Holidays with HPB: Headache-Free!

“It’s doable,” says Nigel, “but we weighed up all the fors and againsts – the distance involved, the language barrier, the legal differences, the possible unforeseen costs – and it looked like a major headache in the making. In particular, the need to return to the same place every year, so cutting the variety of our holidays, was an important factor. The cons outweighed the pros!” 

The Holiday Property Bond had been a consideration for some years. A Bondholder friend, meanwhile, was busy singing the praises of HPB at every opportunity. Eventually the Collinses decided this “Bond” scheme merited further investigation so, when invited to an Open Day at HPB’s Buckland Court home in the Cotswolds – the nearest site to them – they decided to go along for a look-see. They were so impressed they invested there and then.

“We have had such a brilliant time since becoming Bondholders,” says Stephanie. “To date we have visited 12 sites: Stigliano, Tuscany, as you might expect; Le Mont de St Siméon, Île de France, just east of Paris; Viehhofen, Austria; Encosta Cabo Girão, Madeira (twice and we’re booked to go again); Tigh Mor Trossachs, Perthshire; Henllys on Anglesey and St Brides Castle, Pembrokeshire (brilliant to have sites in North and South Wales); Lower Knapp Farm, Devon; Barnham Broom, Norfolk; Sibton Park, Kent, Duloe Manor, Cornwall and Coreggia, Puglia. We’re going to Langton House in Dorset next year, to explore the Jurassic Coast.”**quote**

“I don’t know how HPB manages to find its site managers, but they are brilliant,” Stephanie continues. “I had a nasty accident while we were at Duloe – I fell, broke my glasses and cut my face quite badly, but [site manager] Michelle [Bushby] could not have been more helpful, or capable. Mishaps do occur sometimes – but it’s so comforting to know that the management structure is in place to solve any problems quickly and expeditiously, so that we can get on with enjoying our holiday.”

We grabbed a few words with Nigel and Stephanie in Corregia, where they were enjoying a summer break. Actually, “enjoying” doesn’t really do it justice: they loved the site and the area. “The Coreggia surroundings are beautiful and fascinating; as well as the picturesque old town of Alberobello, there are the cave houses at Matera, Roman remains at Egnazia and the fantastic caves at Castellana Grotte. We’ve had a very interesting trip to a nearby massaria, which is a farm producing its own bread, meat and so on. The trullo we’re staying in is just beautiful: the conversion from an old derelict trullo is simply amazing and we have booked again for 2013. The staff are great; Andrea the gardener visits every morning before we are up and about to silently clean the barbecue, if needed, and sweep the terrace. Toni [Guido, site manager] would do anything to help everyone on site.”

So what, in the couple’s opinion, is the secret of HPB’s success? “Actually it’s no big secret” says Stephanie, “just a winning formula – excellent properties in beautiful locations, consistently high standards, with top-notch management and staff. What can I say? It’s a home from home.”