Property Investor based in Bedfordshire, UK.

I help people get more from property, whether you're looking to invest or just want to learn more about the serviced accommodation space. Based in Bedfordshire, I focus on finding, securing, and growing high-performing SA properties in some of the UK's most in-demand locations. I’m all about the long-term vision, quality over quantity, and creating standout spaces that I would want to stay in myself.

Illustration of a smiling young man with short dark hair, wearing a black shirt, with a countryside background and the text "Ethan Clayton, Serviced Accommodation & Property Development."
A living room with a green sofa, colorful cushions, a large wall mural of tropical birds and foliage, a dining table set for dinner, and a chandelier of white flowers.

What do I do?

I’m the co-owner of ZEN Stays, a growing serviced accommodation business operating across the UK in high-value areas like London, Cambridge, Oxford, Cotswolds, Bath and Bristol.

We’re now a seven-figure business with a core focus on quality over quantity. Our whole vibe is relaxing spaces, beautiful designs and buddha’s. My role is acquisitions: sourcing, negotiating strong terms, and securing profitable properties that perform from day one.

Logo with a decorative teal mandala design and the text 'ZENT STAYS' in white, and 'Serviced Accommodation' underneath.

Check out some of ZEN Stays work

  • Comparison of a small old bathroom before renovation with yellow walls, containing a bathtub, toilet, sink, and wall cabinet, and after renovation with a modern, minimalistic bathroom featuring white marble tiles, a glass partitioned shower, a black vanity with a mirror, and a window.
  • Side-by-side comparison of a bedroom before and after renovation. The 'before' shows a plain, empty room with white walls, a small white wardrobe, and a window with blinds. The 'after' features a decorated bedroom with a mural of trees and wildlife, a blue upholstered headboard, bedding with throw pillows, a rattan chair, and wooden wall paneling.
  • Compare of a room before and after renovation: the 'before' side shows an empty room with beige carpet, white walls, and a door leading outside; the 'after' side features a decorated bedroom with a bed, patterned wallpaper, green curtains, and decorative lighting.
  • Comparison of an outdoor space before and after renovation: the 'before' shows a small, plain brick patio with artificial grass and a cloudy sky; the 'after' features a wooden deck, a hot tub, a small tree in a pot, wooden fence with string lights, and a dark sky.
  • Comparison of a room before and after renovation: the 'before' side shows an empty room with beige walls and carpet, while the 'after' side features a modern bedroom with a large glass sliding door, wooden accent wall, blue upholstered headboard, bedding, and decorative pillows.
  • Side-by-side comparison of a bedroom before and after renovation: the before image shows an empty room with plain white walls, a ceiling light, and a brown carpet; the after image displays a decorated bedroom with patterned wallpaper, wooden paneling, a large bed with pillows and throws, a dresser with a mirror, a plant, and modern lighting.
  • Side-by-side comparison of a room before and after makeover. The 'before' shows a plain, undecorated room with white walls, a radiator, and a staircase in the adjoining room. The 'after' features a decorated recreational area with a dartboard, a pool table, hanging lamps, a green accent wall with art, a yellow couch with a fluffy throw, and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
  • Side-by-side comparison of a messy living room before and a tidy bedroom after renovation. The 'before' side shows cluttered living space with sofa, TV, and bags, while the 'after' side features a clean, beautifully decorated bedroom with a bed, window, and wooden accent wall.
  • Comparison of a bedroom before and after renovation. The 'before' shows a cluttered room with a sloped ceiling, a window, and a bed with a white cover. The 'after' shows a cleaner, decorated space with a new paint color, window blinds, and a styled bed with a blanket, pillows, and wall decor.
  • Comparison of an empty room before and after renovation, showing the transformation into a decorated living space with furniture, artwork, and decor.
  • Bathroom before and after renovation; the before side features white tile with black accent strip and white bathtub, the after side has green painted wall, patterned floor tiles, and updated fixtures.
  • Comparison of a room before and after renovation, showing empty white kitchen space and decorated living room with TV and cozy throws.
  • Comparison of a kitchen before and after renovation: the 'before' side shows a cozy kitchen with patterned flooring, a small dining area with a round table and wooden chairs, and a green cabinet. The 'after' side features a modern kitchen with sleek, dark cabinetry, a wooden countertop, white subway tile backsplash, and minimalist decor.
  • Comparison of a bathroom before and after renovation, showing an upgrade in fixtures, wall colors, and floor tiles.
  • Comparison of a bedroom before and after redecorating. The 'before' shows a plain room with white furniture, dark curtains, and minimal decoration. The 'after' displays a vibrant, decorated bedroom with a mural of tropical plants, a bed with colorful pillows and a throw, hanging wicker lights, and bright, styled decor.
  • Side-by-side comparison of a bathroom before and after renovation. The 'before' features a gray lower wall panel, small brown tiles, and a wooden countertop. The 'after' shows a bright white lower wall panel, larger white tiles, green upper walls, a large mirror, and a white bathtub.
  • Comparison of a bedroom before and after renovation, showing redecorated space with green curtains, artwork, and modern decor after renovation.
  • Side-by-side images showing a bedroom before and after renovation; the 'before' image features a plain room with a small bed, radiator, window with blinds, and maroon curtains. The 'after' image displays a decorated room with a tropical mural wall, large bed with patterned bedding, decorative pillows, and hanging plants, creating a cozy and vibrant atmosphere.
  • Comparison of a hallway before and after renovation, showing a wall painted green with wall art on the right and a corridor with no wall art on the left.
  • Side-by-side images showing kitchen renovation: before with cluttered, older kitchen and after with modern, sleek gray cabinetry and white subway tile backsplash.

What I Can Do for You

Real and transparent insights

Follow along on social media and via the blog to learn from my mistakes and triumphs and apply the learnings to your own business and journey.

You’ll always get full transparency from me because there’s more than enough money and deals to go around, and I’m genuinely here to help.

I can help grow your funds

If you’ve got funds sitting in the bank, their purchasing power is slowly being eroded by inflation. Putting your money to work through secure (first charge) investment opportunities is a smart way to beat inflation and grow your net worth.

Come along to a site tour

Keep your eyes peeled on social media. I’ll post whenever there’s a new site tour opportunity. It’s a great way to see one of the projects live and in the flesh.

We can talk through the challenges, the process, the numbers, the lessons, and the outcome. Nothing get’s held back with no hidden agenda.

Two men shaking hands in front of a backdrop with the logos and text 'Developing Homes.' One man is holding a framed certificate of completion. The setting appears to be a ceremonial or award event.

Where am I currently focusing?

I am actively looking for tired, run-down, detached properties in need of modernisation, as well as existing Class C1 properties like guesthouses and aparthotels.

Areas of interest include the Cotswolds, Cambridge, Oxford, Bath, and Bristol.

In London, we’re only targeting C1 properties that are run-down and underperforming. If you have a property that fits this criteria, please feel free to get in touch at ethan@zenstays.uk