{"id":4393,"date":"2022-12-30T14:40:03","date_gmt":"2022-12-30T14:40:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lakelovers.co.uk\/blog\/?p=4393"},"modified":"2025-09-04T11:25:12","modified_gmt":"2025-09-04T10:25:12","slug":"we-talk-to-the-owners-of-frans-nest-keswick-about-their-journey-into-holiday-letting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lakelovers.co.uk\/blog\/we-talk-to-the-owners-of-frans-nest-keswick-about-their-journey-into-holiday-letting\/","title":{"rendered":"We talk to the owners of Fran’s Nest, Keswick about their approach to holiday letting"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n

We caught up with the owners of Fran\u2019s Nest tucked away in the heart of beautiful Keswick, to find out more about their journey from buying a holiday cottage, to renovation and interior design.\u00a0 Then to the final piece of the jigsaw,\u00a0 working with us at Lakelovers, bringing their property to the lettings market.<\/p>\n

\n

Read on to hear their story….<\/em><\/h4>\n

Why did you choose Fran’s Nest, and what influenced your decision to purchase the property?<\/h4>\n

Keswick was always on our wish-list to diversify our property portfolio, and get into holiday letting and interior design. The beautiful curved front Georgian window appealed<\/strong>.\u00a0 It had been a shop and later a residence<\/strong>. Quite a bit of modernisation was required and we felt we could put our own unique stamp on it. We only live 30 minutes from Keswick so know the market well and we own other commercial property in the town. <\/em><\/p>\n

We soon began to realise its potential in a fantastically central location in the heart of Keswick, and the buoyancy of the property market.\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"

The unassuming front entrance with Georgian curved window.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Did you always think of it as an investment holiday let and do you use it yourselves?<\/h4>\n

Yes, we are property investors<\/strong>, but really wanted to get ‘hands-on’ with this one, and give something back to Keswick and the area.\u00a0 The offering has hugely improved in recent years in the Northern Lakes, and we are delighted with how Fran’s Nest<\/strong> has turned out, and will use it ourselves occasionally.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Did you have a lot of renovation and decorating work to do, and how did that go for you, if you were living away from the Lakes?<\/h4>\n

Yes a lot more than we ever envisaged! We have insulated throughout, double glazed, rewired, replumbed<\/strong>, exposed original brickwork<\/strong>,\u00a0 part re-roofed, retanked, damp proofed<\/strong> and much more!\u00a0 Luckily we live nearby so could be hands-on when needed, but we have an amazing team of local trade and craftspeople to call upon.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Your interior design and colour choices are stunning.\u00a0 Did you do it all yourselves or did you have an interior designer?<\/h4>\n

Thankyou ! We did everything ourselves. It’s a passion of ours and something we enjoy and hope to develop further in the future. Our good friend advised and made the soft furnishings, (blinds, cushions, headboards etc). Follow us on instagram @fellandlakes and see how the project unfolded and how we put into practise some of our ideas<\/em>.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n
\n
\"\"

Fran’s Nest dining area<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
\n

What were you looking for in your letting agent?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Recommendations are always a good first stop aren’t they?\u00a0 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.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"\"

Bedroom and view to the fells<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

What made you choose Lakelovers? Was there any individual person who worked hard on your behalf you\u2019d like to mention?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

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. <\/em><\/p>\n

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. <\/em><\/p>\n

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.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"

Fran’s Nest Bedroom & ensuite<\/p><\/div>\n

How was the process from gathering information, to our visit and then signing up with us?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

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.<\/em><\/p>\n

How are your Fran’s Nest bookings looking? Are you happy with the booking level achieved?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

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.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\t\t