Weston House: Our Story
- Weston House Keith
- Nov 22, 2024
- 4 min read
Every great project begins with a vision. For us, that vision was Weston House—a beautiful, historic building that held the promise of becoming both a home for our family and a serviced accommodation property for travellers, workers, and groups in need of flexible, comfortable stays.
It’s been a journey filled with challenges, surprises, and moments of sheer joy as we’ve worked to transform this 129-year-old building and former care home into something entirely new. Along the way, we’ve learned more than we ever imagined about property development, resilience, and what truly matters in life.
When we first walked through Weston House doors, we were struck by its character. The front of the building, with its original period features, felt like stepping back in time. Stained glass windows, intricate woodwork, and high ceilings hinted at the grandeur this property once had. The back of the building, more modern and practical, offered a different kind of opportunity: a perfect space for creating serviced accommodation with shared facilities. A car park to allow guests to keep their vehicles and a beautiful old cottage that needs full renovation work!
We could see the potential for something extraordinary—a 6-bedroom family home, a 3 bedroom cottage and a 28-bedroom serviced accommodation property with its own carpark, each with its own identity. The plan was ambitious:
Renovate the back of the property to create functional and welcoming rooms for our guests.
Retain and restore the beautiful front of the house as a family home.
Renovate the dilapidated cottage into a 3 bedroom house.
Eventually, separate the two spaces entirely, complete with a large private garden for the house.
It wasn’t going to be easy, but we were ready for the challenge.
Converting a care home into a serviced accommodation is no small task, and we knew this would be a long-term project. The first step was getting everything compliant for the short-term license. This meant addressing a mountain of regulations and ensuring the property was safe, functional, and up to standard for our guests.
We rented the property initially before making the bold decision to sell our family home and fully commit to Weston House. It was a leap of faith—but one grounded in the belief that this property could provide not just a business opportunity, but a lifestyle that allowed us to be fully present for our children while they’re young.
We’ve learned a lot along the way. Some lessons were practical—like realizing that single beds were not what our guests wanted. A few months in, we started replacing them with doubles, scratching our heads at what we were thinking when we bought singles in the first place.
Other lessons came from the inevitable challenges of owning an old building:
Fixing leaks in the roof (and then fixing more leaks in the roof).
Repairing old windows and addressing insulation issues.
Navigating the quirks of period features that don’t always cooperate with modern expectations.
Every task, big or small, has taught us something new. Sometimes we’ve attempted DIY fixes, only to call in a professional when things didn’t go quite as planned. Other times, we’ve had to juggle priorities, focusing on what could be done now while saving for larger projects down the line.
One of the biggest joys of this journey has been the opportunity to balance work and family life. Living on-site means we can be there for our children in ways we couldn’t with a more traditional setup. School runs, bedtime stories, and impromptu family dinners are all part of our day, even as we tackle the demands of running Weston House.
We’ve structured our plans around this balance. The more intensive renovations—like demolishing and separating parts of the building to create a garden for the house—will come later when our children are older and need us less. For now, we’re taking things one step at a time, enjoying the process and the freedom it affords us.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project has been connecting with others who are on similar journeys. Property development is a world of endless possibilities, and we love learning from others’ experiences.
How would someone else approach a project like this? What strategies or shortcuts might they use? We’re always open to suggestions and ideas, whether it’s about funding, renovations, or even just the best way to organize a communal kitchen.
Sharing stories and swapping advice has been a huge part of our growth, and we hope our journey can inspire others in turn.
Looking ahead, the vision for Weston House is as clear as ever:
Complete the Back and Cottage Renovations:
Continue upgrading the serviced accommodation with double beds, modern shower facilities, and improved shared spaces.
Focus on the Front of the House:
Restore the period features while creating a warm, functional family home.
Create a Private Garden:
Eventually, close the property for a few months to separate the spaces and establish a garden for the house.
Refine and Expand:
As time and finances allow, we’ll keep improving, learning, and growing.
Every project has its ups and downs, but this one feels particularly special. Weston House isn’t just a business or a property—it’s a home, a dream, and a way of life.
We’ve made mistakes along the way (ask us about how many attempts we've had at buying bedding!), but we’ve also had incredible successes. Seeing guests relax in the lounge, hearing their positive feedback, and knowing we’re creating something unique makes all the hard work worthwhile.
To anyone considering a similar journey, our advice is simple: Go for it. Be prepared for the unexpected, but don’t let it deter you. The rewards—both personal and professional—are more than worth it.
And if you ever find yourself in Keith, we’d love to welcome you to Weston House and show you first-hand what we’ve been working on.
Here’s to embracing the challenges, celebrating the wins, and enjoying the ride!
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