Property spotlight: Ready-made annexes

Often, on the many property programmes that are broadcast on TV, the property owners featured have a choice of moving to a larger property or creating and extension. Perhaps they need space for children that have outgrown their shared kids’ bedrooms. Occasionally, there’s an elderly parent that’s moving in; maybe they’re putting funds towards the larger property. Once in a while, a property owner is looking to create a little money-spinner – a self-contained space that can be rented out on a long or short-term basis. Today, we’re highlighting properties that have ready-made annexes that can be utilised without the need to seek planning permission or getting the builders in to smash through or put up walls!

£309,999 – 1 Honeyborough Farm Cottages, Honeyborough Road, Neyland, Milford Haven SA73 1RF

• 18^th century stone cottage with annexe
• 3 bedrooms in original farm house with 2 en suites
• Gas central heating
• Double glazed windows and doors
• Off road parking for 3 cars
• Separate, self-contained annexe / workshop
• Holiday let potential

The property not only has been done to the highest standard, it also boasts a potential annexe which has the possibility of being let out as a potential holiday let or even a long term rental property if required. It could also act perfectly for two families relocating and looking at buying together.
The potential annexe is easily accessible from the front or rear of the property and comprises a lounge / bedroom, shower room and also a kitchen. This could be used completely separately to the cottage if required.

£550,000 – The Homestead, Marsh Hall Lane, Chapel En Le Frith, High Peak, Derbyshire SK23 9UQ

• Expansive grounds with panoramic hill views
• Versatile layout, including independent annexe option
• Proximity to Chapel-en-le-Frith’s vibrant centre
• Convenient access to Manchester and Sheffield
• Tranquil gardens with stream, greenhouses, seating
• Potential for personalised updates, modern enhancements

…the property currently comprises the original main house, complemented by a ground floor extension that offers the option for an independent annexe or supplementary space for the main dwelling.
The adjacent annexe introduces a dining kitchen, a versatile study/office space, two bedrooms, a well-appointed bathroom, and a separate WC – an arrangement perfectly suited for various lifestyle needs.

£855,000 – 10 & 10a Nashenden Lane, Rochester, Kent ME1 3JQ

• Charming & heavily extended detached property
• Principal bedroom with en suite
• Six well proportioned bedrooms
• 1 bedroom self-contained annexe with its own entrance
• Three reception rooms (including the annexe)
• Good sized garden
• Double garage & good-sized driveway
• Views over the Medway Estuary

This rarely available and substantial detached property sits within a generous sized garden and not only offers six bedrooms within the main property but also incorporates a self contained 1 bedroom annexe.

How to find the ideal serviced apartment

Serviced apartments are a popular option for many people who dislike staying in hotels. They provide you with all the space you need and you can live as you like without the confinement and stringent restrictions that come with staying in hotels. Whether you’re looking for one for your next business trip or short-term accommodation, there are a few things you should check to ensure you end up with the perfect one.

Location

The ideal serviced apartment location will largely depend on the reason for your trip. If you want to be closer to amenities that are available in the city, for example, you can choose an apartment in the city centre. Those who prefer quiet suburbs can also find serviced apartments suitable for their needs.

The location will often also determine access to the apartment; so if you come and go a lot, you need to pick an apartment located in an area with lots of accessibility.

Budget

It’s also a good idea to consider how much you have to spend on the apartment and how long you wish to stay. Remember that you may be required to pay a deposit and for some services if you wish to stay for an extended time. To ensure there are no surprises, always ask which extra charges apply when choosing a serviced apartment.

Comfort

If you’ll be staying in the apartment for a lengthy period, you want to ensure that the apartment is as comfortable as possible. A key component of this, apart from the amenities you get with the apartment, is temperature control.

Serviced apartments come with air conditioning units; however, you need to be sure they’re always working and if there are any issues previous guests experienced with this. You can also check that the windows and doors don’t let in any drafts because this can lead to reduced comfort if that happens to be the case.

Apartments with uPVC doors and windows tend to perform well in this regard because of the material’s thermal insulation and its resistance to warping, which leads to the gaps that allow in a draft. Apartment managers who want to ensure the utmost comfort for their guests can use the uPVC windows and doors from companies like Veka UK to ensure proper thermal insulation and a comfortable temperature inside the apartments.

Safety and security

Serviced apartment providers are very strict about the safety and security of their guests. This is why they have various security features to ensure this. For example, some have security cameras installed in all the common areas so that there’s video evidence if something happens during your stay.

You can find out how safe and secure the serviced apartment is by reading online reviews. If people have had a bad experience with a particular apartment, there’ll be a review somewhere to let you know about it.

A serviced apartment is an excellent alternative to a hotel, especially for those who value their comfort and privacy, and those who don’t like staying in hotels. Choosing the right apartment can make your trip better while choosing the wrong one will introduce headaches that you don’t want to deal with.

Great places to buy a holiday home

_credit

Property is an excellent investment – one of the best. If you buy wisely, there’s a lot of profit to be made. If you don’t want to buy a property to lease out, a second property can make a wonderful holiday home. If you have a some money to spare, here are some great places to buy a relaxing retreat.

In the city

If you live in the countryside or the suburbs, you may want to consider buying a holiday home in the city for a change of scene. City life can be fun and fast-paced, so you may only like to experience it occasionally rather than living there on a permanent basis.

When looking for a property in the city, think about a city that’s either close to you or that’s easily accessed by plane, train, bus or car. Choose a city that you love and that has lots of exciting attractions to visit on your vacation. If you love casinos or beach life, why not look at new luxury apartments in Atlantic City, NJ, or, if you enjoy taking in a live show, consider a second home near Broadway, NYC.

Choose a property such as an apartment that doesn’t need too much maintenance during the time you’re not occupying the property. You may even want to let the property to tenants for part of the year.

On the beach front

When most people think of a holiday home, they think of a small property in a warm climate near a beach – a place you can go to relax and get away from the rat race. Holiday homes in beach front locations in France, Spain, Florida, Hawaii, and Mexico are popular, and if you search in the right areas, you can find some real bargains to suit every budget.

If you live most of the year in a cold climate and you’ve retired, you may want to consider spending the winter at your holiday home so you can escape the bitter chill of winter. Snowbirds are people who come down from the Northern States of the US during the winter season to spend time at holiday homes in the warmer climes. Florida and Hawaii are both popular destinations for Snowbirds.

In the mountains

If you’re a fan of winter sports or enjoy having a traditional white Christmas, you could buy a holiday home in the mountains. If you find a place with good snow levels over the majority of the year, you can indulge your passion for skiing or snowboarding when you feel the need. During the festive season, you and your family can head off to your cabin in the snow and have the perfect white Christmas in front of a roaring log fire.

In the country

Country retreats are popular escapes for people wishing to escape the hustle & bustle of city life. Nothing is more relaxing than driving out of the city to a country cottage where the air is fresh and the surroundings are green, peaceful and beautiful. A walk through the lush countryside or a ride through the meadows is a great way to unwind a city-stressed mind.

[disclosure*]

Tips on how to style your holiday home

If you own a holiday home or have recently purchased one, you need to know how to prepare for the guests to arrive. You have a blank canvas on which you can truly use your style to give it a unique touch. Thanks to the rise of sites such as Airbnb, you can now rent out your property for days or weeks at a time when you aren’t using it, meaning you can get some welcome additional income to help with your household bills or Christmas presents. However, you don’t want your home to lose those quintessential touches – making it feel more like a hotel than a cosy bolt hole. So, whether you plan to use your holiday home yourself, or are looking to rent it out to holidaymakers, then keep these styling tips in mind.

Flooring

Believe it or not, flooring can make or break a holiday home. If your property is by the beach, then carpet is a nightmare to clean, while woodland cabins could soon see your dream floorboards become mud stained and damaged. If you are planning on renting out your home for several months of the year, then you need to make sure that you put practicality over style when choosing the right flooring for your property.

If your home is likely to be popular with families, then a non-slip and easy clean option will be a functional ideal to help any little accidents to be removed quickly and easily. If your property is in a more urban setting, or you only rent out to adult guests, then go wild with your dream cream carpets or wooden floors. However, if you want to make sure that you protect your flooring then warn your guests before arriving. Stiletto heels will cause some serious damage to your oak floorboards, so it’s better to set some ground rules before you start welcoming guests.

Embrace the surroundings

Remember, that your property is your second home, rather than a hotel or guest house. So, don’t let yourself be too influenced by the latest style trends or colour palettes. If you are fortunate enough to own a log cabin or cottage in Cornwall, then embrace your surroundings and any features that your home already offers. Don’t spoil gorgeous wooden beams with garish paint, or get rid of architectural features – as these add a unique touch to your property. Remember, these are all aspects that you can highlight when marketing your house to potential guests. If visitors wanted to stay in a hotel, then they wouldn’t be choosing your home.

Be bold

Use colour to give your vacation home a truly unique touch. Remember, that you can use bright and vivid colours in the living areas, although bedrooms should be kept neutral so that your guests can feel a sense of calm when they are resting. Neutral tones can make the house feel modern, open and clean, but the use of dark colours in small, cosy living spaces can make any property feel cramped and oppressive for guests. Always buy sample tins of the paints that you like and test them in natural daylight for a true representation of how it will make your room feel. If you have a room that is for younger guests, then you may even want to consider using paint that is designed for easy cleaning. Tots and little hands will soon wreck any white walls, so make sure that you choose a darker neutral tone to conceal any damage.

Add unique touches

If your home is full of quirky or unique furniture, then this could influence whether your guests keep coming back year after year. Especially if you are marketing your home for adult guests, then make sure that you use a few unique pieces and items across your home to give it a personal look and feel. From adding some flea market finds, to leaving family photos on display, there’s no reason why you should make your home a sterile or boring environment. So, let your creative juices flow and be sure to include several items or pieces of art work that celebrate who you are as a family. It’s advisable, however, to refrain from keeping objects of high sentimental value in your holiday home, some things cannot be replaced!

Ample seating

Don’t scrimp on seating! Even if your home is small and perfectly formed, remember that when your guests stay in your property they may invite friends and family members over for meals. Be sure to have ample seating in your living room, with a cosy couch and lazy chairs for your visitors to chill out in after their family meal. If your property has a deck, then be sure to provide some outdoor seating too, as your guests will love the opportunity to spend time eating and sharing time with family outdoors. You could even consider keeping some extra seating in store, if you have a garage, so that any visitors can help themselves and make good use of the space. If you’re looking for advice or help on renting out your holiday home, then sites such as TripleNet Gateway can help. Visitors may be put off returning to your property if they can’t enjoy it to the full, so make sure that you consider all options as you prepare your home to receive paying guests.

As a holiday home-owner, you need to make sure that your property reflects your own tastes and style, while providing a practical and welcoming space for any potential visitors or guests. Make sure that you provide enough seating and consider the type of flooring within your home. Don’t be afraid to include a few unique items or family photos to make guests feel welcome and at home – it’s a holiday home and not a hotel. Finally, have fun with colour to make your property feel stylish and warm. There’s no reason why you can’t inject your holiday home with a few stylish touches and colours, just make sure that whatever you choose suits your space. Once you’ve given your home a makeover, you can sit back and enjoy your stylish efforts.