Shortly after I left the army and began teaching, Vanessa and I spent a night in a bed and breakfast in the Lake District.
We often stopped there on the way to Glasgow to break up the 450 mile trip from Kent. The owners were lovely, really friendly and they were younger than we’d expected, maybe only 5-10 years older than us.
Well it turned out that he was ex-military and while we were chatting I couldn’t stop thinking this guys lifestyle sounds perfect and he’s no different to me a few years from now.
The plan was hatched.
I researched the business model for guest houses and how profit efficient they were, what turnover could be achieved in various parts of the UK, Canada and Australia and what lifestyle they might afford.
We quickly decided the plan that would suit us best was a 6-8 guest room Bed and Breakfast in Keswick in the Lake District. We began a 10 year plan in 2009 of saving to get the deposit and capital required.
Keswick is my favorite town in the Lakes, its pedestrian center is relaxed even when busy. There’s markets, shops, tourist information, pubs, cafes and restaurants and its perfectly located for some of the best walking and cycling.
Describing the Lake District as ‘beautiful’ knots my stomach, frustrated that my lack of vocabulary or creativity can’t do it justice, I love it! It is beautiful (sorry) and close enough that Vanessa and I can visit friends and family in the south of England.
A few calculated risks and some good luck later we are just about there. We are deep into the process of buying a 7 bed guest house in Keswick. We hope to be doing business early 2017, it is going to need some work and it will be a steep learning curve but we are both determined to make it one of the most welcoming, fun places in the lakes.
Wish us luck x
Underhill Guest House 
OK: good luck with that! I shall be watching with interest (and not a little jealousy) as you escape from education.
When you get started-up, if you need an impartial review from a blog with a vast readership (well, my Mum… sometimes) you know where to find me.
A 7 bed Guest House in Keswick – did you sell a Kidney each?
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I would have sold a kidney but no takers, not in the state they’re in.
We saved for a long time to get the deposit, we were really lucky that a house we bought went up in value (calculated gamble :-/) and the army gave me some money for breaking my fragile we body. We are very lucky… and now broke! It’ll all be worth it.
Thanks for wishing us luck, appreciate it.
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Good luck on your new enterprise!
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Thanks very much. Turbo excited!!
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Good luck with your plan!
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Thank you 🙂
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Good luck with this project! I love the Lake District, it’s an easy hop from Glasgow, so will watch with interest. Thanks for visiting The Glasgow Gallivanter.
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Keswick isn’t as popular with people from south of the lakes, have you noticed there’s a lot of Scottish accents. More accessible from Scotland and the North I guess. I’m looking forward to being a day trip from Glasgow again.
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Yes, it’s just a couple of hours. Very handy for us.
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Good luck with the project! I like Keswick though usually go there by train as I can’t face the drive from Kent for just a couple days. Not often anyway.
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Yeah it’s a long drive. I’m hoping to have time to offer to pick guests up from the station. One of the reasons I love keswick, once you get there you don’t need a car, there’s enough on your doorstep for a weeks holiday.
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I’ve always toyed with this idea myself, but my biggest worry would be my ability to get away from it on occasion, given my itchy feet. Best of luck as you move ahead with your dream!
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Agreed, that’s a concern but once up and running we would have to shut for 2/3 months of the year to avoid the vat tax threshold. So lots of time to travel. That’s the plan anyway 🙂
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What a great plan, good luck. I will have to stay at your guest house 😉
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Missed your departure from your recent job – unaware of the extent of your new venture – Susan and I honeymooned in Keswick so your passion for the area resonates – it was 41 years ago – but we loved it too – I feel we may be making a pilgrimage soon – impressed with your desire and vision – we wish you every success … 😎
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