Case study: Lymestone, boutique accommodation in Cumbria
A Lake District hospitality business has expanded its growing portfolio after completing the acquisition of its second property in under a month with support from the Cumberland Building Society.
Run by Hayley and Steve Hallsworth, the couple successfully purchased Lymestone in Grange-over-Sands, marking the next step in their journey within the hospitality sector.
Having entered the industry in 2022 with the purchase of Jerichos in Windermere, the pair have expanded their high-quality accommodation offering rooted in strong guest experiences.
Taking over Lymestone enables Hayley and Steve to expand their presence in the Lake District while offering a slightly different offering to Jerichos.
A historic property dating back to the 1870s, Lymestone combines boutique style accommodation with modern, flexible features including self-contained suites, keyless entry, and automated guest communication, allowing visitors a more independent and seamless stay.
The property offers access to central Lake District locations, as well as the quieter coastal areas of Morecambe Bay and nearby Cartmel, which has become nationally recognised for its food scene.
While it represented a significant opportunity for Hayley and Steve to expand their operations, the property came with a strict deadline following auction, requiring completion within a 30 working day window.
However, thanks to an existing relationship with The Cumberland, the couple, who had previously worked with the building society when purchasing Jerichos, had the confidence to move quickly when the opportunity arose.
The Cumberland supported Hayley and Steve throughout the acquisition, bringing together the right people to ensure decisions could be made quickly and efficiently, enabling the accelerated completion.
Steve Hallsworth said: “We had a very specific timeframe to work to, and The Cumberland delivered everything we needed and more. Completing in less than a month was incredible.
“We already had a strong relationship with our Relationship Manager, Georgie McRoberts, so there was a real level of trust from the outset. They understood what we were trying to achieve and made the whole process feel straightforward and seamless.”
Before entering the hospitality sector, Hayley worked in education, teaching across primary, secondary and university levels, while Steve built a career in events and exhibitions.
The couple made the decision to combine their skills with the purchase of Jerichos and it was here their relationship with The Cumberland began as they set about creating a boutique accommodation offering focused on quality, comfort and efficiency.
Their experience with Jerichos gave them the confidence to expand, with Lymestone providing an opportunity to build on what they had already achieved while introducing a more flexible, hybrid style of accommodation.
The model combines the feel of a boutique hotel with the independence of self-service stays, providing visitors with privacy and convenience alongside high-quality accommodation.
Guests can enjoy premium, wellness-focused features such as spa baths, walk-in showers and private infrared saunas in selected suites, while dog-friendly options ensure it caters to a wide range of visitors.
The Cumberland supported Hayley and Steve throughout the purchase process, with their dedicated Commercial Relationship Manager, Georgie McRoberts, providing guidance every step of the way.
Georgie McRoberts said: “We have a strong relationship with Hayley and Steve and completely bought in to their vision for how they wanted to expand their business. It was fantastic to help them in doing this in such a short timeframe.
“The acquisition of Lymestone is a great example of how a focus on developing relationships and a proactive approach can support customers to move quickly when the right opportunity comes along. “We’re thrilled to work with them again and help them expand their portfolio.”
The support offered to Hayley and Steve builds on the building society’s strong track record in aiding organisations in the hospitality industry, with The Cumberland holding more than 30 years' experience of providing Commercial lending.
Alongside hospitality organisations, The Cumberland’s Commercial team aids local businesses across food and drink, professional services, and healthcare sectors, to help them thrive, with services including commercial mortgages, current accounts and savings products.
Known for its Kinder Banking ethos, The Cumberland puts people at the heart of what it does, developing strong relationships with its customers to help them realise their ambitions.
The Cumberland’s people-first approach means every Commercial mortgage customer is supported by a dedicated Relationship Manager, providing tailored guidance and consistent support throughout the lending process and beyond.