Looking ahead

With the 2023 holiday season just around the corner, Phil Pascoe, Operations Manager at Cornish Cottage Holidays, gives us his insights into the current holiday letting landscape and what lies ahead...

There is no doubt about it, the past 12 months have been a whirlwind of activity for one of Cornwall’s leading self-catering agencies, Cornish Cottage Holidays. Despite the turbulent times, the team have seen a fabulous increase in their portfolio, and are now proud to have over 700 holiday homes – a much-needed expansion, given the huge customer demand they’re seeing for selfcatering accommodation. In 2022 Cornish Cottage Holidays accommodated over 60,000 holiday makers during the course of the season, and with great 2023 advance booking levels, particularly for May half term, June and August, the team are hopeful demand will only continue to grow.

However, with the recession and various other environmental and political factors at play, Phil Pascoe, Operations Manager, believes there are some emerging booking trends holiday home owners should be aware of going forward, to ensure their property achieves its full booking and income potential.

“One signifi cant new trend is the rise in short breaks, with around 44% of Brits now preferring to book multiple staycations – or ‘save-cations’ – instead of one summer holiday abroad. I would highly recommend considering accepting short breaks, remembering two bookings in place of a week-long booking can mean increased revenue. We've also seen a growing trend for last minute getaways. Since the start of summer 2022, there has been a 76% increase in bookings made within 14 days of the arrival date.

With 35% of bookings now including dogs, 26% of Brits looking for sustainable holiday home options and 38% now more likely to work from their accommodation, holidaying has certainly changed! Owners who can cater for any or all of these guest requirements will ensure their property stands out from the crowd in Cornwall’s increasingly competitive holiday letting landscape.”

If you are thinking of buying a holiday home, the dedicated, locally-based New Property team at Cornish Cottage Holidays would be delighted to offer free no-obligation advice on choosing the perfect bolthole. For income proposals, booking projections and more, call the team on 01326 331173 or visit cornishcottageholidays.co.uk/letyourcottage.

for last minute getaways. Since the start of

é ABOVE Exceptional, unincumbered sea views from Sea Sands, Praa Sands

ë TOP LEFT The beautiful Higher Kernick View, near Blisland

01326 331173 www.cornishcottageholidays.co.uk Find more like this: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

Situated by the wooded creeks around the Falmouth estuary and the sailing waters of the Carrick Roads, Creekside Cottages offers an exquisite collection of water's edge, rural and village cottages sleeping from two to ten people, with many of them allowing dogs.

Whatever the time of year, breathe in the sea air – there is always something happening that makes Cornwall special. Take in the spectacular scenery with a holiday to remember along the Falmouth estuary, with mile upon mile of sheltered waters and numerous secluded, unspoiled and beautifully wooded rivers and estuaries just waiting to be explored.

Perfect for family and friends, Creekside Cottages offer a truly personal service, helping visitors choose the best self-catering cottage to make their holiday in Cornwall relaxing and enjoyable. Most of them overlook the water, and some are even cut off by the tide once in a while, though only for an hour or two, with the majority situated just yards from the shore.

Many properties are located in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which creates the perfect setting for escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing you to lie back and listen to the sound of nature all around you. Whether you are looking for a large family-friendly holiday, a romantic retreat or countryside hideaway to immerse yourself in, Creekside Cottages has something for you.

Creekside Cottages is run by Martin Watson whose family has been letting holiday homes in the Restronguet area of Cornwall since 1956. “We pride ourselves on creating beautiful memories to remember for years,” explains Martin. “Whatever the time of year, there is something magical waiting for you in Cornwall. From crashing seas to beautiful morning bird song gently waking you from a peaceful night’s sleep, catching fi sh, trying to stand on a paddleboard for the fi rst time, or soaking up the culture of Cornwall’s multitude of talented artists, performers and creators. Just come and relax.”

Strangwith House, Restronguet, Falmouth TR11 5ST 01326 375972 martin@ creeksidecottages.co.uk www.creeksidecottages.co.uk Find more like this: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

 ABOVE The perfect place to relax, whatever you might be seeking.

The Cornish Holiday Company, established by Sarah and Emma in 2020, traces its genesis back to Sarah’s first company, Turnaround Property Management, and Emma’s expertise in dealing with the general public. When they met and became friends, it wasn’t going to be long before a joint venture would take off, and a collection of stunning Cornish properties would come together under a knowledgeable and trusted curation.

Having both travelled widely over the years, Sarah and Emma know the importance of accommodation being presented to a high standard, and this is certainly something that all The Cornish Holiday Company properties have in common. For instance, The Old Cobbler's in the sleepy fishing village of Port Isaac draws you into what was previously the village Cobbler's shop. Now a modern groundfloor flat, the charm of original architecture contrasts beautifully with the sleek kitchen and bathroom. The Old Cobbler’s offers its inhabitants the chance to explore Port Isaac, promising to wait for you after a long day of adventure and making memories with the people you love.

Or, perhaps a traditional fisherman’s cottage would be more to your taste? Sleeping eight, Geranium Cottage is beautifully furnished to meet the practical and aesthetic needs of its temporary tenants, offering a peaceful haven, silently encouraging relaxation and connection with the ones you love most. Whatever you might be looking for in your Cornish escape, the wide and carefully chosen collection of properties kept by The Cornish Holiday Company is sure to contain your dream abode – for a week or so! As Cornwall is a dog walker’s paradise, The Cornish Holiday Company also has many properties within their portfolio that allow canine companions to stay, so no one need be left behind.

With breath-taking beauty at every turn, there really is no better place to take a holiday in England. With stunning beaches resembling the Caribbean on sunny days and historic ports along the coastline, there is so much to discover. Spanning across Cornwall, from Port Isaac, Padstow and Polzeath to Porthleven, St Minver and Rock, with The Cornish Holiday Company there’s a cosy bolthole for you to lay your head, wherever your Cornish adventure may take you.

Unit 3A, Bess Park Road, Trenant Ind Est, Wadebridge PL27 6HB 01208 814497 www.thecornishholidaycompany.co.uk Find more like this: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

Guest review, St Peter’s Cottage “The cottage was so clean, so cosy and in such a great walkable location. Evenings beside the wood-stove made memories we’ll never forget. Port Isaac is an amazing gem, and staying at this wonderful cottage made our visit easy and comfortable. We’re sure to return again!”

Guest review, Lundy Cottage “What an amazing find, right in the centre of beautiful Port Issac. Parking was easy, the cottage had a lovely charm, the real fire was amazing and was kitted out with everything we needed. We even heard the Fisherman's Friends who'd shown up in the village at 11pm one night as we were getting into bed, and we ran across to the Golden Lion to watch an intimate gig! It really was a once in a lifetime experience.”