Friday, 15 August 2008

Beating the crunch, and making the most of the rental opportunity

As recent research is clearly showing, owners of second homes or holiday properties are increasingly seeking to rent these out for extra income during the ‘credit crunch’. This has resulted in a huge rise in applications to join One Off Places – the new holiday letting company who provide holiday makers with direct access to the more individual and characterful properties on the market.

Olly Symonds, Director of One Off Places, says: “Since the launch of our website we have been overwhelmed by feedback from both property owners and users saying that it has been a breath of fresh air to find a site providing properties that supply that X factor of being unusual, without being gimmicky. This, combined with our recent decision to offer a discount to new approved registrations, has recently resulted in a 70% increase in applications to register from owners who are looking to maximise their property’s rental income during these challenging times.”

Originally formed in response to demand from holidaymakers seeking something different, travel company One Off Places is currently offering a discounted deal on all new listings. The standard advertising fee is normally £95 for one year – One Off Places is offering a pay for 8 months, get 4 months free deal which reduces this fee to £63.33 for any eligible property registered onto their site between now and the end of 2008. One Off Places is already offering a large selection of properties in over 30 countries worldwide, ranging from a merchant’s house in Morocco to mountain hideaways in the Haute-Pyrenees.

Wednesday, 13 August 2008

Late summer discounts from One Off Places

Looking for some final relaxation as the summer comes to an end? Have a look at the below properties to see what is still available – and all of them are at most only a short flight away!

Need to get away, to relax and to enjoy some peace and tranquillity? Les Bregeres is a rural farmhouse which sleeps 7 guests and enjoys warm late summer sunshine on the Limousin / Charente border in central France. Only £375 per week in September. See http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/France/Limousin/Les-Bregeres.aspx

El Tornero de Abajo is a stunning property set in a National Park in Andalucia, with breathtaking views to the far off peaks of the Bajajoz province. Accommodating up to 8 people, the property is modelled on an old Spanish ‘cortijo’, has a private swimming pool and over 10 hectares of private land to explore. Available from 20th September to 4th October at the discounted price of £700 for one week (reduced from £850) or £1200 for both weeks. http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Spain/Andalucia/El-Tornero-de-Abajo.aspx

Villa Portet is a beautifully designed property in southern Spain. It offers stunning sea and mountain views, a private pool and south facing terraces – plus it is located in an area considered by the World Health Organisation as 'one of the most environmentally perfect climates in the world'. Currently offering ten nights for £1000 – starting on August 27th. See http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Spain/Costa-Blanca---Valencia/Villa-Portet.aspx

Moving away from the sea, Le Chalet is the perfect romantic bolthole in the Haute Pyrenees. The house is at 1000m altitude and enjoys beautiful sunshine in summer and snow in winter. The village is close by, and there are many beautiful walks directly from the door. Leave all your worries behind you – particularly as there is a 25% discount throughout September! Prices from £230 per week. See
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/France/Languedoc-Rousillon/Le-Chalet.aspx

And for something really unusual, how about a week in the Scottish Isles during the Islay Book Festival? Take the opportunity to attend readings, enter discussions – you could even join creative writing classes. Coillabus Cottage is situated in a beautiful secluded spot at the heart of a working hill farm four miles from the village of Port Ellen, Isle of Islay and has availability for w/c 6th September for any bibliophiles out there at a price for two people of £450. See http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Scotland/Islands/Coillabus-Cottage.aspx

Friday, 8 August 2008

European late Summer availability and discounts

MONTENEGRO
30% off w/c 24th August in this traditional stone villa (sleeps 6) with stunning views over the Bay of Kotor - just 20 metres from the seafront. Although newly refurbished, its style is that of its Venetian Gothic Heritage. Perast is a beautiful and tranquil spot, perfectly suited to the discerning traveller. New price €840 for one week – down from €1200
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=396

SCOTLAND
20% discount available at Junction House (sleeps 6) in Kelso for weeks commencing 23rd and 30th August. Junction House is a stunning, newly-renovated, three bedroom house on the banks of the River Tweed in Kelso with magnificent 180° views over the river and race course to open countryside beyond. Outside, a fabulous tiered garden with different levels for dining, seating and barbecues leads to the river. New price £800 for either week – down from £1000
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=385

FRANCE
Almost 20% off in late August and early September at Lou Capitani (sleeps 8), a secluded 300 year-old Provençal holiday villa. It has its own pool, set in 2.5 acres on a hill in the midst of pines, olive trees and vineyards, with stupendous views south and west over unspoilt Bandol wine country and the Mediterranean. For weeks commencing 30th August and 5th September – €450 off - now €2050 per week.
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?id=365

FRANCE
Only £795 for w/c 23rd August at L’Hirondelle, a large single storey 2 bedroom gite in a tranquil location amidst vineyards in rural France. There is an indoor swimming pool, golf at the world renowned Chateau des Vigiers is within 3 minute drive. Perfect location for sightseeing in nearby Bergerac as well as vineyard visits, fishing and cycling.
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=305

Friday, 1 August 2008

Extend your Summer - take a trip before winter sets in.

Having enjoyed the best that UK can offer you through the summer months, you probably want to stave off the Autumn chill for a little longer? One Off Places specialises in unusual holiday rentals around the world and has a host of properties available to those who need a last blast of sunshine before the nights draw in.

For lots of sunshine and relaxation, the Finca Paloma in Tenerife has its own private pool and stunning views across to the Atlantic. Should you feel the need to explore, it is only a short drive from El Medano beach, while the island boasts stunning scenery. From £485 per week - http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=312

If seclusion and nature are more your style then Dar Hajra near Ronda in Andalucia will be ideal. Literally built around a rocky crag, with views out over the Grazalema National Park and a stunning infinity pool, this is a villa that will get your spirits soaring. From €1150 per week - http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=282

Greece’s climate makes it an ideal late Summer destination , and The Old Stone House’s location on the edge of a traditional Greek village is beautifully secluded. Its walled garden and swimming pool means that most days are spent outside; while inside the main living area one of the walls is almost entirely glass, giving amazing views of Kefalonia and Zante as well as the village below. From €1200 per week http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=238

A riad in Morocco offers peace and quiet, and the climate will certainly keep the winter at bay. Darsal, in Essaouira on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, provides sea views from its roof terrace and accommodation for up to 8 guests. It has been beautifully restored, and offers peace and tranquillity in the heart of the vibrant, exciting old Medina and just a few minutes walk from the beach. From £350 per week – http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=322

Wednesday, 30 July 2008

Press Release - Do you want memorable accommodation for your next Scottish Golf Trip?

For those golfers who feel inspired by watching the spectacular links golf played at the Open at Birkdale and are in search of a golfing holiday with a difference, One Off Places offers individual holiday accommodation located just down the road from some of the oldest and greatest golf courses in Scotland .

With more and more people wanting to explore when they travel, and as demand for self-catering trips continues to grow, we have found that the more characterful properties are often swamped by bland resort style holiday accommodation. One Off Places offers visitors the chance to book unique and memorable accommodation.

One Off Places has a large selection of properties, many of which are in Scotland and the Isles.
Regularly named as one of the top 20 best courses in the world, the Royal Dornach is just a few minutes from Milton Lodge, a 19th century shooting lodge which accommodates up to seven guests. With far reaching views to the south and west of the highlands, this is the perfect retreat. For more information, see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=374

If you want to experience Scotland in its true colours and experience one of the world’s finest settings for a game of golf, then head for the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides. Scarista is a nine hole course, but created in the way the golfing gods intended, with its layout formed only by the actions of the sea, sand and wind. For accommodation, Kyle’s house is set on a hillside, surrounded by wild flower meadows and heathland, and overlooks the Sound of Harris with spectacular views across the sea to the islands of North Uist and Skye. The house sleeps six, and provides an ideal base for exploring this stunning isle. For more information, see: http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=201

Glenturret Mill is a converted watermill with log fires and Victorian roll top baths where tradition and modernity meet, and is less than an hour from both Glasgow and Edinburgh airports. As far as golf courses go, visitors here are truly spoilt for choice. From the world renowned courses at Gleneagles, to the more reserved and classic charms of the nearby world famous Crieff Golf Club plus local 9 hole courses at Comrie and Mutthill there really is something for every visitor. For more information, go to: http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=212

Notes for the editor:
One Off Places specialises in individual and characterful holiday rentals worldwide and has a wide selection of properties catering for all different tastes, group sizes and location specifications. For further information about One Off Places, please visit www.oneoffplaces.co.uk or contact Olly Symonds on olly@oneoffplaces.co.uk or tel: 01494 881196. Images available on request.
Prices for the above are as follows: Milton Lodge starts at £800 per week; Kyle’s House from £600 per week and Glenturret Mill from £385 per week.

Monday, 14 July 2008

Greece – time for a little self-catering?

Holidays in Greece don’t always get good press these days. There’s often some story about an unfortunate soul booking his family vacation in the same hotel as the 100-strong stag party from Droitwich, or Mr and Mrs Jones’ luxury water-front hotel room actually facing onto the local sewage pipe outlet.

The problem is – you never quite know what you’re going to get in the large holiday resorts. You might have a breathtaking view from your hotel room, but food so bad that you won’t even give it to the bad-breathed stray dog sitting at your feet. More importantly - you’re missing out on one big thing. Greece.

Greece – from its lesser-explored interior to its multitude of islands – is one of the most beautiful places on earth. It didn’t earn its title as ‘the cradle of civilisation’ for nothing... From ancient amphitheatres to hilltop olive farms and whitewashed villages perched precariously on hillsides, Greece has everything to offer and more. And that’s just the location. What about the people – some of the friendliest you’re ever likely to meet and a culture that adores children? Or indeed the local food – mouth-watering olives, cheeses, meats, retisna – all home grown and beautifully prepared.

So how do you experience the real thing? If you want a real escape, with no strings attached, then try a self-catering holiday. There are plenty of tailor-made properties out there to give you what you really want from a holiday. Be it a secluded beach-front villa or a converted stone monastery – there will be something for you. And while you sit on your private patio, sipping your local retsina and watching the sun dip behind the horizon, you can reflect on the fact that you don’t always have to believe what you read in the papers…



To see what http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/ has to offer in Greece, go to our search page and type in Greece.

Friday, 4 July 2008

July & August late deals and special offers from One Off Places

FRANCE £400 discount at Les Bregeres, a farmhouse in Limousin (sleeps six). It has uninterrupted views across beautiful countryside and offers you the opportunity to hire a British Classic car while you’re there and is available from 12-26 July. £950 for one week. http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=190

SLOVENIA 20% discount at Vino Cottage, set in the beautiful Goricko National Park in North East Slovenia within its own vineyard. It has three bedrooms and is available from 12 July – 2 August & 16-23 August. £320 for one week. And five free bottles of wine from the cellar included! http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=228

SPAIN 12.5% discount at Casa Galesa, a one bedroom mountain hideaway at the head of a secluded valley in Andalucia. Available from 17-31 July. €350 for one week. http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=146

SPAIN 10% discount at Casa Maldonado, a two bedroom Moorish house in the heart of a medieval town in Cadiz province. Available from 21st July - €500 for one week.
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=280

SOUTH AFRICA 10% discount at Nectar Cottage, a four bedroom cottage in Nature’s Valley, 100 paces from the beach and set within a national park. Available from 13th July. From £315 for one week.
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=250

MOROCCO 20% discount at the four bedroom Riad Merstane in Marrakech for the last week of July and whole of August. Set in the medina itself, here you are in the heart of the city, yet able to escape to the privacy of your roof terrace after a busy day in the souks. £756 for one week.
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=287

MOROCCO 10% off a stay in the studio suite at Riad de la Mer in Essaouira. A restored 18th century Jewish merchants house with panoramic views of the sea and port, it is available from 9-16 July for £280.
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=197