Case study: The Green, Cumbria
A husband-and-wife team have fulfilled their lifelong dream of owning a home in the Cumbrian countryside by turning it into their first hospitality venture thanks to support from The Cumberland Building Society.
NHS employees, Rebekah and Jeremy Wilkinson, have acquired The Green, a collection of luxury self-catering holiday cottages on the edge of Ravenstonedale, made possible by a Holiday Let mortgage from the building society.
The couple, an Occupational Therapist and a Programme Manager professional for the NHS, will further develop and bring their own vision to the property, a beautifully restored Victorian stone barn, that now houses three dog-friendly cottages with 5 star rating from Visit England and UpFront Reviews.
Surrounded by breathtaking views of the Howgill Fells and located close to the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and Eden Valley, The Green offers guests a tranquil escape inspired by nature and rural life.
“We felt it was the right time to make this huge step,” said Rebekah. “We love the area and were originally looking to get another house, however that was bought before we could make a serious offer.
“We had looked at The Green before but felt it was something which was out of league until we started talking to The Cumberland. They were really instrumental in helping us understand what we could afford and how we could fund the purchase.”
As a result, Rebekah and Jeremy have managed to balance living in their ideal home with running a thriving hospitality venture.
“As a business it pays for us to live here, but it also allows us to share this amazing place and we hope customers enjoy it as much as we do,” Rebekah added.
The couple have embraced the peace, wildlife and community that make this part of Cumbria so special. Red squirrels, buzzards, and cuckoos frequent the area, adding to its charm.
Rebekah said: “This area is secluded in a good way. It brings peace and stillness. It can really help people who come here to alleviate the pressures they are feeling.”
Sustainability is key to the couple’s vision, with The Green already running on ground source heat pumps, solar panels, and a private borehole. Additionally, the business is a part of Cumbria Tourism to ensure that the local economy thrives.
“Small changes can lead to big results,” Rebekah said. “We’re just at the start of our sustainability journey and have so many ideas to make our business greener.”
The Cumberland played a crucial role in supporting Rebekah and Jeremy to own The Green, helping them to navigate the purchasing process every step of the way.
Known for our Kinder Banking ethos, The Cumberland puts people at the heart of what we do, developing strong relationships with customers to help businesses realise their ambitions.
The Cumberland’s people-first approach means every Holiday Let mortgage customer is supported by a dedicated Relationship Manager, providing tailored guidance and consistent support throughout the lending process and beyond.
Mortgage decisions are made by real people, not algorithms. The Cumberland considers cases that many other lenders don’t, including multiple letting units on a single title, properties across split titles, limited companies, and more.
Mark McManus, Relationship Manager at The Cumberland, said: “It’s been a real privilege helping Rebekah and Jeremy bring The Green to life.
“They had the passion and purpose, and we are so pleased to have built a strong relationship with them throughout the whole process. Seeing how they’ve turned their vision into a thriving, sustainable business is exactly why we do what we do.”
Now fully settled into their new life, Rebekah and Jeremy are proving that with vision, determination, and the right support, it’s possible to embark on a new adventure, sustainably, beautifully, and right at the heart of the landscape they love.
Speaking about their experience with The Cumberland, Rebekah added she couldn’t thank the building society enough for helping her and Jeremy start their new chapter.
She said: “I can honestly say The Cumberland’s service has been exceptional and when Mark helped us initially, we didn’t realise he would be with us all the way through.
“But he was with us every step of the way and the attitude from day one was that we can help. Any hiccups we had, he guided us through. We can’t thank him and The Cumberland enough, and it’s so reassuring to know that Mark will be at the end of the phone any time we need him.”