National Trust

Specialist Reports Holiday by Accommodation Self-Catering Self-Catering British Isles National Trust 

	National Trust
The National Trust (Enterprises) Ltd, PO Box 536, Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 8SX			MAP
tel: (0870) 458 4422

Investing increasingly it the holiday rental potential of its smaller houses and cottages in some outstanding locations around the country.

No of Properties

More than 300.

Location

Across England, Wales and some in Northern Ireland (Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Wiltshire, Isle of Wight, Surrey and Sussex, Kent, Suffolk, Norfolk, Linconshire and the Fens, The Thames Valley, Oxfordshire, Cotswolds, Warwickshire, Hereford, Worcester and Shropshire, South Wales, North Wales, Peak District and Derbyshire, The Lake District, Yorkshire, Northumbria).

Style

Although most are in old buildings, the surroundings are usually the bigger draw. Some of the very rural ones are still rather basic but upgrading has offered more homes from home and now there is a further emphasis on elegance as well as comfort and quality. Some have own small, well-maintained private gardens, some are on country estates which guests can use after the public has gone home, others in National Parks. About two thirds have open fires and around the same have period furniture. Others may offer TVs, dishwashers and washer dryers. 22 have been made suitable for less active visitors. Around 60 sleep six-plus. A handful of adjacent properties would cater to groups of up to 16. A quick cottage guide in the brochure lists properties in categories such as Dogs Welcome, Sleeps More than Six and Quirky and Unusual Buildings.

Linen

Included in the price at all properties.

Heating

In some properties paid for by meter reading.

Facilities

A high chair is available at around 150 properties. An extra folding bed is available £25 per week. A cot is available at around 60% of properties.

Extras

Basic household supplies are provided.

Short Breaks

Bookable within two weeks of the start date only, except Cornwall and Devon between November and March (ex Easter), bookable further ahead.

Sample Price

For a two bedroomed property for the May Bank holiday week £340.