Again, we booked into this homestay at the insistence of the owners, and again even although there weren't enough beds to go around it seemed pleasant enough to give it a go. This homestay is a very pleasant single story house in a rather posh housing estate in Billingham, close to Middlesboro in the county of Cleveland/Teeside (depending on the age of the person you speak to). While Billingham doesn't have the colliery village atmosphere of Armthorpe, all of the surrounding neighbours seem pleasant enough.

The smallish but beautiful gardens are lovingly tended, and include a veggie garden and greenhouse containing various tomato and strawberry plants.

Originally a 3 bedroom house, the room behind the lounge was converted into a dining area almost 25 years ago, leaving a very large open plan living and dining area. The second (originally 3rd) bedroom is a bit on the small side and used as a storage area with wardrobes and drawers filled to capacity and a computer room. There is also a single bed for the occasional visitor, and the owners have a blow up mattress, perfectly sized to fit between the bed and wardrobe/computer desk, although opening the door or getting to the computer is a little difficult when it is in place. As during all previous visits, this mattress is not necessary, as where ever I sleep, Peter insists on joining me as soon as he thinks I'm asleep - whether he sneaks down to the mattress or up into the bed. During the night I regularly change where I'm sleeping, but every time I wake up he's realised that I'm not there and snuggled in next to me.

I should point out at this stage that there are strange, animal-like noises emmitting from the adjoining bedroom, but you become accustomed to them fairly quickly - just like living next to a railway track.