We talk to the owners of Fran’s Nest, Keswick about their approach to holiday letting

What were you looking for in your letting agent?

Recommendations are always a good first stop aren’t they?  We were introduced to Graham Wilkinson via a relative and things just clicked. He saw the potential and wanted to engage from the outset, well before we had even started work on the property.

What made you choose Lakelovers? Was there any individual person who worked hard on your behalf you’d like to mention?

We chose Lakelovers because of Graham and also good general feedback. Graham walked the property with us and gave his opinion in terms of what we should do to create the perfect holiday property for Fran’s Nest, suited to the layout, location and number of bedrooms. We listened carefully and took everything on board.

It was an absolute delight working with Graham and getting the benefit of his knowledge and experience of the local Lake District and Keswick markets. We trusted Graham’s advice and acted on it.

It was quite emotional seeing how pleased he was when he saw the finished product and how we had listened to his ideas and advice.

Fran’s Nest Bedroom & ensuite

How was the process from gathering information, to our visit and then signing up with us?

The process was very smooth from start to finish. This was our first time and so we have had many questions but always received a helpful response each time along with a willing ear to listen.

How are your Fran’s Nest bookings looking? Are you happy with the booking level achieved?

Bookings have been excellent so far. Lakelovers have encouraged us to believe in the quality of our product. We have hit the summer season late and so have been exposed to many people having already booked holidays. It’s therefore fantastic to see bookings coming through for after the summer.

At Lakelovers and Sykes Holiday Cottage Family, we are always striving to surprise and delight our guests. Are there any little touches or extras you add to your house which you’d recommend other Owners to consider, which please your guests?

Having just had our first booking after recently finishing the renovation, we are eagerly awaiting guest feedback which we hope will be positive. We have put in luxury bathrooms, underfloor heating in parts and quality furnishings. We have good wi-fi, a Smart TV with Netflix and NOW TV Movies and Entertainment. There are quality speakers positioned throughout to listen to and stream your favourite music.

We supply a lovely Welcome Pack of goodies as well as providing dog biscuits for our canine friends too. We are dog friendly and will allow one pet (downstairs only please) 

However, the best surprise of all at Fran’s Nest is the rear picture window view from the top floor gallery bedroom. You really have to see it to believe it!

Everyone who has worked on the house has been blown away. Looking at the house from the front you would never believe or appreciate this, and to wake up on a morning or when going to sleep at night you will love the outlook.

That view!

Where would you recommend your guests visit when in Keswick: any favourite or unusual restaurants, bars, or tourist attractions you’d recommend?

There really are too many to comment on. Restaurant faves already include The Round, Fellpack and Casa Bella. We’ve done quite a bit of paddle boarding over the summer and love visiting the islands on Derwentwater and jumping off the pier at Hawes End!

And where’s your favourite walk in the area?

The beauty of the house is that you can immediately walk out of the door and within minutes be heading up Walla Crag or across to Latrigg, Skiddaw or down to the shore of Derwentwater. We love popping up Walla Crag for a walk or run, then either onto Ashness Bridge, Lodore and Watendlath or simply back to Keswick via Great Wood.

Keswick from Latrigg at sunrise

Check out Fran’s Nest here and Follow them on instagram @fellandlakes.

Contact Graham Wilkinson on newowners@lakelovers.co.uk