From TV screens to workshops!
You may have browsed our website and thought a couple of the faces looked familiar - especially if you are fans of Channel 4's Four-In-A-Bed TV show.
Rick and Sarah Blaney - two of our four co-founders here at Property Wealth System - made their Channel 4 debut on the popular series Four in a Bed in 2021 representing their Southport-based boutique guest house, The Stamford. There have been many re-runs of the show since!
And while the show served up its usual mix of cheeky commentary, tactical scoring, and breakfast-based drama, what it didn’t show was the level of expertise, strategic thinking, and years of experience that went into building their business behind the scenes.
The Stamford is more than just a beautiful place to stay. It’s a masterclass in how to run serviced accommodation with precision, profitability, and polish. And we’re here to break down how they did it, no TV cameras necessary!
The Stamford’s Rise
Rick and Sarah took over The Stamford with a clear vision: to transform a tired seaside B&B into a stylish, systemised, high-performing guest house.
And they did just that. The property now boasts 10 thoughtfully designed ensuite rooms, contactless check-in and a premium guest experience that’s led to 5-star reviews and full bookings (that was even before the Channel 4 spotlight shone on them!)
The property power duo poured heart, soul, and strategy into turning The Stamford into a thriving business. And since their TV appearance, the bookings haven’t stopped. Locals and visitors alike have shown their support in droves; a testament to the quality of the experience they’ve created.
But here’s the bit the cameras didn’t quite capture…
The strategy that made it work
The truth is, what you saw on TV was only the tip of the iceberg.
What really makes The Stamford a success isn’t just great interiors or comfy beds (although they help). It’s the underlying investment strategy that powers the entire operation — the kind of strategy Rick and Sarah (alongside fellow mentors Caroline and Nick Claydon) teach at Property Wealth System events.
Here are a few key moves that made their model work:
1. Picking the right asset in the right location
Southport has a growing tourist scene and high demand for quality accommodation. That’s no coincidence and location analysis is a core part of what we teach.
2. Renovating with a business mindset
It’s easy to overspend when emotions get involved. Rick and Sarah knew where to invest for maximum return; durable interiors, seamless check-in and a consistent brand experience.
3. Creating systems that save time and stress
One of the standout features of this particular property? It runs like a well-oiled machine. Contactless check-in, digital bookings, automated communications which means more freedom and better margins.
4. Maximising cashflow with a serviced accommodation model
By targeting short-stay guests, they’ve unlocked far higher nightly rates than traditional buy-to-lets, all while keeping occupancy high.
And most importantly…
5. Thinking like investors, not just landlords or hosts
That mindset shift is everything — and it’s what sets PWS mentors apart from many in the industry.
What happened when the cameras switched off?
While the TV experience was fun (and a bit surreal), it also brought new awareness to the power of running a well-branded, well-executed property business.
And for anyone reading this, thinking “I’d love to do something like that” - we’ve got good news...
At Property Wealth System, we’re not in the business of overnight success stories or made-for-TV drama. We’re in the business of teaching real people how to build real income through property.
Serviced accommodation is just one of the many property strategies we cover and Rick and Sarah are living proof of what’s possible when you combine knowledge, action and consistency.
You’ll find Rick, Sarah, Nick and Caroline at our in-person or online two day intensive courses and live webinars, where they share the exact strategies they’ve used to build their portfolios.
