Renting a cottage

[Buckman]

A number of people on here have sold their caravans and are now renting AirBnBs or cottages. How does that work in high season as surely the cost must be eye watering? At least with a caravan for a week away during high season it may be around £350- £500, but a cottage seems to run into the +£1000 for a week away.

 

[Bluetonic]

The cost of owning a caravan and a decent tug runs into the 10's of thousands , when you factor all that in, a £350 week away is not really £350.

 

[otherclive]

A number of people on here have sold their caravans and are now renting AirBnBs or cottages. How does that work in high season as surely the cost must be eye watering? At least with a caravan for a week away during high season it may be around £350- £500, but a cottage seems to run into the +£1000 for a week away.

Like when we had caravan we avoid high season. We booked two weeks last September (early) at a nice farm cottage a stately home estate in Northumberland. It cost £1200. Earlier this year we booked two bed static on private land with views to the Llyn Peninsular and coast in North Wales and it cost £400 for the week. We have just returned from a week in North Norfolk having two bed static a short walk from Snettisham RSPB reserve. overlooking a lake and towards the west. It was on private land too. That was a bit more expensive at £600 as it's a sought after location with peace and quiet., and with regular visitors to many of the properties along the road. All of our three most recent bookings were to a very good standard and allowed dogs. The first two had poor mobile signals and no wifi, but not a concern to us, but this most recent one had excellent wifi and mobile.

My grandson uses AirBnB and tends to go for late booking so benefits from reduced prices. But he is very flexible on locations opting more to get away than pick a selected location months ahead. He uses Travelodge for en route stops as they are cheap and take dogs.

Certainly using a caravan regularly is still an affordable and nice way to holiday, but even then prices in high season are higher. But you can't compare caravanning with holidaying in cottages, statics, lodges etc. But with the latter you don't worry about damp, maintenance or of having to have a larger than necessary car. Continental s/c holidays are cheaper than in rip off Britain and countries like Turkey, or Greece are cheaper still with everything included. We are considering whether to take to pooch abroad next year, or just kennel her for two separate 1 week holidays abroad. Much depends on how she does in kennels. Her second taster comes up in early October when we go away to Wales for a couple of nights.

We miss our caravan of that there is no doubt, but we made the right decision so no looking back, and fortunately we have no medical conditions that restrict us. The one time I've been happy to accept a low grade outcome is when my consultant told me my Gleason score was 3+3..fantastic.

 

[Buckman]

During the high season we use CLs as main sites to expensive and prices were always reasonable at about £25 a night for a fully serviced pitch.

 

[Andy Norfolk]

We've run a holiday let for 8 years, which we are selling. It's one bedroom for 2 adults. Our highest summer price is £580 pw. Our booking agent takes 24% of that price. We are in Norfolk. In winter the lowest price is £380 pw. Not everyone charge thousands.

 

[Buckman]

We've run a holiday let for 8 years, which we are selling. It's one bedroom for 2 adults. Our highest summer price is £580 pw. Our booking agent takes 24% of that price. We are in Norfolk. In winter the lowest price is £380 pw. Not everyone charge thousands.

Generally in summer we tend to head south as normally a bit warmer south than north. LOL!

 

[otherclive]

Generally in summer we tend to head south as normally a bit warmer south than north. LOL!

So why quote site prices £350-£500pw in your initial post, then say you use CLs. I’m puzzled as to the purpose of your thread when there’s absolutely no comparison between CL charges and cottage, statics etc. I wouldn’t describe Norfolk as “ north”.

 

[Buckman]

So why quote site prices £350-£500pw in your initial post, then say you use CLs. I’m puzzled as to the purpose of your thread when there’s absolutely no comparison between CL charges and cottage, statics etc. I wouldn’t describe Norfolk as “ north”.

I was not aware that you are not allowed to quote prices on this group? Norfolk is north of where we live and it was a light hearted comment or is that also banned on the group?

 

[otherclive]

I was not aware that you are not allowed to quote prices on this group? Norfolk is north of where we live and it was a light hearted comment or is that also banned on the group?

In my post at #2 I gave what was intended to be a useful response to what I thought was a serious question, especially given your comments over recent times, plus the problems of your recent holiday trip. But your subsequent replies leads me to thank that #1 was probably designed to perk up what is a quiet posting day.

Nuff said.

 

[Buckman]

So why quote site prices £350-£500pw in your initial post, then say you use CLs. I’m puzzled as to the purpose of your thread when there’s absolutely no comparison between CL charges and cottage, statics etc. I wouldn’t describe Norfolk as “ north”.

That is the average prices charged by commercial or club sites during the high season. As a result we tend to use CLs. My question was genuine and the comparison was actually between a site and a cottage taking into account dogs.

 

[Sam Vimes]

We do both - pays your money and takes your choice.

While we're conscious of costs its not necessarily the only deciding factor. More a question of where and when.

Earlier this year we had some trips around Scotland in the caravan. Roughly a week a trip and nothing farther than Fife or North Berwick. Often we'll go as far as Northumberland but don't enjoy going any further south than that, especially with the caravan.

In October we have three AirBnBs booked in Cornwall - not been there for at least 20 years. Yes, it might be cheaper on a site but I don't want to tow my caravan from Skye to Cornwall - long way to drive, cost of fuel, wear and tear on car etc. where just some of the deciding factors.

Sometimes its also nicer to have a place that's not on wheels and just a little more comfortable and less hassle.

 

[Mr Plodd]

Different types of holidays have different appeal to different people, so it's totally wrong to try and "justify" one type or another, whether just on cost or other criteria.

We like different types.
So we are having a "cheapie" week in Benidorm in March flying from our local airport. About £800 for the 2 of us half board.
Then in April we have an apartment, Via BF's winter sun deal. 28 nights inc ferry for the car, with cabin both ways £2400 I did a price comparison taking the caravan for the same period. The apartment was about £150 more, with more space, better facilities and not having to tow the caravan the depth of Spain/Portugal (Inc increased fuel cost and time)
Then August a 3 week cruise to Iceland and Norway (been saving up for that for a few years, Mrs P has a significant milestone birthday)

We wll probably take the caravan to France in June/July. Pricing up the difference in campsite cost in the UK compared to France (ACSI of course) 3 or 4 weeks in France works out around the same amount as staying in the UK. The lower French campsite fees over a month equate pretty much to the cost of the ferry (Poole-Cherbourg with club Voyage discount) So why would I stay in the gloomy (and probably wet) UK?

The one thing we really enjoy ababout the caravan is that we can be totally flexible. If the weather or campsite are not what we want then we can move. We can also eat what we want, when we want.

So all sorts of different holiday types, but all very enjoyable in their own peculiar, etc very different ways. Both being around 70 our attitude is now do what you want whilst you still can, as medical "issues" prevent an awful lot of People, including forum members, from doing that.
Both our children are doing exceptionally well for themselves so have both instructed us to "Spend what you've got and enjoy it as we don't need/aren't looking for, any sort of inheritance. And DONT let the taxman/care home have it!"

 

[ProfJohnL]

A number of people on here have sold their caravans and are now renting AirBnBs or cottages. How does that work in high season as surely the cost must be eye watering? At least with a caravan for a week away during high season it may be around £350- £500, but a cottage seems to run into the +£1000 for a week away.

Its all matter of personal taste. I can't imagine there are many people who would deliberately choose a holiday they can't afford so price will be a factor for most, But even those who may own a caravan, may on occasions look for alternative accommodation to suit th e needs of the break they are taking. It doesn't have to be black or white choice.

 

[Beardy]

I've yet to stay on a large commercial or CAMC site, the thought of them doesn't appeal to me, the cost of them appeals even less. I'm happy with CL's at £20-£25 per night. I've often wondered why they don't charge more on bank holidays or in high season, but I'm not complaining about it.
£140-£175 for a week is a bargain as far as I'm concerned. The advantages of my own caravan are that I know the standard of accommodation I'm getting, I know I'll have everything I need (mostly) and I don't need to worry about my puppy making a mess or damaging someone else's property.
Of course there are disadvantages, I have to clean it (inside and out), do the repairs and maintenance, 'pitch up' and pack away on arrival and departure and use double the amount of fuel I'd use to get to the same place without it, but for me, the benefits far outweigh disadvantages.
I started caravanning a little over a year ago and I'm really enjoying it. Heading out for my 6th jolly this year very soon, hopefully I'll be able to squeeze another in before the end of the year. Mrs Beardy even suggested that we spend Christmas away in it.

 

[Buckman]

I started caravanning a little over a year ago and I'm really enjoying it. Heading out for my 6th jolly this year very soon, hopefully I'll be able to squeeze another in before the end of the year. Mrs Beardy even suggested that we spend Christmas away in it.

We used to go away for Christmas every year until 2020 and it was really enjoyable especially if there was snow around.

Mainly I was wondering about flexibility using the caravan or renting a cottage. Obviously renting a cottage may be cheaper although the rental cost is a lot higher than having and using a caravan.

I know it is a bit of a contradiction, but with a caravan you have all the costs associated with the caravan like storage, maintenance, insurance etc and the extra fuel used to tow the unit.

 

[Mr Plodd]

It's pointless trying to "justify" the choice of holidays on purely financial grounds because what one person views as an "acceptable" expense, someone else wont!
The only sensible criteria is what each individual considers to be the best for them at that time.

A bit like dining out, sometimes its fish and chips at Wetherspoons, and other times its a more upmarket place with white linen and waiter service. Both provide you with a meal but the "experiences" are miles apart.

As I said in my initial post, we take varying types of holidays, at varying costs, and enjoy them all in different ways. Each involve different experiences. A Cruise with Cunard on the Queen Mary 2 (fabulous!) is vastly different to a couple of weeks in a caravan (but so is the cost of course )

Whatever you choose to do, be that in a caravan on a CL, a campsite, a self catering apartment/cottage, hotel or even a cruise, the only thing that matters is that YOU enjoy it and you consider you have had "value" for the money you have spent.

I often say to people don't think of a motorhome or caravan as a means of a cheap holiday, because they are not, you need to factor in all the "hidden" costs, purchase, maintenance, insurance, extra fuel consumption, larger car to tow with etc. Complex issue, with no right or wrong answer.

 

[Buckman]

My post was not about justifying anything, but looking for views from those that have sold up their caravan and now exclusively rent cottages. I am being to regret that I even mentioned costs!

 

[Mr Plodd]

But there will be all sorts of reasons why people have done so Buckman!

So the thread has morphed somewhat. People are commenting on why they think others have made the decision you allude to.
Interesting that no-one who has actually done so appears to have commented though.

 

[Beachball]

I also missed our caravan way of life but to me a renting a cottage , Static . or a barn suit my mobility needs .and value for the money.

 

[Buckman]

But there will be all sorts of reasons why people have done so Buckman!

So the thread has morphed somewhat. People are commenting on why they think others have made the decision you allude to.
Interesting that no-one who has actually done so appears to have commented though.

We needed some input whether caravan or cottage rental would be more suited to us as age and medical issues catch up with us.

We may have the option of going seasonal, but then we are basically restricted to the one site although one can upchuck and disappear for a week or three, but we would still need a heavy tow car.

There are some vehicles that are capable of towing +2000kg although their kerbweight is a lot lower than 2000kg so that may be an option. I feel confident enough to tow with that sort of ratio.

 

[otherclive]

We needed some input whether caravan or cottage rental would be more suited to us as age and medical issues catch up with us.

We may have the option of going seasonal, but then we are basically restricted to the one site although one can upchuck and disappear for a week or three, but we would still need a heavy tow car.

There are some vehicles that are capable of towing +2000kg although their kerbweight is a lot lower than 2000kg so that may be an option. I feel confident enough to tow with that sort of ratio.

I really think it’s only a question that you can answer. You must know enough about caravans and cottages to develop a view, it just really requires careful thoughts and discussion. I’m puzzled as to why you could feel the need for a lighter towcar to pull your existing caravan. Even if you change to a seasonal pitch, or just travel to nearby sites the cost to change cars is unlikely to equate to savings in running costs of the car.

The one major negative to my mind in SC accommodation is the balance has to be paid 6-8 weeks ahead. You can get cancellation insurance but it will not cover not going because the weather looks bad, or the cars playing up etc. But that’s no different to buying any holiday package. However some agencies like Bookings.com offer later notice cancellation if 2-3 weeks and even shorter notice for hotels and pubs. We are away for a few nights in Leicester for Diwali and no deposit and can cancel by 1300 on arrival day. But the nightly rate is higher.

Not an easy decision but hopefully you can see a way forward such that you both can continue to have time away from the norm.

 

[izzy]

Surely caravanning is a labour of love! I believe that anyone who thinks of it as a cheap option is stuck in the 60s. I treat the whole experience as a hobby and when I no longer enjoy it I will just pack it in.
Each to his own but I know people who have to get a calculator out before they go out of the house because they are scared stiff of spending a penny more than they think they have to.
caravans, MHs, cottages, B&Bs, beach holidays abroad try em all it's a big world out there

 

[Buckman]

I’m puzzled as to why you could feel the need for a lighter towcar to pull your existing caravan. Even if you change to a seasonal pitch, or just travel to nearby sites the cost to change cars is unlikely to equate to savings in running costs of the car.

Simples. We need a 4x4 in our area having been stuck previously with a normal 2WD car. My reasoning was if we have to tow the caravan for whatever reason, it will be capable. If we sell the caravan, we have a vehicle suited to our needs.

 

[otherclive]

All this talk about renting has got us thinking about next year. So we have booked a nice static three bed for mid June 2025 on a working farm five miles from Ulverston in the South Lakes. An area we lived in and enjoyed for 2 1/2 years. The USP being it is only five minutes walk from The White Hart pub. Deposit only £9.99 balance 6-8 weeks before arrival.

 

[Beardy]

Surely caravanning is a labour of love! I believe that anyone who thinks of it as a cheap option is stuck in the 60s.

There are lots of variables though. Not everyone pays £30,000 for their caravan. I've met people who picked one up for a little over £1,000 then 'did it up' themselves. They take their kids away for a week for a couple of hundred quid, and most likely will get most of their £1,000 back when and if they decide to sell.