Neither had ever run any kind of catering business before they were challenged to convert what was once one of the Queen's favourite farms into a bed and breakfast.

But when the couple first turned up to view Scalby Lodge Farm House on the Burniston Coastal Road, Scalby, they only got as far as the driveway before turning around again.

The stunning views of the sea and Scarborough were completely hidden behind a forest of 10ft high overgrown hedges and brambles and the grounds were a shambles.

It was a far cry from 1975 when star tenant Arthur Johnson had been one of the Duchy of Lancaster's most successful farmers. He was chosen to host a gathering that year for the Queen and Prince Philip to meet Duchy tenants for which a marquee was put up in the grounds.

But after Mr Johnson died his successor became disabled and the business went downhill rapidly before reverting to the Duchy – the Queen's estate – in 2005.

It seemed the estate's former jewel in the crown would be consigned to history until the Steads suggested running a B&B from their Duchy property in nearby Burniston.

The Duchy had a better idea – Scalby Lodge Farm House, which it had recently re-plastered and double glazed, but was still a shell.

Mr Stead, 35, said: "We drove up to the house, had a look – and drove off again because there seemed so much to do. But it ate away at us and finally we said yes."

It was has taken every penny they had over the past eight months to fulfil their dream.

The front porch was so rotten the windows were nearly falling out, the lawn was just mud and towering undergrowth, and much of the interior had been untouched since the 1960s.

As they nursed their scars each night from hacking away at the garden they were inspired by episodes of The Restaurant, but reckoned the competitors had it cushy.

Mrs Stead, 27, said: "The contestants walked into beautiful restaurants and just had to put their personal stamp on them.

"This really has been a rollercoaster ride of emotion. We have grafted so hard to get this place to a standard which people think is lovely. Now the Queen can come any time."

Neither had any experience of the hospitality industry apart from taking in overseas guests for local language schools.

Mr Stead's background is in IT recruitment and his wife wanted him home with their four children, Ethan, nine, Gabriel, six, Romeo, two, and 12-month-old Hermione.

But within three weeks of opening, the guest house has taken hundreds of pounds worth of bookings including a VIP reservation from Paul Clarke, chief executive of the Duchy of Lancaster.

Now the dream has expanded to a tearoom and holiday cottages using the Georgian buildings. Mr Stead added: "The place was soulless and empty – but it just needed love."