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.

Stewart Hindley

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