After a 23-year career within mental health services, a South Cumbrian woman was keen to turn her hand to something new rather than retiring.
Liz Nelson, 54, of Ackenthwaite, near Milnthorpe, spotted a property and decided to take the leap into holiday letting as a chance for a second career.
She bought the cottage in Leasgill in 2019, and it was in need of a full renovation.
Liz and her husband Brian, an experienced builder, used their own skills and knowledge to add modern amenities, installing a new kitchen, utility room, bathrooms, mud room, and an inglenook fireplace.
As well as revamping the cottage, the husband-and-wife duo also took on an additional project by building a new holiday home within the cottage’s orchard after discovering planning permission had already been granted before they purchased the property.
Since opening both properties to holidaymakers in 2020, Liz and Brian have welcomed holidaymakers from all over the UK, securing 82 bookings in 2023 and 33 to date for 2024.
Last year, the cottages generated a combined income of £78,500.
Liz said: “It’s been really rewarding to have embarked on a second career and holiday letting was something I had always been interested in.
“While I had enjoyed a varied role in mental health services, I was ready for a change of pace and wanted to do a project with my husband, Brian, who has his own building company. Together, I knew we could create a brilliant holiday home which would attract visitors from far and wide.
“We love welcoming people to Cumbria and encourage them to dine at the local restaurants and eateries to give back to independent businesses. We look forward to meeting new guests in the years ahead.”
