Case study: Stanley Road Holiday Let, Oxford
Duo turn townhouse into one of the UK’s most popular Holiday Lets with support from The Cumberland.
A stylish Victorian townhouse in the heart of Oxford has emerged as one of the top 1%* most-loved properties globally on Airbnb, with The Cumberland Building Society playing a key role in its continued growth.
Owned and managed by professional photographers Harley Evans and Susie Barker, Stanley Road has become a guest favourite, offering an elegant four-bedroom stay for families, academics and international visitors exploring the historic university city.
Harley and Susie, whose photography portfolio includes high-profile names such as Ronan Keating, Millie Mackintosh and Ollie and Gareth Locke**, brought their creative eye to the holiday let market over 15 years ago.
What began as a gut instinct soon developed into a thriving hospitality business.
“We saw the potential for short holiday lets in Oxford and believed we could offer something special,” said Susie.
“Stanley Road is a beautiful Victorian home with modern touches. We’ve welcomed guests from all over the world; families, academics, even visitors from the US.”
The duo’s attention to detail and commitment to guest satisfaction has earned them a loyal base of repeat visitors, glowing reviews and a top-tier ranking for guest experience*.
“You’re only as good as your last review,” added Harley.
“We focus on delivering consistent quality and keeping the property up to date. That’s where our support from The Cumberland has really helped, allowing us to reinvest and stay ahead.”
Harley and Susie first came to The Cumberland in 2017 to remortgage their property. More recently, they returned to work directly with Relationship Manager Mandy Pearson to release equity, funding a series of upgrades including new furnishings, redecoration and garden improvements to ensure the property remains high-spec and guest-ready.
The Cumberland’s people-first approach means customers are supported by a dedicated Relationship Manager throughout the lending process who will offer tailored guidance and consistent support. This approach, known as Kinder Banking, puts people at the heart of lending decisions and prioritises long-term customer relationships.
“It’s about going above and beyond for our guests,” said Susie.
“Whether it’s offering our own driveway for early arrivals or buying fans during a heatwave, we want every guest to feel truly looked after. That’s what The Cumberland does for us, too, they treat us like people, not just a number.”
Harley first discovered The Cumberland through her own research and was attracted to its values.
“The Cumberland and Mandy have been amazing. They truly deal with you as individuals. Their approach mirrors our own, it’s all about service, flexibility and trust. We’re a great fit.”
Mandy Pearson has been a Relationship Manager at The Cumberland for 10 years, specialising in holiday let lending and working with customers across the country.
She said: “Susie and Harley’s dedication to hospitality really shows in the success of Stanley Road. It’s been a pleasure to support them through the remortgage, and it’s a great example of how our flexible, personal approach helps people grow and adapt in a busy market.”
Mandy added that she has noticed a growing trend of customers investing in well-located, quality holiday lets.
“Despite challenges like the cost-of-living crisis, the holiday let market remains strong and vibrant,” she said.
“The Cumberland is here to help navigate the changing markets and committed to helping customers like Harley and Susie turn their ambitions into reality.”
The Cumberland provides lending for holiday let properties of traditional construction across mainland UK, including the isles of Anglesey, Arran, Isle of Wight, and the Isles of Mull, Skye, Lewis and Harris. Mortgages are available up to 75% loan-to-value and are open to experienced and first-time holiday let investors, with options for both individuals and limited companies***.
For more information on The Cumberland Building Society please visit – Holiday Let Mortgages | The Cumberland.
** Susie and Harley |Editorial Photography| Barker Evans
***All mortgages are subject to lending criteria terms and conditions.