From clicks to bricks
Monday, 06 Oct, 2009
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Former moneysupermarket.com funder Simon Nixon is investing in luxury UK self-catering properties.
The latest venture – SimonEscapes – is acquiring and renovating holiday homes to rent and comes in addition to travel guides website Simonseeks.
Nixon has spent more than £5 million on purchasing refurbishing two properties in Abersoch and Chipping Camden. A further £4 million has been spent on land in Cornwall with projected build and design costs of £4 million.
The locations so far are in North Wales’ LlÅ·n Peninsula, The Cotswolds and Booby’s Bay in Cornwall.
This Chester-based project is Nixon’s first major investment in bricks and mortar. He is joined by Julie Thomas as general manager, moving fromluxury travel company Seasons in Style.
The renovation and refurbishment of the first property, six-room Borth Cottage in Abersoch with helipad and hot tub is complete and is ready for bookings.
A week’s private hire of Borth Cottage costs between £4,500-£6,000, depending on the time of year. Mid week and weekend rates are available in low season and are priced from £2,000 for three nights.
The second project is Elkstones, on the outskirts of Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire, which will be completed later this month.
The third property will be called Little Polgarronand is under construction on a seafront plot of land on Booby’s Bay, close to Padstow in Cornwall.
Nixon is investigating other sites including Lake Windermere, Salcombe, and Rock.
“SimonEscapes is an idea I have had for a while,” he said.
“I wanted to bring together a collection of properties in some of the UK’s most sought after locations which celebrate the very best that Britain offers, from the beauty of the Cotswolds, to the rugged coast of Cornwall.
“I have a passion for sleek, cool, contemporary design and with each house I will work with local experts and materials to create the ultimate ‘escape’ for the luxury market.”
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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