Cumbrian couple watched their business blossom.
A couple from Windermere have received two award nominations for recognition from Cumbria Tourism.
Starting with just one bell tent in a farmer’s field, a local couple have seen their idea blossom into a holiday let business and have now been shortlisted for two major tourism awards.
Niall Mellonie and Marta Pawlik met at Queen Katherine 6th form in Kendal, before moving away for university and work, but they always dreamed of returning.
After redecortaing and managing a holiday flat in Bowness, they went on to create their own holiday let with a high level of quality, local focus, and customer care, while retaining a personal touch.
Niall and Marta’s dream start-up, called "Laik", is now a finalist in the New Tourism Business section of the highly-regarded Cumbria Tourism Awards 2023, with one of their properties, Loughrigg Cottage at Ambleside, shortlisted for self-catering accommodation of the year.
“We’ve a huge love for our local area” explains Niall, “Which we want to encourage people to visit, discover and appreciate just as we do. From the start we knew this must mean not pricing locals out, or replacing communities with empty holiday lets.
“By renovating to a high standard and managing the lettings when owners are not in residence, we focus on encouraging people to visit the Lake District year-round, avoiding a low-season slump, and helping support numerous fantastic Lake District shops, attractions and hospitality venues suffering the after-effects of the pandemic and the cost of living crisis.”
The award recognises their focus, as the propertys are fitted out to the highest standard and include exras, such as an; individually tailored digital guidebook for local walks, maps, activities, restaurants and bars.
Quality toiletries are sourced from local firm Pure Lakes, and local cleaners keep everything ship-shape, while the couple are on hand for guest queries and assistance.
The final judging stages and black-tie awards ceremony will take place on July 5.
“It is incredibly exciting and still pretty unbelievable,” said Marta. “Especially as it all came out of simply wanting to share the best of Cumbria. Simply put, we live in a 5* location, so 5* service, care and consideration is what we always want to show to our visitors and local communities.”
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