Making up for lost time

Elizabeth lives in West Bridgford, Nottingham and became a Bondholder 18 years ago when her children were in their teens.

"I was widowed when Ben and Sarah were two and five. It was hard, and holidays took a back seat,” says Elizabeth. “But as they got older I started to think more about all the lovely places we were missing out on. Then by chance I overheard some work colleagues talking about the Holiday Property Bond and I thought it sounded really interesting; I took a closer look and was really impressed with the wonderful choice of locations in the UK and abroad, many with free on-site facilities, perfect for the kids. So I invested. Typical teenagers though, they weren’t interested in going away with Mum, preferring to be with their friends, so I holidayed with my friends and other family members.”

Over the years Elizabeth has made the most of her Bond, visiting almost all of the sites. “I love the fantastic variety and range of high-quality properties, so sensitively developed and set in such beautiful locations. I’m a keen walker and there are so many opportunities to get out and about and enjoy the wonderful countryside. The staff are unfailingly friendly and helpful, providing local information and recommended walking routes.”

Asked if she has a favourite Bond site: “El Balcón de Santa Ana in La Gomera,” Elizabeth answers. “It was the first one I ever visited and it’s simply stunning. The sea views are spectacular and the botanical gardens are truly exotic – it’s like being in paradise. Unlike the other Canaries the island is so unspoilt and charming. I also love Askrigg; the sound of the curlew, the great walks right on your doorstep and the joy of sitting on the bench at the top of the garden overlooking Addlebrough, with a gin and tonic – bliss!”

Fast-forward 10 years and Elizabeth’s children begin to show an interest in their Mum’s holidays. “Funny that,” she says. “Now they’re grown up, they can’t wait to come away with me! They absolutely love HPB,” she laughs. “It’s wonderful though and I can’t think of anything nicer than sharing quality time with them. Ben is married to Lindsay and they have two lovely children, Bonnie and Kingsley. We spent Whitsun half-term at Upper Norton in Shropshire and it was a real treat. It was our first visit there and we adored the location and site (the proposed new swimming pool will make it even better). We made the most of the glorious weather and went paddling and skimming stones in the rivers Terne and Clun at Leintwardine. Bonnie even went wild swimming for the first time! On the first day we went to a Tree Blessing ceremony at Aston on Clun, possibly the last ceremony of its kind in the country, complete with a gentleman playing a hurdy-gurdy and a woman playing a pipe and tabor, after which we enjoyed the village fête. It was great fun, and we only knew about it because of Upper Norton’s well-informed site staff.”

Elizabeth has also had some memorable holidays with her daughter Sarah, who lives in Bristol. “Because of the distance we don’t get to see each other often so when we do it’s extra-special. Our most recent get-together was at Henllys in June 2021, just two weeks after people from two households were allowed to meet indoors and hug! It was very emotional and a real milestone moment for all the family."

In the early days Elizabeth joined the Bond’s Companion Club (BCC), meeting up for regular lunches with the East Midlands group. She also went on a BCC Themed ‘Culture and Food’ week to Crete which was ‘great fun’. “I haven’t done much lately as I tend to holiday with family and friends, but it’s good to know that if I wanted I could head off on a BCC holiday week on my own and know that I wouldn’t be lonely.”

“It’s a shame I didn’t know about HPB earlier so the kids could enjoy it while they were young, but at least we’re making up for lost time now!”