Dairy farm outbuilding in West kirby becomes Merseyside’s best self-catering cottage

Jun 23 2010 by Matt Hurst, Birkenhead News

DAIRY FARMERS Glynis and Tony Lavelle converted a dilapidated outbuilding to create Wirral’s only five star self-catering accommodation – and have now scooped a top tourism award.

Three Lanes End Farm in West Kirby has been in Tony’s family since 1945, but in 2002 the couple made use of government grants to diversify.

They opened Herons Well in 2008 and Glynis told Wirral News: “It was a derelict eyesore on a public highway.

“We were determined to do something with it.

“Since we opened it’s been a wonderful revenue source and we’ve both thoroughly enjoyed welcoming people.”

Superbly renovated in a modern, comfortable style, the cottage has attracted guests from all over the world even with prices approaching £1,000 for a week during peak season.

Glynis said: “Guests have travelled from Australia, New Zealand, America, Spain, Ireland, Indonesia and from every corner of the UK and, without exception, have been thoroughly amazed with what Wirral has to offer.”

Shortly after opening, Herons Well was given a five star rating by Enjoy England, the first to reach such standards in Wirral. This has since been upgraded to five star gold by Visit Britain.