Farmhouse bed and breakfast

Couples, walkers, cyclists, families and visitors to local events or weddings who want somewhere with character.

A nightly rate per room including breakfast. Extras such as packed lunches, evening meals or a simple farm tour can add to each booking.

• Friendly, welcoming manner
• Cooking a good breakfast
• Keeping rooms spotless
• Handling bookings and reviews

• Register as a food business with your local council before serving breakfast, and check food hygiene requirements
• Fire risk assessment, smoke alarms and gas and electrical safety checks for paying guests
• Public liability insurance that covers guests on a working farm, and check your farm policy and any mortgage or tenancy terms
• Keep guests away from machinery, livestock and slurry, and think about children and dogs
• Check whether business rates apply and how income is taxed

Startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on how many rooms you prepare, furnishings, safety checks and insurance. This is an estimate, so check the condition of your spare rooms and get quotes before you begin.

Monthly revenue is typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on how many rooms you offer, your prices and how often you are booked. The estimate assumes at least about 10 hours a week for cleaning, cooking and bookings.

Check registering as a food business with your local council before serving breakfast, fire risk assessment and smoke alarms, and gas and electrical safety. Also check insurance for guests on a working farm, mortgage or tenancy terms, business rates, and keeping guests away from hazards.