A COUPLE who realised their dream when they set up a B&B in the Lake District have spent £40,000 on a major refurbishment.

Marnie Anderson-Ashworth and Maxwell Ashworth bought the eight-bedroomed Oakfold House in Bowness early last year and have since seen their TripAdvisor rating soar into the top ten of B&Bs in the town.

Four bedrooms have now been refurbished while the dining, lounge and staircase have been brought to life with some contemporary colours.

The carpet on the ground floor has been lifted and exposed the magnificent oak floor boards.

Marnie was raised in Battersea, London, and her background is centred on the hospitality industry.

The couple met while working at London Business School, where Marnie worked as the events team leader of the catering department for Sodexho and Maxwell was the special projects manager for the facilities team.

Following the death of Marnie’s mother, Boo, they decided to make the change and came to the Lakes on a scouting mission.

"We were originally interested in moving to Cornwall and Dorset and had been there many times, and never really considered the Lakes," explained Marnie.

"Our first trip to the Lakes was in January 2013. We stayed in a lovely B&B in Ambleside and we both agreed that if it ever came onto the market we would buy it. It did but we purchased Oakfold House in Bowness instead.

"Our experience in the Lakes was fantastic, the people here are really friendly, and going to the shops takes a lot of time as we talk more to people, something that didn’t really happen in London."

Maxwell added: "Whilst writing our business plan and undertaking more research, it became obvious that the season in the Lakes covered more of the year than it did in the south.

"There was also more to do. Our expectations were to explore more of the countryside and see the villages and walk the fells, but this has not come off, we are too busy."

The couple have also rebranded the B&B by introducing a more recognisable logo and have developed merchandise to use in marketing exercises.

"We love the career change and have adapted to moving away from our family and friends in London," added Marnie.