Green Croft On The Wall, a bed and breakfast set on Hadrian's Wall at Brampton, Northumberland, is expanding after securing a strategic investment from the NPIF II – NEL Smaller Loans, managed by NEL Fund Managers as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).
Investment fuels boutique accommodation and creative hub
Director Amanda Drago plans to use the undisclosed funding to improve the farmhouse accommodation, creating high-quality ensuite guest rooms designed for walkers, short-break visitors, and those seeking a peaceful retreat. The investment will also support the wider visitor experience connected to The Threshing Barn, a creative and well-being hub offering yoga, sound baths, workshops, exhibitions and cultural events.
The combined hub and B&B will create a rural destination that brings together accommodation, culture and wellbeing in a picture-perfect setting. The historic farmhouse and surrounding barns have been crafted using reclaimed stone from Hadrian's Wall itself, offering scenic views and dark skies for stargazers.
Vision for sustainable rural tourism
Ms Drago's vision is to create a welcoming place where visitors can rest, reconnect with nature and experience the landscape and heritage of Hadrian's Wall, while promoting sustainable rural tourism and delivering lasting benefits to local communities across Northumberland and Cumbria. The investment also backs ambitions set out in the Northumberland Economic Strategy 2035, which recognises tourism and the visitor economy as a core part of the Foundational Economy.
Ms Drago said: “NEL have been incredibly supportive throughout the process. Susan took the time to really understand our business and helped translate the requirements and risks from the lender’s perspective into something we could clearly understand and work through confidently. The investment gives us the opportunity to grow sustainably and develop Green Croft On The Wall into a high-quality boutique accommodation offer that complements the creative and wellbeing experiences we provide at The Threshing Barn.”
Support from fund managers
Susan Snowdon, investment executive at NEL Fund Managers, who led on this investment, added: “Having a strong familiarity with the area, it was a real pleasure to visit the site and see the progress made on the barn conversion to date, as well as gain a deeper understanding of the plans for the B&B offering. It’s a truly beautiful part of the region, and we’re incredibly fortunate to have such natural assets on our doorstep. The accommodation is ideally positioned to attract walkers and visitors alike, and I’m confident it will see strong demand and return bookings. It’s a fantastic location, and it has been a pleasure to support the future potential of this offering.”
Sarah Newbould, senior investment manager at the British Business Bank said: “Green Croft On The Wall shows how targeted investment can help rural tourism businesses enhance their offer and unlock sustainable regional growth. Through the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II, we are committed to supporting ambitious businesses across the North of England to develop and scale, creating long-term economic resilience and opportunities in harder to reach communities such as Northumberland.”
