Blending tranquillity and sustainability for future success
Gardenside Lodge, a peaceful retreat in the heart of County Durham, is on a mission to grow its business while reducing its carbon footprint.
With plans for increased bookings, energy efficiency upgrades, and marketing improvements, they are ready to take their charming hideaway to the next level with Durham Business Growth.
Gardenside Lodge, nestled in Low Etherley, has become a beloved countryside retreat despite its rocky start. Forced to close immediately after launching in March 2020 due to the pandemic, owners Kenny and Glad have shown resilience in growing their business. They’ve since hosted visitors from across the UK and beyond, offering a peaceful sanctuary surrounded by lush gardens and wildlife.
Now, they’ve taken their next steps toward sustainable growth with support from Durham Business Growth.
Although they face rising energy and insurance costs, Gardenside Lodge remains a desirable destination for those looking to escape and unwind. However, inflation and the cost-of-living crisis have impacted bookings, which Kenny and Glad are eager to reverse. With 70% of guests coming from outside the region and a growing interest in local getaways, they see a real opportunity to expand their reach. Their goal is to increase bookings by 25% within the next 18 months, tapping into the lodge's unique appeal as a relaxing and private countryside hideaway.
Key to this ambition is improving Gardenside Lodge’s marketing efforts, something the couple currently lacks experience in. They’ve relied on booking platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and more recently, the “This is Durham” website to attract guests.
They realised that having their own website with an integrated booking calendar would give them better control and visibility. Professional guidance in marketing would also help showcase the lodge’s charm, its idyllic setting, and its appeal to families, couples, and nature enthusiasts.
Decarbonisation is also on the agenda, with a complete energy audit through the BEEP (Business Energy Efficiency Project) programme before engaging with Durham Business Growth revealing opportunities to cut emissions.
Insulating the conservatory roof was one immediate project on their list. Having secured funding with Durham Business Growth, the ‘warm roof’ was fitted in October 2024. This upgrade would ensure a more comfortable stay, no matter the season, and Glad is hopeful it will make a substantial difference going forward and will appeal to more visitors looking to book in the cooler months.
Their commitment to reducing the Lodge’s carbon footprint doesn’t end here and the couple have already taken steps like installing LED lighting, insulating walls, and using only electricity for power. They also plan to add Wi-Fi enabled control to the lodge’s heating, so they have more oversight and control of heating costs moving forward.
For Gardenside Lodge, sustainability and guest satisfaction go hand in hand. By enhancing both their marketing and environmental impact, Kenny and Glad are building a business that not only offers a peaceful escape but also aligns with the growing demand for eco-conscious tourism.
With the right support from local programmes, Gardenside Lodge were able to achieve their goals and are well on the way to future success and improvements. With a clear plan for the future, they’re well-positioned to grow their business while staying true to their values.
Speaking about her experience, Glad said: "The Durham Business Growth Programme and the Action Plan provided for me have been a huge help in pointing me toward the many master classes that I have attended.
“I've finally built my own website, which is a massive step for me, so I no longer have to rely solely on using OTA's. I've also learned how to set up a customer database and use email marketing, which was all new to me.
“As well as that, I am now using a channel manager that updates everything across my website and OTA’s, and even learned how to use Canva, recently designing my own Logo and business cards. It is early days, and I am still learning lots of new skills.
“I couldn't have done it without the support from the Durham Business Growth team, Avenue 6, and especially Andrew Marchbank from This Is Durham and Chris Perry from The Durham Business Growth - they've been fantastic.
“Their help, support and encouragement have really boosted my confidence, I'm no longer scared to try new things, I am looking forward to tackling social media next, something that I was previously terrified of.
“I cannot fully express my gratitude, but I want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. Your expertise and guidance have been truly invaluable."