The Landmark Trust, a British charity set up in 1965 has really come into its own since the staycation boom in the UK. The charity buys up unusual historic buildings that require huge renovation and they save them and turn them into holiday homes. It’s a great concept and a unique idea but you may have to be patient as the staycation boom means some of these properties are booked up for the next two years!
If you ever fancied staying in a Victorian pigsty, a Pineapple in Scotland, or a 12th century fortified manor then you may be onto something here, as these are some of examples of the kinds of properties the Landmark Trust restore. They’re not all that cheap either, though prices vary by the size, location and of course the time of year, but as the charity rent out 52 weeks a year, you can get some reasonable winter breaks.
Although all this seems irrelevant when you consider that some of the properties held by the Landmark Trust are fully booked, 365 days a year for the next two years! If you don’t mind waiting, and you don’t mind forking out a bit more for your staycation to stay somewhere unusual, then you will be helping a great cause too. Many of these unusual buildings would be unlikely to be restored for any reason without the intervention of the Landmark Trust and as the company is a registered charity, all fees are ploughed back into the charity to invest in more properties.
With such long waiting lists the charity is becoming a victim of its own success as very many holidaymakers are wishing to book and unable, but with the Landmark Trust buying up more unusual ruins, old railway stations and ancient chapels, the portfolio of lets is increasing.
If you really don’t want to wait that long for your British holiday and you want somewhere to get away to this summer, you’re unlikely to find something from the Landmark Trust but many UK holiday parks are now also offering different options to the standard static caravan with cottages, safari tents and even yurts on offer for the summer.
If you are in a rush to get away, or you’re looking for something a little more in the budget range, take a look here – Special Offers for Summer.
By: Kath Cross
