More than meets the eye within the countryside

Sep 17 2009 By Christopher Knox, The Journal

The three buildings, which accommodate eight, four and two sleepers, have also been developed using environmentally-friendly materials and practices, including horse-hair insulation, air source heating and rainwater harvesting.

Mrs Robson said: "I think it’s true that the recession has had a bearing on the places people are deciding to spend their holidays.

"We had a group with us recently who said that they nearly always go to France for their break, but had decided to stay put this year because of financial constraints.

"However, once they had explored the Northumberland coast and countryside, they came back to us on the last day saying that they had enjoyed one of their best holidays yet."

The lure of the North East countryside has also benefited Nikki Brierley, who heads up Northumbria Coast & Country Cottages, which leases out around 400 cottages on behalf of private owners.

She said: "It’s fair to say that there is an increased amount of competition in this market, which may be the result of opportunities rising from the downturn.

"One development that could cause problems within the holiday cottage industry is the Government’s decision to bring in new classifications which mean they will no longer be regarded as working businesses and will be taxed the same as any other large investment."