It All Started with Beau
Our journey began six years ago when we rescued our youngest Vizsla, Beau. From the moment we brought him home, we realised he faced numerous challenges, including weight issues, digestive problems, and food intolerances.
After months of consultations with nutritionists, veterinarians, and countless online searches, we understood that managing Beau's condition would be an ongoing commitment. His constant hunger, stemming from his body's inability to absorb nutrients, meant he was never truly satisfied.
We faced years of vet visits and sleepless nights, which taught me that if I could care for Beau, I could take care of any dog. As a devoted dog owner, I found it increasingly difficult to find suitable care for my two Vizslas, Bentley and Beau.
Fortunately, my parents shared our love for these spirited dogs and often stepped in to help when we needed care for Bentley and Beau.
Our Journey
Before Milele
Before the conception of Milele, we were immersed in the automotive industry, running a successful camper van manufacturing business where our dogs enjoyed daily interactions with staff and customers. They truly lived the adage, "it's a dog's life."
The Big Decision
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, we noticed significant price increases in our industry—rising costs of labor, parts, and energy forced us to work longer hours just to stay afloat. It became clear that we needed a change.
I first presented my vision for a dog boarding facility to my wife, but it was met with skepticism. The idea of selling our beautiful home, complete with a pool, stunning gardens, and a great school for our daughters, was daunting.
Finding Our Perfect Location
After refining my proposal and presenting it more like a business plan, it became clearer to my family that selling our home, factory, cars, and nearly all of our assets to invest in a high-end dog boarding facility in the Vale of Glamorgan was a viable option.
Our goal was to provide a luxurious experience for ten dogs, something we would want for our own pets.
Our search for the perfect location began in the heart of the Vale of Glamorgan. After 11 viewings that failed to meet our needs—too much space, too grand, or requiring extensive renovations—we were feeling discouraged.
On the 12th viewing, while expressing our frustrations to the estate agent, we mentioned needing at least five acres with a small house and a large barn. To our surprise, he hinted that a property fitting our criteria might be available soon.
The Perfect Property
Following the lead, my wife Linzi conducted her research and discovered an old dog breeding facility with six acres in the serene village of Wick. I visited the site that same day, knocked on the door, and made a full-price offer, recognising it as the perfect space with flat fields and a large barn, ideal for our vision.
With our house already sold and temporarily living with my parents, we had the funds for a swift transaction. By March 2025, we held the keys and submitted planning applications for the necessary renovations.
Building Our Dream
The process was far from easy, both financially and administratively, and required far more effort than I had anticipated in my 15 years in business. Construction began with a focus on the land, barn, fencing, and security, while renovations on the bungalow were saved for last.
Our Vision
"As heavy machinery leveled fields and fencing crews worked on-site, some thought I was crazy, but I had a clear vision: to create a high-end resort for dogs, where our future customers would feel at peace knowing their beloved pets were enjoying a holiday in a beautiful setting. I envisioned a site that resembled a luxury golf resort, immaculately presented and manicured to perfection."
Nearly There!
As I write this, we are nearing completion in August 2025—though "near completion" may be a stretch! We are almost ready to welcome guests, currently living in a caravan on-site while we renovate the bungalow.
The kids love the adventure, although Linzi needed a bit of convincing. I have documented much of this journey and plan to create a blog on our website to share our family's story once the building works are complete.