Dealing with a house full of 'hangry’ snowed-in guests

Larnach Castle was ‘‘magical’’ for tourists staying at the Lodge and Stables accommodation yesterday after the biggest snowfall of the year. — Copies of photographs are available from ODT front office, lower Stuart St, Dunedin, or www.otagoimages.co.nz. Scan the QR code at the bottom of the story to go directly to ODT Store. PHOTO: STEPHEN JAQUIERY

There was a bone-chilling moment yesterday morning when Deborah Price realised she might have to deal with a full house of "hangry" guests.

The Larnach Castle Lodge and Stables sales and marketing manager said it was the heaviest snowfall the luxury accommodation facility had received this year, and there was concern icy roads would keep the kitchen staff from making it up the hill to cook the guests’ breakfast.

"Luckily, our breakfast chef made it up the hill.

"Some of the staff were a bit late, but the guests got their eggs Benedict and French toast and all the rest for breakfast."

It was fortunate the staff were so well-prepared and dedicated to their jobs, she said.

"Any chef that’s worked here more than a couple of years, travels with an emergency pack in their car.

"In our head chef’s case, it contains socks and undies, a razor, toothbrush and a blanket.

"Quite often, there have been times when the evening dinner chef hasn’t been able to make it back down the hill because of the snow, so they stay overnight.

"Usually over winter, we have a few rooms free, but we were fully booked last night, so he didn’t stay over."

The snow was a treat for the guests, particularly the Australian visitors, she said.

"It is exciting to wake up to snow. We did have some Australians staying.

"It was interesting coming to work and seeing all these people running around taking photos of the snow.

"It’s magical when it snows here. It’s a pretty special place."