Making second home owners live in their properties all year round

Another wonderful idea from the big brains in Westminster.

Read Telegraph Article

The idea of policing this sounds like a great job for lots of new civil servants. It also totally ignores the fact that many of these second homes, those set up as holiday lets, bring in high paying tourists to spend money in the local shops.

For an alternative view read this Times article about the situation in Kingsand/Cawsand in South Cornwall.

Damien Hirst - can he make Ilfracombe cool?

Here's an article from the Times on Damien Hirst's property acquisitions in Ilfracombe.

View Article

Let's face it, Ilfracombe needs investment, alot of it. It's got great potential and Ilfracombe is a self catering holiday hotspot, but it's fairly low value holidays which reflects the towns history. Surrounded by fabulous countryside and great views it really needs a large injection of outside cash to bring it up to the level that its location deserves.

Guardian article on Newquay

Newquay bucks property slump.

Read article here

But will there be the money around to buy the properties? Things do seem to be slowing down in Newquay but reports from the developers are that there is still money out looking for a deal...

Lay my Hat dot com

Here is a useful website for anyone thinking of doing their own marketing - www.laymyhat.com.

They have a forum for discussing the ins and outs of marketing and letting your own property and you can even submit your website for review by the forum users!

Fitting out a holiday property

When fitting out a holiday property it's important to keep one thing top of mind - your target market.

If you are looking to appeal to an older market, perhaps out of season walkers and dog lovers, the sort of property you buy and the way you furnish it should reflect that. If you are looking for a younger, more style-conscious crowd clearly your goals should be different. That's not to say that you cannot combine a classic property with a modern, stylish finish and not be very successful.

For bedrooms I'd normally advise a mix of bed types. For a single bed property a double, but for properties with more bedrooms i'd go for doubles and twins - perhaps using zip and link beds (which can be made up as singles or a double) to maximise flexibility. Bedside cabinets should go either side of a double or, if you have twins, one in between.

Kitchens should have modern appliances and clean, modern units and worktops - unless you are going for a classic cottage feel. A dishwasher and washer dryer, plus fridge/freezer, are now high on people's priority lists. Make sure there are 2 sets of crockery, glasses and cutlery for the maximum number of guests - and buy spares to easily replace broken items.

Living areas should be comfortably furnished with new tables, chairs and sofas - don't use second hand. You need to provide lounge and dining seating for the maximum number of occupants. Also look to include a modern flatscreen TV, DVD player and freeview.

If you have a garden or balcony then ensure plants are easy to maintain. If space allows provide a good quality patio table and chairs.

For details on the full inventory requirements for meeting VisitBritain's star rating criteria read the handbook.

Luxurious Apartments In The Most Sought After Cornwall Location

St Moritz, Rock

Situated on the hauntingly beautiful north Cornwall coast this new contemporary luxury development of apartments and penthouses leads the way in design and specification.

This I'm sure will undoubtedly become one of the most talked about holiday destinations in Cornwall.

Every apartment has a stunning view stretching out across the Atlantic ocean and Camel Estuary.

Its outdoor areas have been well thought out to take full advantage of this view and provide a great spot to enjoy that morning coffee or evening G & T.

An added bonus to this development is that you will have full use of all the hotel facilities with things such as on call chefs to come in and dish up a gourmet meal in your apartment for those lazy nights in, use of the gym, swimming pool, sauna & steam room - plus an on site award winning spa - The Cow Shed.

The location of this development is magical in itself, with several great sandy beaches within a stone's throw which cater for families and the nearby Polzeath beach is a must for any surfer.

If having all this in one place is not enough then venture to the nearby historic harbour town of Padstow with its superb restuarants and of course its most famous resident, chef Rick Stein.

For the more active holiday maker there are local bike trails and coastline walks for taking full advantage of the dramatic north Cornish coastline.

For more information on this development check out the website at http://www.stmoritzhotel.co.uk/selfcateringholidays.htm