> 00:33:59,239 bang, we're going doing it, 715 00:33:59,319 --> 00:34:01,239 and it's 50% done. 716 00:34:01,319 --> 00:34:02,959 And when you look around here, it's littered 717 00:34:03,000 --> 00:34:04,519 with examples of that. 718 00:34:06,400 --> 00:34:08,360 There's still no sign of the dipping pool, 719 00:34:08,400 --> 00:34:11,040 the sauna, the greenhouse, the crazy golf, 720 00:34:11,120 --> 00:34:12,680 and on and on we go. 721 00:34:12,760 --> 00:34:14,319 But there is some good news. 722 00:34:14,400 --> 00:34:16,199 Having scrapped the idea of tents, 723 00:34:16,239 --> 00:34:18,800 Iveta thought she could only afford one new cabin, 724 00:34:18,839 --> 00:34:21,440 but she's actually managed to find the money for two. 725 00:34:25,480 --> 00:34:28,360 So then these are the bases, then, for the traditional houses? 726 00:34:28,440 --> 00:34:30,440 Yes. When do you expect them to be here? 727 00:34:30,519 --> 00:34:34,120 With a bit of a blessing, by the mid of the summer. 728 00:34:34,199 --> 00:34:36,839 Okay, great. End of June. The new houses will be made, 729 00:34:36,879 --> 00:34:41,559 actually, away and transported as a unit here. Okay. 730 00:34:41,639 --> 00:34:43,559 This is great, 'cause what I love about these is 731 00:34:43,599 --> 00:34:45,879 you have no work to do. When they come, they're finished. Yes. 732 00:34:45,959 --> 00:34:48,480 The day you put them in, you can open. Not really. 733 00:34:48,559 --> 00:34:50,319 Well, you have to connect to mains. Yeah, yeah, yeah. 734 00:34:50,400 --> 00:34:52,000 But now, with your history. 735 00:34:52,040 --> 00:34:53,400 and given everything that's happening here, 736 00:34:53,480 --> 00:34:55,800 there's no work to be done in the houses compared to anything else. 737 00:34:55,879 --> 00:34:58,319 You'll get money out of them very quickly once they arrive. 738 00:34:58,400 --> 00:35:00,319 Yes. Which I'm thrilled about. That's for sure. 739 00:35:00,400 --> 00:35:01,400 Great. 740 00:35:02,720 --> 00:35:04,839 The accommodation is a fantastic idea, 741 00:35:04,879 --> 00:35:06,080 'cause she buys it, it's finished. 742 00:35:06,120 --> 00:35:07,720 Okay? Manna from heaven. 743 00:35:07,800 --> 00:35:09,919 She's nothing to do with them. In they go, 744 00:35:10,000 --> 00:35:12,040 they make money tomorrow. Fantastic. 745 00:35:12,120 --> 00:35:14,080 So that gives her significant revenue 746 00:35:14,120 --> 00:35:16,879 to invest in the other various things that are happening. 747 00:35:16,959 --> 00:35:19,279 So these will fund the follies. 748 00:35:19,959 --> 00:35:23,440 And I only hope that by August and for her big day, 749 00:35:23,480 --> 00:35:24,919 that she will have finished the place, 750 00:35:25,000 --> 00:35:27,279 and when her family come, they'll all be proud to see it. 751 00:35:28,599 --> 00:35:32,120 What she has done so far has been good, but nothing is finished. 752 00:35:32,959 --> 00:35:35,440 (cow moos) 753 00:35:37,639 --> 00:35:40,919 It's now May, just two months before the wedding. 754 00:35:41,000 --> 00:35:43,839 Have to sort out the seating arrangements somehow. 755 00:35:44,160 --> 00:35:46,279 Frankly, we're worried about this business. 756 00:35:46,360 --> 00:35:47,919 There's no sign of the new cabins 757 00:35:47,959 --> 00:35:50,959 and the food truck still isn't functional. 758 00:35:51,040 --> 00:35:53,040 We have cleaned the place up, 759 00:35:53,120 --> 00:35:59,639 we had health inspector come here, gave me a couple pointers, 760 00:35:59,720 --> 00:36:01,120 bit of a headache... 761 00:36:01,199 --> 00:36:02,599 It's getting there. (Iveta laughs) 762 00:36:02,680 --> 00:36:03,839 Slowly but surely. 763 00:36:06,160 --> 00:36:08,319 We're over budget, trying to 764 00:36:08,360 --> 00:36:11,800 get money from here and there to do all this 765 00:36:11,879 --> 00:36:15,519 stonework and timber-work and everything, 766 00:36:15,599 --> 00:36:18,279 but we're getting there. 767 00:36:18,319 --> 00:36:19,319 Now. Straight up, 768 00:36:19,400 --> 00:36:22,519 that food truck's an eyesore, end of story. 769 00:36:24,000 --> 00:36:26,360 (planer whirring) 770 00:36:28,360 --> 00:36:31,160 However, thankfully, it's now been clad in timber... 771 00:36:31,199 --> 00:36:34,279 (hammering) ..to blend into the steel frame. 772 00:36:34,319 --> 00:36:35,959 (machinery buzzing) 773 00:36:36,160 --> 00:36:40,279 We have enough to do to get this over the line in eight weeks, 774 00:36:40,360 --> 00:36:42,120 which is quite strong pressure. 775 00:36:42,199 --> 00:36:44,319 So a lot of things have to happen. 776 00:36:44,400 --> 00:36:46,559 A lot of things have to happen. 777 00:36:46,800 --> 00:36:47,839 (hammering) 778 00:36:48,040 --> 00:36:50,440 At the moment, I'm not tackling any new ideas. 779 00:36:50,519 --> 00:36:54,559 I have plenty of years to come to do them. 780 00:36:54,599 --> 00:36:55,639 Really? 781 00:36:55,680 --> 00:36:58,959 Who are you and what have you done with your former self? 782 00:36:59,040 --> 00:37:02,199 Seriously, though, this is progress and not before time, 783 00:37:02,279 --> 00:37:04,319 because the couple's big day is approaching, 784 00:37:04,360 --> 00:37:06,720 and their venue is nowhere near ready. 785 00:37:08,440 --> 00:37:10,919 Now, we've two and a half weeks to the wedding, 786 00:37:10,959 --> 00:37:13,959 and I notice our two new accommodation units are not built. 787 00:37:14,040 --> 00:37:15,519 So I don't know what is all gonna happen, 788 00:37:15,559 --> 00:37:16,599 where are we going to put the people? 789 00:37:16,639 --> 00:37:18,319 But I need to meet Iveta quickly. 790 00:37:21,279 --> 00:37:24,400 And that's where one of the two cabins are supposed to be. 791 00:37:28,239 --> 00:37:30,120 So now... Hi, Francis! 792 00:37:30,199 --> 00:37:31,680 What's this platform for? 793 00:37:31,760 --> 00:37:33,599 A stage. A stage?! 794 00:37:33,680 --> 00:37:34,760 Yeah, for musicians. 795 00:37:34,839 --> 00:37:37,760 Oh, I thought it was a raft for the pond. 796 00:37:38,440 --> 00:37:40,440 So now the barn, you know, it looks very nice. 797 00:37:40,519 --> 00:37:41,800 Thank you. I'm glad you like it. 798 00:37:41,879 --> 00:37:44,639 I would have preferred to have seen the two cabins, 799 00:37:44,720 --> 00:37:46,040 where you're making real money... 800 00:37:46,120 --> 00:37:48,199 Mm-hmm. And you need them for the wedding. 801 00:37:48,279 --> 00:37:50,559 Alright? Mm-hmm. But you didn't have that. 802 00:37:50,639 --> 00:37:53,639 Not yet. No cabins. We have a lovely space and no cabins. 803 00:37:53,720 --> 00:37:55,239 They're coming. They're coming. Yeah. Yes. 804 00:37:55,319 --> 00:37:58,000 So is Christmas. I know, but don't we believe in magic? 805 00:37:58,080 --> 00:37:59,760 Oh, listen, this place is full of magic. 806 00:37:59,800 --> 00:38:03,279 No, no, we have to go through the arch for the good luck. 807 00:38:03,360 --> 00:38:05,879 Oh, the arch! Oh, sure, we'd have to give you good luck! 808 00:38:05,959 --> 00:38:07,160 Let's go now! 809 00:38:07,199 --> 00:38:09,720 So this is kind of like... It's not finished. 810 00:38:09,800 --> 00:38:12,519 Oh! (laughs) I'm not surprised! It's not. 811 00:38:12,599 --> 00:38:15,120 It will be all filled with flowers everywhere. 812 00:38:15,199 --> 00:38:16,360 So it's gonna be full. Oh, right. 813 00:38:19,160 --> 00:38:20,239 Look at this! 814 00:38:20,319 --> 00:38:23,480 It's a real barn for the dance on a Saturday night. (Iveta laughs) 815 00:38:23,519 --> 00:38:25,639 Well, at least one part of the business 816 00:38:25,680 --> 00:38:27,639 is starting to look finished. 817 00:38:27,720 --> 00:38:28,919 I think it looks very well, 818 00:38:29,000 --> 00:38:31,279 and you've it laid out, is this wedding practice, is it? 819 00:38:31,360 --> 00:38:34,120 It has that... Yeah, just playing around. It has that look about it , 820 00:38:34,199 --> 00:38:36,639 alright. My worry is about accommodation 821 00:38:36,720 --> 00:38:39,279 for the guests. To get the accommodation is 822 00:38:39,319 --> 00:38:41,959 nearly the most... It's nearly more important than the wedding, 823 00:38:42,000 --> 00:38:43,400 'cause that's money. 824 00:38:43,480 --> 00:38:46,639 We're all day after the revenue to help you to do everything else. 825 00:38:46,720 --> 00:38:50,919 The two cabins, will they be here and up in time for the wedding? 826 00:38:51,000 --> 00:38:52,639 I have a very good faith. 827 00:38:52,720 --> 00:38:54,879 I should have them by 30th. I know, 828 00:38:54,959 --> 00:38:56,720 I'm leaving it very close. Oh! 829 00:38:56,800 --> 00:38:59,680 That's four days before the wedding! Me nerves! 830 00:38:59,760 --> 00:39:01,519 I need a cuppa. 831 00:39:01,599 --> 00:39:02,720 We bounce off each other. 832 00:39:02,800 --> 00:39:06,000 So it's actually, you know, it works well. Yeah. 833 00:39:06,080 --> 00:39:07,800 When I'm low, he picks me up. 834 00:39:07,879 --> 00:39:09,279 When he's low, I pick him up. 835 00:39:09,319 --> 00:39:10,879 Well, you would need a bit of picking up all round, now, 836 00:39:10,959 --> 00:39:12,879 for the next three weeks! (laughter) 837 00:39:12,919 --> 00:39:13,919 I'm delighted, 838 00:39:13,959 --> 00:39:16,919 there's been no new additions. Oh, wait now. 839 00:39:17,000 --> 00:39:19,360 Is that a boat or what down there? It's a pedal boat. 840 00:39:19,440 --> 00:39:20,440 Yes. A pedal boat? 841 00:39:20,519 --> 00:39:22,080 Yes. Oh, right. 842 00:39:22,160 --> 00:39:23,279 It's new. 843 00:39:23,360 --> 00:39:24,919 Well, I'm not.... (laughs) 844 00:39:25,000 --> 00:39:27,440 What's not new here, as the fellow says, right? 845 00:39:27,519 --> 00:39:29,160 Could we have a go on it? Sure! 846 00:39:29,199 --> 00:39:31,120 Well, if I told someone that I was 847 00:39:31,160 --> 00:39:34,559 in a pedal boat in Pond Beach in Laois... 848 00:39:34,639 --> 00:39:35,879 They wouldn't believe you! I'd be. .. 849 00:39:35,959 --> 00:39:37,879 I'd be put away! Now! 850 00:39:37,919 --> 00:39:40,680 What... How much does this cost? A lot. 851 00:39:40,760 --> 00:39:42,919 A lot? We're not getting anywhere. 852 00:39:42,959 --> 00:39:46,239 (Iveta laughs) We're like the Titanic! We're going... 853 00:39:46,919 --> 00:39:48,760 I hope there's no icebergs out here, is there? No! 854 00:39:48,800 --> 00:39:50,919 We're going backwards. 855 00:39:51,000 --> 00:39:53,839 Oh, and am I steering it? You are. 856 00:39:53,919 --> 00:39:55,160 Oh, right. 857 00:39:57,879 --> 00:39:59,680 Navigating the pond is one thing, 858 00:39:59,720 --> 00:40:01,519 but Francis and I are more concerned 859 00:40:01,559 --> 00:40:03,120 with what's happening on land. 860 00:40:04,319 --> 00:40:06,440 So tell me now, we're only two weeks away from the wedding... 861 00:40:06,519 --> 00:40:08,319 Yes. How do you think we're going to do? 862 00:40:08,400 --> 00:40:10,839 First of all, we have no cabins, so where are we going to sleep? 863 00:40:10,919 --> 00:40:14,000 Alright? We have acquired a paddle boat, 864 00:40:14,040 --> 00:40:16,519 but we're paddling to nowhere, I think. 865 00:40:16,599 --> 00:40:19,120 Now she has done a fantastic job 866 00:40:19,160 --> 00:40:21,360 on enclosing the steel structure. 867 00:40:21,400 --> 00:40:22,760 Right. At the top of the pond. Yeah. 868 00:40:22,839 --> 00:40:24,080 Which is where the wedding is going to be. 869 00:40:24,160 --> 00:40:28,360 And it's set up and it will be lovely, but there is so much to do. 870 00:40:28,440 --> 00:40:30,120 Oh, Lord save us. I'm a nervous wreck. 871 00:40:30,199 --> 00:40:31,400 I'll be more nervous than the bride. 872 00:40:31,519 --> 00:40:33,879 But as long as they get married and the wedding's finished, 873 00:40:33,959 --> 00:40:35,440 it'll be the first thing finished. 874 00:40:35,519 --> 00:40:36,519 (Francis laughs) Yeah. 875 00:40:38,680 --> 00:40:39,839 It's the week of the wedding, 876 00:40:39,879 --> 00:40:43,120 and Iveta's having to draw on all her Latvian resolve. 877 00:40:44,160 --> 00:40:45,919 There's a lot more to be done. 878 00:40:46,639 --> 00:40:48,599 A lot. 879 00:40:48,639 --> 00:40:52,360 Needs a bit more sparkle and more flowers, but I'll get there. 880 00:40:54,000 --> 00:40:55,120 Hallelujah! 881 00:40:55,199 --> 00:40:58,680 With four days to go, the new money-making cabins have landed. 882 00:41:00,800 --> 00:41:03,040 The accommodation arriving today 883 00:41:03,080 --> 00:41:05,800 takes a massive pressure off me because 884 00:41:05,879 --> 00:41:10,680 I'll have my family and guests accommodation. 885 00:41:10,879 --> 00:41:14,720 A lot of people haven't been seen in 15 to 20 years, 886 00:41:14,760 --> 00:41:17,480 so I'm really, really looking forward to see... 887 00:41:17,519 --> 00:41:21,360 in some way it's gonna be even like a family reunion, if you like. 888 00:41:22,559 --> 00:41:24,559 Before they're ready to receive guests, 889 00:41:24,599 --> 00:41:27,480 these prefabs still need a lot of work. 890 00:41:27,559 --> 00:41:30,440 What I'm gonna do to it, I have to finish painting it , 891 00:41:30,480 --> 00:41:34,879 em... and furnish it. 892 00:41:39,080 --> 00:41:42,000 That... that has to be changed. 893 00:41:45,319 --> 00:41:46,680 I have to get a painter. 894 00:41:46,720 --> 00:41:48,919 I thought they'll be painted, but they're not. 895 00:41:50,440 --> 00:41:52,040 There's a bit more work to be done. 896 00:41:52,680 --> 00:41:54,480 And that, ladies and gentlemen, 897 00:41:54,519 --> 00:41:56,319 is the expression of a man that knows 898 00:41:56,400 --> 00:41:58,519 another job is just around the corner. 899 00:41:58,599 --> 00:42:00,040 (laughs) We'll be grand. 900 00:42:00,120 --> 00:42:01,440 We'll be grand. 901 00:42:06,680 --> 00:42:08,680 ♪ (soft piano music, wind blowing) 902 00:42:11,239 --> 00:42:12,959 (people chattering) 903 00:42:15,080 --> 00:42:20,839 Today is the day before the wedding and it's hectic, absolutely hectic. 904 00:42:20,919 --> 00:42:24,120 And I don't know what to grab, what to get... 905 00:42:24,199 --> 00:42:26,319 There's cars arriving every minute now, 906 00:42:26,360 --> 00:42:28,919 and I just don't know which way to split. 907 00:42:30,800 --> 00:42:34,400 It's been fairly hectic here now for the last couple of days. 908 00:42:34,480 --> 00:42:37,239 I could do it going for a... 909 00:42:37,279 --> 00:42:40,680 a haircut now, and I still have to go get the suit. 910 00:42:42,400 --> 00:42:45,839 When I started this project, that I wanted to create 911 00:42:45,879 --> 00:42:50,160 this little unique place, with all the timber, and the view, 912 00:42:50,199 --> 00:42:53,720 and the nature. It just felt like home. 913 00:42:53,800 --> 00:42:57,239 And that's what I tried to create here and I think I'm getting there. 914 00:43:02,199 --> 00:43:04,040 Elsewhere, it's all hands on deck, 915 00:43:04,080 --> 00:43:06,519 quite literally, for Iveta's brother. 916 00:43:06,599 --> 00:43:09,720 We're decorating the boat, for Iveta and Pat. 917 00:43:10,879 --> 00:43:13,040 The food truck, is finally up and running. 918 00:43:13,120 --> 00:43:16,080 It may not be the Poseidon Bar and Grill of Iveta's dreams, 919 00:43:16,120 --> 00:43:18,360 but it's perfect for a small event like this. 920 00:43:20,440 --> 00:43:25,239 The Eastern European women are very set in the minds. 921 00:43:26,800 --> 00:43:29,480 When the Brennans set up, doing the bar-restaurant, 922 00:43:29,519 --> 00:43:31,080 it wasn't a great idea. 923 00:43:31,160 --> 00:43:32,959 I still think back to that day, 924 00:43:33,000 --> 00:43:36,360 and probably tears still come up, because I was genuinely, 925 00:43:36,400 --> 00:43:38,639 really, really, REALLY hurt. 926 00:43:39,199 --> 00:43:42,519 In comparison, running a small food truck should be a piece of cake. 927 00:43:42,599 --> 00:43:44,120 (camera clicks) To be honest, 928 00:43:44,160 --> 00:43:48,800 I am actually thankful to them both for saving me a fortune. 929 00:43:50,440 --> 00:43:54,480 Was I ever going to give up on it all? 930 00:43:54,559 --> 00:43:55,639 Not a chance. 931 00:43:57,400 --> 00:44:01,879 Pat is one of the most amazing people I ever crossed my path with, 932 00:44:01,919 --> 00:44:05,040 and Pat is my biggest supporter. 933 00:44:05,519 --> 00:44:09,680 We won our lottery years ago, so I'm marrying my best friend. 934 00:44:14,639 --> 00:44:16,599 ♪ (upbeat music) 935 00:44:22,199 --> 00:44:24,639 (Hairdresser) Want your fringe gone? Is that...? No. 936 00:44:24,680 --> 00:44:28,559 I want the French twist to stay, and I want it high up in the hair. 937 00:44:29,919 --> 00:44:31,519 Boo! You look gorgeous! 938 00:44:31,599 --> 00:44:33,720 You look like a butler! A butler? 939 00:44:34,400 --> 00:44:36,279 (both laugh) 940 00:44:37,639 --> 00:44:38,800 (Francis) This'll be a big day. 941 00:44:40,599 --> 00:44:44,400 She's an enigma because when we say "Do white", 942 00:44:44,440 --> 00:44:47,519 she does black and when we say "Do black", she does white. 943 00:44:47,559 --> 00:44:51,040 And, you know, she's a dynamo because she gets everything done 944 00:44:51,080 --> 00:44:53,120 in her own way. Maybe not the way I'd like it, 945 00:44:53,160 --> 00:44:54,160 but in her own way. 946 00:44:54,199 --> 00:44:55,239 So I'm dying to see what... 947 00:44:55,319 --> 00:44:57,040 what she's going to produce for us today. 948 00:44:57,959 --> 00:45:00,160 I see two new cabins. I see revenue. 949 00:45:00,239 --> 00:45:02,279 Ding ding! The beach looks lovely. 950 00:45:02,360 --> 00:45:05,279 We have a new roof on the little house over there, 951 00:45:05,319 --> 00:45:06,639 which is very nice to look at. 952 00:45:06,680 --> 00:45:09,360 Listen, it's absolutely fantastic, really, to be quite honest. 953 00:45:09,440 --> 00:45:10,680 In a field, in Laois. 954 00:45:11,000 --> 00:45:13,800 ♪ (mellow orchestral music) 955 00:45:16,360 --> 00:45:19,639 Yes, we certainly had our doubts, but I'm happy to say Pond Beach 956 00:45:19,720 --> 00:45:21,480 has defied our expectations. 957 00:45:24,440 --> 00:45:27,680 It's a joy to see the happy marriage of Laois and Latvia 958 00:45:27,720 --> 00:45:30,080 and two sweethearts who shared a dream. 959 00:45:31,680 --> 00:45:33,120 There's a lot to love here. 960 00:45:33,839 --> 00:45:36,760 From Bali beds that just seem to defy the location 961 00:45:36,800 --> 00:45:39,279 to bean bags with a view of the pond. 962 00:45:40,559 --> 00:45:44,080 At last, this resort appears to be a viable enterprise. 963 00:45:46,519 --> 00:45:48,319 This is now a business with a future, 964 00:45:48,360 --> 00:45:51,720 because with four fully functioning cabins on site, 965 00:45:51,760 --> 00:45:53,639 doubling the original accommodation, 966 00:45:53,680 --> 00:45:56,879 Pond Beach has everything it needs to pay for itself. 967 00:45:58,839 --> 00:46:00,919 The barn's ready for the wedding reception 968 00:46:00,959 --> 00:46:03,400 and I'm ready to give my verdict. 969 00:46:05,720 --> 00:46:08,160 It looks absolutely lovely. I can't believe it. 970 00:46:08,239 --> 00:46:09,400 And the beautiful mirror, 971 00:46:09,480 --> 00:46:10,839 it looks fantastic there. 972 00:46:11,199 --> 00:46:13,120 And we have beautiful desserts. 973 00:46:13,199 --> 00:46:15,239 The Irish will start on them first, surely. 974 00:46:15,319 --> 00:46:17,559 And the way she incorporated the food truck, 975 00:46:17,599 --> 00:46:19,720 it just looks as though it was there forever. 976 00:46:19,800 --> 00:46:21,680 Honest to God, full marks all round. 977 00:46:21,800 --> 00:46:25,279 ♪ (laid-back music) 978 00:46:39,000 --> 00:46:40,599 (chattering, giggling) 979 00:46:40,639 --> 00:46:42,000 (horse snorts) 980 00:46:51,000 --> 00:46:53,519 (hooves clip-clopping) 981 00:46:54,639 --> 00:46:56,599 (cheering and applause) 982 00:47:02,720 --> 00:47:06,120 (Officiant) In marriage, the little things are the big things. 983 00:47:07,080 --> 00:47:10,319 It is never being too old to hold hands, 984 00:47:10,400 --> 00:47:14,720 it is remembering to say "I love you" every single day. 985 00:47:14,800 --> 00:47:16,839 It is never going to sleep angry, 986 00:47:16,879 --> 00:47:19,760 even though you say you never fight. (laughter) 987 00:47:19,839 --> 00:47:22,720 It is standing together and facing the world. 988 00:47:23,199 --> 00:47:26,879 Do you, Pat, take Iveta to be your wife? 989 00:47:26,959 --> 00:47:29,279 I do. Iveta, 990 00:47:29,319 --> 00:47:31,639 do you take Pat to be your husband? 991 00:47:33,680 --> 00:47:36,360 (laughter) It's too late to change your mind now! I do. 992 00:47:36,400 --> 00:47:37,639 Yay! (laughter) 993 00:47:37,680 --> 00:47:40,919 And with that, I now pronounce you man and wife. 994 00:47:41,000 --> 00:47:44,480 Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mr and Mrs Pat and Iveta Bowe! 995 00:47:44,519 --> 00:47:48,959 You may kiss the bride! (applause and cheering) 996 00:47:50,040 --> 00:47:52,160 Now. I have a little surprise for you. 997 00:47:52,239 --> 00:47:53,319 Open that there, now. 998 00:47:53,400 --> 00:47:54,959 See... And I have a good... 999 00:47:55,040 --> 00:47:57,279 Have you a good idea what it might be? I've an idea! 1000 00:47:57,319 --> 00:47:59,720 Well, off you go now. 1001 00:47:59,800 --> 00:48:02,199 So I'm happy to present a buoy... 1002 00:48:02,239 --> 00:48:06,800 Look! Look! For the both of them, that they'll be able to save lives, 1003 00:48:06,879 --> 00:48:08,160 please God, in years to come. 1004 00:48:08,239 --> 00:48:09,800 So that's the first thing. Alright? 1005 00:48:09,879 --> 00:48:12,360 And the second thing I have is a very small 1006 00:48:12,400 --> 00:48:14,239 monkey puzzle tree. Monkey puzzle! 1007 00:48:14,319 --> 00:48:15,480 My favourite. Is it?! 1008 00:48:15,559 --> 00:48:16,599 Iveta's favourite tree. Well, I never knew! 1009 00:48:16,639 --> 00:48:18,480 But it always grows for life, 1010 00:48:18,559 --> 00:48:21,040 and it'll bring you good luck for the rest of the days ahead. 1011 00:48:21,120 --> 00:48:23,160 Pat, you're in charge of the monkey puzzle tree. 1012 00:48:23,239 --> 00:48:25,360 Thank you! And congratulations to you both. 1013 00:48:25,440 --> 00:48:28,400 Thank you very much! (applause) 1014 00:48:31,559 --> 00:48:33,879 Now it gives me great pleasure 1015 00:48:33,919 --> 00:48:37,760 to cut the ribbon, and announce Pond Beach open. 1016 00:48:37,800 --> 00:48:39,680 A big round of applause! (applause and whooping) 1017 00:48:49,239 --> 00:48:53,519 Yay! Iveta's plans haven't come to an end yet. 1018 00:48:53,599 --> 00:48:57,800 They're gonna stay rolling on for a while, we've a sauna on the way 1019 00:48:57,879 --> 00:49:00,360 and another cabin on the way. 1020 00:49:00,440 --> 00:49:04,760 Being the person I am, I don't think it's ever gonna be completed. 1021 00:49:04,839 --> 00:49:07,160 I'm gonna better it every year, 1022 00:49:07,239 --> 00:49:09,120 I'm gonna change the things every year, 1023 00:49:09,199 --> 00:49:11,800 I'm gonna add the things every year... 1024 00:49:13,239 --> 00:49:16,279 And if everything falls apart, me and Pat said it, 1025 00:49:16,360 --> 00:49:20,879 we're gonna have a fantastic back garden. 1026 00:49:22,879 --> 00:49:25,519 So when we came here all those months ago, John and I, okay, 1027 00:49:25,599 --> 00:49:28,839 and Iveta explained that she was gonna open a beach pond resort 1028 00:49:28,879 --> 00:49:30,480 in a field in Laois, 1029 00:49:30,559 --> 00:49:32,319 we thought "This is madness!" 1030 00:49:32,400 --> 00:49:35,720 But, you know, today, it's not. It's kind of genius. 1031 00:50:02,720 --> 00:50:04,800 Subtitles: RTÉ 2024