
Getting acquainted…
Since November 2020, I (Natascha) am the owner and hostess of Gästehaus Pernull in idyllic Carinthia, Austria.
In 2001 I graduated from the Hotel Management School in Maastricht and since then I have always had in the back of my mind that I would like to start my own company when I am around 40 years old. In 2012, my husband Robbie and I saw an episode of the program “Ik vertrek”. For the reader who is not familiar with it: “Ik vertrek” is a fairly popular and well-watched real life program that is broadcast on Dutch television. In each episode people are followed who take the step abroad to build a new life there. When Robbie and I saw the episode in which Pierre and Monique made the leap to Austria to start a B&B there, we were glued to the TV, because what they were doing, we wanted to do too! Exactly that! The building and its plot of land were very appealing and we also completely liked the business model that they had come up with for the B&B.
We went crazy and started brainstorming about the possibilities of setting up something similar and we started working hard to work out our plans and put them on paper. Now we just needed a suitable location and voilà! But actually realizing our future dream went slower than expected, because we couldn't find a location in Austria that really made us happy. Secretly, we were just a bit spoiled by the "I'm leaving" episode because that was the ultimate spot for us. However, we kept on searching, visited various properties and even had a trial sleep in one of them. But it was never quite right. We are not quitters, but sometimes we did lose heart.
Until early 2020 a message appeared on Facebook: “Sometimes something comes along in your life that you can’t let go”, written by Monique Kloosterman (the lady from the infamous “I’m leaving” episode). My heart started beating faster…what is she writing…they want to sell their Gästehaus because they found something else? No, I’m wrong…yes, it really says so!
To make a long story short: we immediately sent a message to Monique asking if they were actually going to sell their guest house and if we could come and take a look soon. Monique replied very warmly: “Yes, we are indeed going to sell ‘our baby’! Why don’t you come here for a few days, then you can walk around the company with us, then you can get a feel for it and you can see if you like it.” So that’s what we did right away! And as hoped (but actually also expected) it really was EVERYTHING we were looking for. Once back in the Netherlands we thought about it carefully and then let Monique and Pierre know that we would like to buy their accommodation.
And in October 2020 we 'suddenly' became the owners of Gästehaus Pernull, the B&B from the 'I'm leaving' episode where it all started.
Our story is a dream come true, but in March 2021 it suddenly and abruptly came to a halt with the passing of Robbie. Suddenly everything was different and instead of living our long-cherished dream together, there is now a great void.
I have chosen to continue with our plans. Robbie would have wanted that too, I know that for sure! So now I run Gästehaus Pernull without Robbie, that is not how we had planned it and certainly not always easy. But I am convinced that I will succeed and that Robbie is looking over my shoulder with pride.
What else can I tell you about myself?
I am a very active person and love the outdoors, I prefer to do sports outdoors, such as hiking, skiing, cycling and motorcycling. Until our move to Austria, I lived and worked in the Netherlands (Limburg) with Robbie. I attended the Hotel Management School in Maastricht and then worked for years in the hospitality industry, employment agency and sales/consultancy.
I love good food and long dinners and can enjoy a beautiful sunset or the sparkle of the snow-capped mountains incredibly. I speak several languages (Dutch, English, German and Italian), like to go on holiday and have been coming to Austria since I was young. I know the area here very well, I am happy to tell you all about it and can help you plan an unforgettable holiday! So do not hesitate and book your holiday with me in Gästehaus Pernull!
Are you coming to stay sometime?
Our guesthouse consists of 5 double rooms, 1 triple room and 1 quadruple room, breakfast is served in the communal breakfast room. There are also 2 apartments for up to 4 people and a holiday home for 8 people.
I am ready to provide you with an unforgettable and carefree holiday. Ask for availability and possibilities via the website, but of course you can always call or send a message via WhatsApp.
I look forward to seeing you!
Natasha
This is our own website with the best price. Click here for our accommodations or ask us your question.