More than meets the eye within the countryside

Sep 17 2009 By Christopher Knox, The Journal

THE North East countryside has always been regarded as a haven for walking enthusiasts, with picturesque areas such as the Roman Wall and Derwent Valley providing a host of stunning backdrops for experienced ramblers and novices alike.

However, the region’s rural landscape is fast becoming a hotspot for holidaymakers that are choosing to explore parts of the UK rather than jet off into the sun.

This has been helped by the ongoing recession, which this year’s summer holiday season witnessing the rise of the ‘staycation’, with more people choosing to stretch their cash further by exploring what is on their doorstep.

Such a trend has had a positive effect on the UK’s tourism industry, with a recent UK Tourism Survey showing that 7.1 million Britons went on holiday in the UK in May, up from 6 million last year.

This has prompted many people to realise the huge business potential of leasing out holiday cottages as a way of tapping into one of the region’s few remaining growth industries.

While owners may have initially purchased their country cottage as a long-term investment, the attraction of the region’s countryside has since convinced many that their are shorter- term returns to be had by leasing them out as holiday accommodation.

This potential is realised by a number of individuals, who have taken to property development either by default or as a way of redeveloping some of their run-down properties.

Sarah and Mark Robson have run their family’s arable farm in Wooler, Northumberland, for 16 years, but only decided to convert three of their disused buildings into holiday cottages last year.

While husband Mark continues to work on the farm, which has been in the family for over 30 years, Sarah is now the face of Turvelaws Holiday Cottages.

"We had two stables and an old building that just contained bits of rusted machinery," she said.

"We had always wanted to run our own guest houses and realised that we had the basis for them right there on our own land.

"Despite the fact that we were essentially starting from scratch, we have had a fantastic first summer and are really happy about the number of bookings we are receiving for the rest of the year and into 2010.

"Although this is an investment in our future, we also see it as a business and provide a range of services for our guests, including information about walks in the area and, if possible, a drop-off and pick-up service."