Wednesday 12 August 2009

Sauna in a chapel, anyone? One Off Places launches its 500th property

One Off Places, the holiday rentals website launched 18 months ago by husband and wife team Olly and Tabitha Symonds, has just listed its 500th property. The property is a restored Cumbrian chapel where, for less than £200 per person per week, you can enjoy an indoor hot tub, an infra-red sauna and a Scandinavian bbq with reindeer skin seating!

Built in 1892 this former Methodist Chapel has been converted into a luxurious self-catering 'spa' retreat. Every luxury and modern convenience has been considered whilst still retaining many features of the chapel including the antique organ. Luxuriously furnished, it is equipped with 5 bedrooms (3 kings and 2 twins) all with 19' flat screen TVs; 5 wet room shower rooms (3 en-suites); spa bath; wooden barrel indoor hot tub; infra-red sauna; and Scandinavian indoor BBQ with seating for 12 covered with reindeer skins. The Great Room has a handmade table with pews to seat 14 and an informal sitting area with log burning stove. A further galleried sitting room upstairs seats 12 on comfortable leather sofas and has a 42' LCD TV with Sky HD, DVD and iPod docking station. It has underfloor heating throughout ran by an air source heat pump and a ventilation and heat recovery system.

Kaber Chapel costs from £1600 - £2200 per week (for the whole property); short breaks are available from £960 (for four nights midweek). You can see the property here:
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/England/Cumbria/Kaber-Chapel.aspx

If this isn’t your thing, then try one of the other 499 One Off Places. Not one of them is alike – each stands out from the crowd, whether by its interior, exterior or location. Spread across five continents and 37 countries, there’s something to suit every taste and budget. A merchants house in Morocco, a colonial villa in Sri Lanka, a glasshouse in New Zealand, a shepherds cottage in Spain, a windmill in the Azores, a castle in Austria. You name it - One Off Places can probably provide it!

As director, Olly Symonds, says: “Each property is assessed on its own merits and its individual qualities. We don’t insist on specific criteria as the nature of a One off Place is that it is non conformist – but we are clear that when we see one, we know it!”

Olly and Tabitha’s many years of commercial experience, allied to a real and genuine enthusiasm for distinctive holidays, brings notable impetus and drive to One Off Places. They have overseen impressive growth in the last 18 months – as travel horizons expand, so do holidaymaker’s expectations. One Off Places is ideally placed to meet the needs of the more discerning holidaymaker – those for whom the standard accommodation will never quite hit the spot. And as long as they maintain their impetus and sharp eye for unusual detail, One Off Places will continue to fulfil these needs for years to come!

Notes for editors:
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. Its website offers users the chance to enquire about their chosen property directly with the owner. For further information about One Off Places, please visit www.oneoffplaces.co.uk or contact Olly Symonds on Olly@oneoffplaces.co.uk , mobile 07725 199244 or tel: 01494 881196. Further images available on request. Press trips may be available for selected properties.

Friday 7 August 2009

Vive La France in August and September with One Off Places

Being the UK’s closest neighbour across the Channel has meant that France has always been a popular and easily accessible holiday destination, and on the simplest level there are few things as evocative as gathering together a baguette, some local cheese and glass or two of wine to make a lovely, lazy picnic lunch. Add to this the history, the cuisine, the markets, the culture and the huge range of scenery and natural attractions and you start to wonder – is this the perfect European holiday destination?

All of the following three properties still have availability for that late Summer / early Autumn period – the time of year when the sun still shines and the holiday season is still in full swing but perhaps without the frenetic edge of the real high season. The perfect time of year for a wonderfully memorable holiday in a One Off Place...

Lou Capitani
Sleeps 8 in 4 bedrooms. Rustic farmhouse surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and peace...
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/France/Provence-Cote-dAzur/Lou-Capitani.aspx
A perfect holiday villa with its own pool, Lou Capitani is a secluded 300 year-old Provençal 'mas' 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. Lou Capitani is located in one of the most secluded and rural parts of Provence, and for wine buffs the wine produced in the area is highly prized which helps to preserve the natural but cared-for countryside and avoid the large-scale development of villas and secondary residences. The area also provides wonderful opportunities for hill, coastal and cross-country walks, as well as world-renowned beaches and creeks.
This villa is a wonderful base for exploring one of France’s most charismatic regions, and it is currently available for a rate of only €1700pw (£1400*) for bookings of 2 weeks or more from late August through to October (down from €2350 / £1990*). Further reductions may also be available for smaller groups.
Should you be prepared to travel from a regional airport then flights can be amazing value as well – Ryanair are currently offering early September returns to Toulon airport (40 mins away) from Bristol for as little as £20 return per adult including tax*.

Le Presbytere
Sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms. 19th century luxury with 21st century facilities...
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/France/Poitou-Charentes/Le-Presbytere.aspx
Maison Brives sleeps up to 6 people in three luxurious double bedrooms and makes the perfect, 'tout confort' French holiday retreat. The antique furniture, rugs on the floor, curving elm staircase, traditional, stone carved chimney - all these conspire to offer the visitor a warm and inviting French country house experience. Maison Brives was the village presbytery built in 1830 during the reign of Napoleon the 2nd. An elegant stone built 1830 house with large stone terrace and extensive rural views in cognac vineyards, salt swimming pool 8x5m; large enclosed garden with old lime trees; roses and extensive parking. The house is elegantly furnished with antiques, very high-tech but country kitchen, 3 large double bedrooms (all en suite) and a winding elm staircase over 2 floors. Situated on the corner of a village, it lies between Cognac (12 minutes) and the picturesque town of Saintes (16 minutes away).
Spend 2 weeks here from 22nd August for only £1200 per week (down from £1600), plus the owners will leave everything for your first breakfast as well as a bottle of champagne in the fridge for the perfect start to your wonderful holiday...
Fly to La Rochelle (1 hour away) from London Stansted for only £140 return with Ryanair*.

Le Chalet
Sleeps 5 in 2 bedrooms. Mountain walks, clear air and stunning views round every corner.
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/France/Languedoc-Rousillon/Le-Chalet.aspx
The perfect "getaway" retreat, set in spectacular countryside in the South of France on the outskirts of a small village. Set in the Hautes Pyrenees the house is at 1000m altitude, enjoying beautiful sunshine in summer and snow in winter. The village is close by, and there are many beautiful walks and off-road cycling directly from the door. A number of ski resorts less than 1 hour’s drive away and cross-country skiing from the village. Close by are the Cathar castles and vineyards that the region is famous for. For those wishing more action, white water rafting on the Aude river is only 10km away.
There is still availability for weeks beginning the 22nd, 29th August and 5th Sept at the amazing rate of only €350pw (£295*), or €600 (£505*) for a fortnight – unbelievable value for such an idyllic location.
Fly to Perpignan (1 hour away) from London Stansted for only £140 return with Ryanair*.

Notes for editors:
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. Its website offers users the chance to enquire about their chosen property directly with the owner. For further information about One Off Places, please visit www.oneoffplaces.co.uk or contact Olly Symonds on Olly@oneoffplaces.co.uk , mobile 07725 199244 or tel: 01494 881196. Further images available on request.
*All flight prices are estimates, researched from carriers or sites such as Expedia.com and Skyscanner.net, and should be used for guidance only. Prices may have been converted from local currency – in this case at a market rate on 6th August 2009 – and again are a guide only. See property listing for more details.

Late Summer Availability from One Off Places

The following properties (two larger, one more intimate) still have availability during August and early September. As with every One Off Place, each of the following destinations is different and memorable in its own way – giving guests a superb holiday break in a location they will never forget!

Gatsby House, Donegal – Sumptuous Irish Hospitality in a Stunning Location. Sleeps 10 in 5 luxury double bedrooms.
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Ireland/Donegal/Gatsby-House.aspx
Gather your friends, gather your family and enjoy this brand new Irish classic. Gatsby House is a fabulous place to come and relax for a few days or even longer if you find you can’t drag yourself away. With a chef available and the heritage town of Ardara within walking distance, here you will be in heaven. This is a fabulously restored Victorian property of 5 gorgeous bedrooms with deep pocket sprung mattresses, drenching showers, towels and fluffy robes. There is a chef available to hire, and the property sleeps up to 12 if the adjoining thatched Secret Cottage is booked in addition. It has only recently been finished hence the availability, and Gatsby House costs €1600/£1380 for three nights or €2500/£2150 for 7 nights. Currently available between 14th and 20th of August as well as the August Bank Holiday weekend. Fly with Ryanair to City of Derry Airport – Gatsby House is a 90 minute drive from there.

Chateau La Bruyere – A Stunning French Chateau in Rural Western France. Sleeping up to 17 in 7 bedrooms.
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/France/Poitou-Charentes/Chateau-La-Bruyere.aspx
This beautiful French chateau is set in the heart of the Poitou-Charente countryside, and is perfect for large family gatherings, friend get togethers, weddings and parties. With a chef on hand to cook for you and 12 hectares of land to explore, this is a place to relax and enjoy! The Chateau sits in a little village in a pretty countryside. Blessed by one of the best climates in Northern Europe the region has long been a popular Summer destination in France. The Cote Sauvage, Meschers sur Gironde, Ile de Re and Ile de Oleron offer near by beaches and seaside resorts. The local cuisine has lots of mouthwatering dishes on offer, especially is escargot, oysters and duck dishes. Charente (to the east) is the home Cognac and Pineau des Charentes. For wine buffs, the Chateaux is also within minutes of some very famous Bordeaux Gran Cru Chateaux. Currently available between 15th and 22nd August plus also from the 28th August over the bank holiday weekend and beyond, the owner is prepared to offer a rate of €2200 (£1890) per week for the whole property – only €130 / £115 per person. Fly to Bordeaux (1 hour away) with Easyjet from London Luton for only £150 return.

Or, for a smaller group and a lower key get-away, how about a week on an organic farm?

Buckshead Farm Cottage - Spend August Bank Holiday in Rural Shropshire. Sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms.
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/England/Shropshire/Buckshead-Eco-Cottage.aspx
This traditional stone eco-cottage is located within its own grounds on an organic hill farm in the Clun Valley, in beautiful South Shropshire and is the ideal place to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and explore the stunning surrounding landscape. The farm produces traditional beef and sheep, while many of the vegetables are sold at local farmers markets. The farm is situated in the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is located on the Welsh border and the southern part of the region, in particular the Clun Valley, has outstanding beauty and a peaceful character allowing unlimited opportunity for those that love nature, cycling and walking to enjoy the beautiful rolling landscape. Relax and get back to nature here for a week from Friday August 28th until Friday 4th September for only £350.

Notes for editors:
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. Its website offers users the chance to enquire about their chosen property directly with the owner. For further information about One Off Places, please visit www.oneoffplaces.co.uk or contact Olly Symonds on Olly@oneoffplaces.co.uk , mobile 07725 199244 or tel: 01494 881196. Further images available on request.
*All flight prices are estimates, researched from carriers or sites such as Expedia.com and Skyscanner.net, and should be used for guidance only. Prices may have been converted from local currency – in this case at a market rate on 29th July 2009 – and again are a guide only. See property listing for more details.