Five years ago, Mike and Lynn Norbury had successful but demanding careers – Mike in senior customer services at Tesco, and Lynn in HR at the NHS.
Though they were thriving professionally, they longed for something more fulfilling.
“We wanted to create a life that was our own, where we could pour our energy into something meaningful,” Mike said.
That dream led them to Wheatlands Lodge, a nine-bedroom 170-year-old Lakeland house in the heart of Windermere.
Following a commercial loan from The Cumberland Building Society, the couple took the leap and transformed the property into a boutique B&B.
Their hard work and dedication earned them national recognition.
At the end of 2024 Wheatlands Lodge received two awards for Guest House of the Year 2024 and Best Guest House Experience in the Prestige Business Awards.
Even Alfie, their beloved dog, has been a hit with visitors, winning his own Tail Wagging badge.
“Alfie is more than just part of our family – he’s become a wonderful companion for guests,” Mike said.
Over the years, Wheatlands Lodge has welcomed visitors from around the world, including Australia, America, Japan, China, and India.
The B&B has become a stop on many travellers’ grand tours of the UK, drawing those exploring iconic destinations including London, Edinburgh, and the Lake District.
“Each guest brings their own stories and cultures, which makes every day unique and enriching,” Mike added.
Instead of a traditional guest book, Wheatlands Lodge has a wall adorned with over 80 personalised thank you cards from guests.
“These cards mean the world to us,” Mike said. “One guest even sent a card addressed to Alfie after his award!”
“We’ve built a strong reputation through TripAdvisor and Google reviews too, but these personal gestures go beyond what you see online.”
During the challenges of COVID, these heartfelt messages became a lifeline, reminding the couple of the impact they were making.
“Word-of-mouth has been incredible,” Mike added. “We’ve had guests from Washington, DC, and Australia recommend us to their friends and family.”
When the couple first bought Wheatlands Lodge, Mike and Lynn saw potential and a lot of work.
“Our son called it ‘epic,’ which felt like a good omen,” Mike said.
Their daughter, with her keen eye for design, helped reimagine the interiors, creating a space that felt both luxurious and welcoming.
With the support from specialist hospitality lenders The Cumberland, the couple were able to make their dream come true.
As they look to the future, Mike and Lynn are focused on refining and expanding their offerings.
“We’ve been fortunate to see steady growth every year,” said Mike.
“The first five years were about getting everything right – cleanliness, decor, and operations. Now, we’re focusing on building on that foundation.”
Their latest venture, Windermere Ceremonies, offers non-legal vow renewals and commitment ceremonies, which have quickly become a hit. They are also working with fitness partners and yoga teachers to host wellbeing retreats.
As they celebrate their achievements, Mike and Lynn remain humble about their journey.
“None of this would have been possible without the support we received from our amazing family, and the incredible guests who’ve made this place what it is today,” said Mike.
And Alfie? He’s still the star of the show, charming visitors from every corner of the world.
“We might run the guest house,” Mike added, “but Alfie’s the one everyone comes back for.”
