There’s no getting away from it, most of us are living longer. A modestly short retirement following a long working life is rapidly becoming a declining norm and some serious decision making needs to be made alongside that application for a bus pass and rail card. “How do I face up to the prospect of a life at least as long as my working career” is a question we all need to ask.

The answer may not be as daunting as first appears. We are all generally healthier at our current retirement age than our parents were, and are in far better shape to take on the challenges of a new horizon, a lifestyle change, a new career, or however you choose to approach this twenty-first century reality. So, what to do?

Many of us are applying our mid-life redundancy or later retirement packages as a springboard for a new type of living….a second life no less. And there are pressing and practical reasons propping up that dream. Pension pots in both the public and private sector are turning out to be much more like patio containers than the crocks of gold they were perceived to be even only a decade ago. Annuity rates stumble and tumble precisely because three score years and ten is now so Old Testament.

“Get a life” is no longer merely an exhortation to those wallowing in employment or social doldrums, but now as much a rallying cry to the younger, middle-aged section of the population to take control of their lives and make a new future for themselves. Susie and John Stakes of Honister House have joined their growing ranks.

Five years ago, and armed only with the experience of parenthood, a convivial spirit and a love of the Lake District Susie and John crossed the Pennines and plunged into the world of professional hospitality….to become….guest house proprietors in arguably the most beautiful corner of England. “Our respective careers had peaked and we felt the need to take on a new venture” said Susie. “John was turning sixty and I was in my early fifties.We came across an article in a Sunday supplement about lifestyle changes and relocation and the rest is history. We loved Keswick having spent many week-ends walking in Borrowdale. We found ourselves in Keswick when Judy Dench laid the first stone for the new Theatre By The Lake over 11 years ago and always gravitated towards Keswick whenever we headed for Cumbria particularly after having honeymooned here twenty two years ago.”

So they decided to make their own and other beds for people to sleep in shortly after spotting Honister House, an 18thC property at the edge of the pedestrian precinct and complete with on-site shop and converted stable in the older and quieter part of this bustling market town.. “We were attracted to its versatility both as a home and business venture and its distinguishing quirky wedge shape” said Susie. “The B&B part was just the right size for us and the two other income streams from the shop and Stable gave us both additional security and time to balance work and private life. The house is also on four floors and the views, particularly from our living quarters, are wonderful.”

How steep was their learning curve? “Quite steep to begin with” commented husband John “and the first hurdle is coming to terms with strangers paying to stay in your home! But our approach was simple. If we were staying in a guest house we asked ourselves what sort of experience would we prefer and tried to recreate it adding lots of personal touches but not to the extent of cluttering up the place with memorabilia meaningless to guests”. Susie also felt it was important to make the best use of the stunning Lakeland scenery. “John has worked on repairing many of the fell paths and is a keen walker so he is able to suggest routes to suit all preferences and abilities. We also decided to bring the great outdoors indoors by displaying a selection of our favourite paintings and photographs by local artists.”

Their hard work has now paid off helped by a website make-over on www.honisterhouse.co.uk. Although nearly all local businesses have been affected by the continuing recession business is buoyant and John and Susie remain optimistic. “Most of our business comes now from loyal returning guests and recommendations which has also helped us to generate an excellent Trip Advisor rating so we must be working along the right lines. We have the time to get to know our guests but try not to be intrusive….and we find guests really do enjoy each other’s company at breakfast around the imposing dining room table!”

So why are they now selling? Still smitten with the hospitality bug Susie revealed some of their plans. “We are looking to include self catering as part of our activities which means a shift in direction. We’ve really enjoyed living and working in Honister House and whoever decides to buy it should be able to reap the benefits. We’re very environmentally conscious and have recently installed a new eco-friendly boiler which should help us to retain our gold award earlier this year for best environmental practice.”

Honister House is currently marketed by www.edwin-thompson.co.uk at their Keswick office.

Editor, Third Age.