Are you dog friendly yet?

If you run a hotel or B&B and you don’t currently allow your guests to bring their dogs, you are potentially missing out on a rapidly growing market in pet travel. British dogs are increasingly regarded as a member of the family, with many owners seeking to take their four-legged friends with them when they go away.
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Are you dog friendly yet?

If you run a hotel or B&B and you don’t currently allow your guests to bring their dogs, you are potentially missing out on a rapidly growing market in pet travel. British dogs are increasingly regarded as a member of the family, with many owners seeking to take their four-legged friends with them when they go away.
Continue reading “Are you dog friendly yet?”

What’s the secret of the great British B&B?

British Bed and Breakfasts have never been more popular and in a competitive market, the most popular are the ones with attention to detail, personal service and really make the most of their locations and history to develop their own style.

Look at the Daily Telegraph’s recent Top 10 and the combined selling points that make them stand-out B&Bs:

  1. Cuil an Duin, near Pitlochry, Perth & Kinross

This B&B is praised for its:

  • Beautiful setting – great mountain views, is surrounded by woodland, and set in 20 acres of its own stunning gardens.
  • Attractive elegant rooms furnished with Persian rugs, modern art, flowers and a gleaming Bechstein piano and the bedrooms are luxurious and comfortable
  • Breakfast eggs from the owners’ hens with artisan shops supplying the trimmings
  • Its charming hosts – Sally and David and not forgetting their Jack Russell Teddy and Chloe the cat who stay behind the kitchen door until given the all clear.
  1. The Control Tower, near Walsingham, Norfolk

This accommodation offers:

  • a unique slice of history – a beautifully restored RAF squadron control tower with remarkable modernist and Art Deco detail.
  • House tours include the open roof deck
  • Guests outdoor lunch al fresco in the two-acre wild flower garden
  • Nearby wide beaches of Wells-next-the-Sea and seal spotting trips to Blakeney Point.
  1. Botelet near Liskeard, Cornwall

This offers:

  • The chicest of shabby chic style farmhouse accommodation
  • In a quiet location the end of a wild-flower strewn lane
  • Opportunities to explore the farm and walk the wooded valley
  • A treatment room therapeutic massage in the treatment room
  • A quirky, friendly, artistic and fun vibe
  • Cottages, amazing yurts and a campsite are also available
  1. The Linhay, near Crediton, Devon

  • A peaceful hideaway close to Dartmoor and Exmoor
  • Beautiful setting in an open valley with a running stream with orchard views.
  • Accommodation with a quirky, natural feel to the B&B accommodation in a lovely old barn with its own little kitchen area
  • The owners also run Start a Smallholding courses.
  1. Wickton Court near Leominster, Herefordshire

  • A rambling old place steeped in history – a former courthouse that dates from the 15th century (complete with a wig room)
  • Many local sights close by
  • Cosseting bedrooms with generous curtains and big bathrooms
  • Characterful – with wonky floors and ancient beams; one room even has a wood-burner.
  1. Westbourne House, Cowes, Isle of Wight

  • An elegant Georgian townhouse on the waterfront with stunning sea views
  • Cosy well-dressed beds.
  • Close to Cowes’ attractive High Street full of desirable shops, bars and restaurants
  • Lovely walks along the sweeping promenade.
  1. Waterlock House, near Canterbury, Kent

  • Another stylish Georgian town house
  • Guests get an airy loft apartment on two floors with its own entrance with a vast bedroom/sitting room
  • Furnished with quirky French antique pieces, a painted black and white diamond floor, a sink-into sofa and a very comfortable big bed.
  1. Primrose Hill Farm, near Banbury, Oxon

  • A peaceful spot on the edge of the Cotswolds
  • Farm setting in 80 acres dotted with sheep and horses
  • Immaculate interiors with calm and inviting bedroom, deep beds, fat feather pillows, pretty lamps and vases of flowers
  • Elegant sitting and dining rooms look uphill to the woods
  • A warm welcome from all including Trouble the terrier also helps guests to feel at home.
  1. Ponden Hall, near Haworth, West Yorkshire

  • Huge history – Said to be the inspiration for Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights
  • Period style including mullion windows, huge flagstones, period pieces and original paintings.
  • Bedrooms balance luxury and individuality – two rooms have log-burning stoves
  • Lots to see and do – Nearby is the Pennine Way, the steam train at Keighley and the Brontes’ home at nearby Haworth.
  1. Gladstone’s Library, Hawarden, Flintshire

  • Steeped in history – Founded by the politician William Gladstone
  • Not just a B&B, but also a peaceful, restorative retreat: Guests have a choice of 250,000 books in the reading room, silence, space, convivial company if they need it
  • Also offers a programme of optional talks and courses
  • Theatre Clwyd and the city of Chester only 15 minutes away
  • Cosy not Techy – A ‘Roberts Radio’, rather than HD TV, sort of place.

Looking to finance your own B&B?

Do you have what it takes to run a great B&B?

If you are considering starting a B&B or are looking to invest in improving or expanding your existing B&B business, then chances are you will need B&B finance and it makes so much sense to go to people, like Stewart Hindley and Partners, who understand the business through and through.

We are long-established specialists in securing B&B mortgages.  Our experienced team will be able to offer you friendly and informative advice to help you succeed in your business.  Browse our site for case histories and more information about the process involved in securing B&B finance or call us now to speak to our team of experts.

Taking advantage of the Equestrian B&B boom

With many of today’s horse owners looking for different and interesting places to take their horse to ride, there are good opportunities for Bed and Breakfast owners with access to the right facilities to expand their businesses.

If you run a rural bed and breakfast with good riding country nearby and have your own stables and paddocks on-site (or a livery yard or riding centre very close by) then offering this additional service could generate valuable group B&B business for you.

Guests are typically looking to stay close to their horses and in small groups so they can ride with their friends.

Key equestrian B&B features

Key features these customers would be looking for are:

  • Good off-road riding in beautiful countryside and/or good equestrian training facilities. The availability of beach riding is also a big plus because it’s an experience that not all horse owners can normally enjoy.
  • Well fenced, clean grazing
  • Clean and safe stabling and/or shelters in good working condition with water available. You don’t necessarily need that many, but it is useful if the capacity matches your own B&B accommodation for your two legged guests!
  • Somewhere secure to park their horseboxes or trailer and store their equipment.
  • The facility for guests to purchase straw or shavings for horse bedding for stabled horse
  • Local advice/guidance on the best riding routes and access

If you don’t have your own facilities on-site, it would be worth talking to your local riding centre or livery yard to see if they would have spare capacity.  It is important to remember though, that for it to be an attractive proposition to this market, the horse accommodation should ideally be within walking distance, or a short car journey away.

If you think you could meet the above criteria, it could be worth exploring your hospitality finance options to help you invest in equestrian facilities.

How to market your equestrian B&B

The British Horse Society, which is dedicated to improving the lives of horses and helping horse riders to get the most from their relationship run a ‘Horses Welcome scheme’ which is the UK’s first quality-assured scheme for equine bed and breakfast accommodation. Started in the south of Scotland in 2006, it has since grown to include members all over the UK and Ireland. Becoming a member of the scheme demonstrates a commitment to providing a genuine ‘home away from home’ for horses.

Various other B&B listings will also offer stabling as a filter for online searches, enabling horse owners to identify their options quickly and easily

Would your equestrian B&B offering require hospitality finance?

Whether you are looking to expand your existing bed and breakfast operation into areas like this, or are looking at starting a B&B business, the chances are you will need B&B finance and it is worth seeking advice from us here at Stewart Hindley & Partners we specialise in this sector and can provide you with a solution that suits your requirements.

If you want to see how much the loan will cost each month take a look at our online Business Mortgage calculator or call us to find out how we can help.

How to find the best Bed & Breakfast finance advice

Ask The Experts At The B&B Show
22-23 February 2017 Bristol

Stewart Hindley & Partners, leading specialists for Bed & Breakfast finance, will be exhibiting at The B&B Show in Bristol later this month.

The Show provides a unique one-stop opportunity for Bed and Breakfast, Guest House, and small Independent Hotel owners to build up their knowledge of the latest techniques, innovations, issues surrounding this industry and to network and meet other people operating in the same sector.
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Did You Know You Can Attend a B&B Course?

When starting a new venture it is always a good idea to get as much information on the area in which you choose to go into.  You probably think that running a B&B or Guest House is fairly straightforward and on the whole it is, however, it is not just cook a breakfast and change some beds.

Continue reading “Did You Know You Can Attend a B&B Course?”

Britain’s favourite seaside destinations

Whether rain or shine, we love the seaside and in the UK, we’re fortunate to possess some real gems; the kinds of charming, stunning and exciting spots that attract scores of holidaymakers to B&Bs and guest houses by the coast.

We asked you what your favourite British seaside destinations were and here are your answers:

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12 places in the UK which will make you feel you are abroad

British staycations are on the rise, not purely for Brexit or financial reasons, either – many of us are (re)discovering the UK’s incredible landscape, beautiful beaches and exciting cities. Hence it could be a good time to go into the B&B, guesthouse or hotel business.
Continue reading “12 places in the UK which will make you feel you are abroad”

9 questions to ask when buying a Bed & Breakfast or guest house

With news that increasing numbers of Brits are planning a staycation this year – especially in light of the potential price hikes that Brexit might unleash on foreign travel – those in the UK’s hospitality sector may experience some unexpected good fortune. It’s not a bad time, therefore, to get into the industry yourself.

If you’re reading this blog, then you’ve probably been toying with the idea for a while; still deciding when might be the right time to take the plunge. Perhaps you’ve even got your eye on a property already. As experts in Bed & Breakfast Finance, we always advise our clients to do thorough research and with that in mind, here’s our list of things you should consider when buying a B&B or guest house.

1) Is it in a good location?

Arguably the single most important factor, location has a strong bearing on your chances of success. When choosing it, you should determine whether you are looking for a business that will be busy year-round or only in peak seasons, and choose accordingly. For a consistent income, you’re best-advised to pick an area that’ll be popular come rain or shine; one that boasts sights and activities that could attract visitors in both heatwaves and snow storms.

2) What type of guests stay there?

Though this may not influence anything more than your décor or menu choices, it’s a good idea to understand your target audience so that you can take steps to continue to attract the right people. Find out who the business appeals to at the moment, as running a guest house for young families will be quite different to one which is patronised by retired couples.

3) Why are they selling?

There’ll be a reason why the current owners want to sell. It might be that they wish to retire or have a personal reason for moving on. Or it could be that the place is a millstone around their neck. Make sure you know what this reason is if you want to save your neck.

4) How do the room rates compare?

What to charge can be a big dilemma, and it depends on several factors: the amenities on offer, location, competition. Establish how the current rates compare by drawing up a list of all the B&Bs, guest houses and hotels in the area. Where might your revamped business realistically fit in the ‘hierarchy’ of accommodation? Would those rates be sufficient?

5) How big is the B&B or guest house?

Size is a big deal in the hospitality game and it should be high on your list of considerations. Is the property of a manageable size? Will you be able to operate with X rooms without help or will a larger place necessitate more staff – and therefore eat into your earnings?

b&b6) Does it have a good reputation?

It’s possible to turn some concerns around when under new management – especially if you make some significant changes – but ideally, you want your property to be well-regarded. To find out what people think, search for any existing reviews on sites such as Trip Advisor, Rooms Booked, Late Rooms, etc. That should give you a clearer picture of the job in hand.

7) How much work needs to be done?

Ensure you know whether the business requires any refurbishment or remodelling, so you can build this into your plans – both financially and time-wise. When you buy a B&B, a commercial survey is undertaken which will assess the value of the business.  If there are obvious structural problems, the surveyor may point them out and recommend a buildings survey be undertaken.  A commercial survey will not specifically look at the structural condition of the building.

8) Are there opportunities for growth?

While you may not be thinking about growth right now, it’s helpful to know whether there are opportunities to grow the trade in the future. For instance, is there room and/or planning permission for an extension? Are there any restrictions placed on the property or area that might prevent expansion? Are there spaces that could be converted into a tea lounge or bar, to attract passing trade?

9) What is your USP?

If the property is in a popular area, you need to work out what’s different about the B&B – or what could be if you took over – that will then make you stand out from the competition. You need to define your unique selling point and capitalise on it.

When you’ve made up your mind and found the property of your dreams, then the fun really starts. You could create a business and a lifestyle which far surpasses your expectations and brings you endless joy. We can help you get there with our B&B and guest house mortgage options.

Contact us on 0845 272 400 or via our online enquiry form to discuss making your dreams a reality.

 

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How to turn your home into a successful bed and breakfast

You’ve got a large property, the children have flown the nest and now you’re just rattling around in it. Or perhaps you and your partner have inherited a house but it’s costing the earth to maintain. Wouldn’t it be great if your home could actually make money for you? Converting it into a bed and breakfast could not only enhance its value, but provide an income, offering you a completely new way of life and the means/motivation to keep the property in good condition.

It sounds like such a simple idea, maybe too good to be true, but it’s one which many people have opted for and they’ve never looked back. Here are some points to consider if you’re thinking about turning your home into a B&B.

1. Could you attract business?

The trend for ‘staycation’ holidays is not diminishing. With affordability still the biggest issue for British holidaymakers, not to mention security fears, research reveals that some 77 per cent of UK adults either went on or planned to go on a staycation in 2015. It’s looking good for 2016, too – which is good news for those that run B&Bs and guesthouses.

Before getting on to the subject of B&B finance, one big consideration and contributing factor towards your success is location. It’s vital that you are situated somewhere that would attract guests. HuffPost Travel named among its top staycation destinations the Lake District, the Norfolk Broads, Edinburgh, Cornwall and North Wales. Big towns and cities are similarly a good option. Just consider your situation – is there enough in the vicinity to attract guests?

2. Decide if running a bed and breakfast is for you

In our blog: Why owning a B&B can be a dream come true, we explore the best bits about leaving the nine-to-five and changing your life. You get to be your own boss and meet endless numbers of interesting people.

If you’re seriously considering converting your home into a B&B, ask yourself whether you’d feel happy about having other people coming and going through your home. Also, think about the lifestyle. While many B&B owners say they love their new business, it does require hard work and commitment. However, if you’re fine with all of that, let’s talk money.

3. Know what you’ll need finances for

When arranging B&B finance, in addition to paying the mortgage, remember to allocate sufficient funds for renovating the house into guest accommodation. This covers furnishings, decorations, refurbishments and countless other tasks that will need to be completed before you can open. Then there’s advertising, creating a website and potentially paying staff wages, too.

It’s pertinent you keep funds in reserve to cover all eventualities, as there will be changes in demand and economic circumstances. However, if you get the right advice and choose the best mortgage deal, you should be able to keep a tight control over your cash flow.

Buying a B&B
4. Choose the right bed and breakfast mortgage

One of the questions we’re most often asked by people who are ‘new to trade’ is: ‘Can I get a residential mortgage on a to trade as a B&B?’ The answer is no. Running a B&B requires a commercial mortgage. In fact, using your existing residential mortgage can actually get you into trouble with your lender owing to the differences in rates between residential and commercial mortgages.

You’ll therefore need to replace your existing residential mortgage to a commercial one. As this is a business, there are many more, and different, conditions that need to be taken into account by both lenders and you. However, an advantage of commercial mortgages is that the repayments can track the season, meaning you can pay more during peak times and less when it’s quiet.

5. Get good advice

Running a bed and breakfast is a huge undertaking, so it’s important to do your research and speak to the experts. With regard to finance, contact a broker that specialises in the industry – like us at Stewart Hindley and Partners, who can identify the most appropriate solution to suit your individual situation. We can advise on other aspects of the business, too, helping you to create a business plan and secure a mortgage which allow you to realise your dream.

Another good idea is to contact other B&B owners, or read case studies, so that you can gain first hand insight into the everyday operation of such a business. Learn from their experience, take advantage of their knowledge and see your own business thrives.

Providing you satisfy all of the personal and financial criteria and are sure that this is the move for you, then there’s no reason why you can’t turn your home into a bed and breakfast, enjoying a way of life that so many others can only envy. Why not give it some thought?

If you’d like to discover more about B&B finance, we’d love to help.