A String of Lincoln guest house owners have brushed aside the challenges of the property market and put their enterprises up for sale.And they hope the city's rising prominence will ensure they are quickly snapped up.

Interestingly, the properties are also being marketed with a Lincoln estate agent - rather than a national leisure industry specialist.

Today the owners of the Carline Road Guest House, Westlyn Guest House and Ivory Guest House spoke about why they are trying the market with the help of local agent Mundys.

Carline Road Guest House owners Barrie and Jackie Woods have spent an enjoyable seven-and-a-half years at their nine-bedroomed venue and met some great people. Now they are ready for a break.

"We originally had a guest house in Birmingham but we moved here for a better life. The business has been more successful than we expected and we have now paid for it," said Mr Woods.

"We have a daughter, Georgia, (nine) and we have been able to take her to school and be here for when she comes home, while running the business. Now we want more family time.

"The only downside of this business is that you are a bit tied.

"We got six valuations and ended up with a price tag of £645,000."

Mr and Mrs Woods, who could also sell their flat nearby, want to stay in the area.

Rita and Terry Shelton took on the Westlyn Guest House in Carholme Road 10 years ago.

They are looking for a buyer for the six-bedroomed property because Rita has a chronic illness and suffered a heart attack last year.

The couple moved to Lincoln from the London area after a countrywide search for the right property.

"We have done very well. It's not the best time to try and sell but this is a good business," said Mrs Shelton.

"I think that Lincoln has changed dramatically since we arrived, which could make our business a more attractive proposition."

The Sheltons, who also want to stay local, are asking £495,00 for their business.

The owners of the Ivory Guest House in West Parade are selling their property due to a change in their circumstances. It has a price tag of £295,000 and has already attracted viewings.

Mundys partner Steve Spivey said the agency is tending to market more and more businesses which would previously have been marketed nationally.

Source: Lincolnshire Echo

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