Couple to revive guesthouse which had been empty for two years

Olivers Guesthouse, in Scawby, near Scunthorpe, is being given a new lease of life.

After lying empty for two years during the pandemic, the property was purchased in March 2022 and is being renovated by husband-and-wife duo Gary and Sue Fawcett.

The guesthouse formerly operated as a B&B for 30 years, and prior to that served the community as the post office and general store.

It retains many original features from its 17th-century history as a coaching inn, which its now owners seek to maintain.

Sue, who has previous experience in banking and the food manufacturing industry as an office manager, will manage the B&B with the support of her husband who works as a kitchen and bathroom designer.

She applied for a kickstart grant from UKSE – an investment company which provides finance of up to £1.5m to growing companies, as well as offering support to start-ups – which granted the couple the financial boost needed to speed up renovations.

Sue said: “When we visited the property we fell in love with it immediately, we knew there was a lot of work required, and that we would not be able to re-open for at least a year, but seeing the final result has made it nonetheless worth it

“We are incredibly grateful for the grant from UKSE which has gone directly into the refurbishment of the property.

“Over the next year we hope to be able to generate sufficient income from the business to allow my husband to retire, and eventually recruit to support the operation of the B&B.”

Steve Lyon, area manager at UKSE, said: “We are thrilled to see the hard work and dedication put into the renovation of Olivers Guesthouse, whilst still retaining its proud history.

“Congratulations to Susan and Gary on their new venture, and we wish them all the best for the future.”