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.

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

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

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