Professional investors find perfect holiday home

"Would we be happy to spend time here ourselves?" This is the final question professional property investor couple Vanessa Warwick and Nick Tadd ask before finally deciding to invest in a property for rental. In the case of a charming seaside cottage at White Sand, Ward Homes' picturesque development in Camber Sands near Rye, the answer was a resounding ‘yes'.

In fact, Vanessa was so smitten that she admits to feeling a little disappointed when they can't spend the weekend in their cottage because it is let out to holiday makers.

Vanessa and Nick started investing in property just over four years ago and were soon generating enough rental income to give up their jobs in the television industry. Vanessa had been a Producer/Director and Nick a television cameraman, but they had turned to property investment as a way to realise their long-term dream of owning their own yacht and sailing around the world.

The couple have built up a successful portfolio of properties in London and across the UK, and are constantly on the look out for outstanding investment opportunities. When Vanessa saw the White Sand brochure, she was instantly struck by the potential of the development: "I fell in love with the lovely pictures of White Sand and the beach, I had a positive feeling about this development from the very beginning."

White Sand is a delightful development of two, three and four-bedroom cottages and houses with architecture that perfectly reflects the seaside atmosphere. With one of the UK's finest beaches opposite, and the historic town of Rye just a few miles away, the location is idyllic.

As part of their meticulous research, Vanessa and Nick rented a cottage at White Sand for a few days to get to know the area and were impressed by what they found. "The scenery is beautiful, the local bars and restaurants are fantastic and there are plenty of outdoor sports pursuits on offer from golf to water sports. And the beach is just wonderful - pristine and totally unspoiled" says Vanessa. "Our research also showed us that Camber has year round attraction, not just for the peak holiday season, which is vital for a holiday let to be successful". The decision to invest in a holiday home was quickly made.

They have bought a ‘Grebe' cottage which Vanessa describes as "a totally stunning and cute blue-clad home", adding: "We're very happy with the quality and design of our cottage. It's extremely well laid out and has a utility room, which is rare in a small home. Both the bedrooms are good-sized doubles and there's plenty of storage space, which is important." A sun deck at the back of the cottage fits perfectly with the seaside setting. Vanessa adds: "White Sand is beautifully laid out and when the landscaping has matured, I believe this will become a landmark development in the South of England."

Although White Sand is in a tranquil area that is often described as ‘one of England's best kept secrets', it is also very accessible. Vanessa comments: "The transport links are excellent. From central London it's just a 90 minute drive. It's motorway almost all the way and for the last 20 miles, you can enjoy the lovely scenery of Romney Marsh." Ashford International is just 20 minutes by rail from Rye station, giving easy access to Eurostar services. The historic coastal town of Hastings is also within easy reach; a short 20 minute train ride will take you directly into the town centre.

Vanessa and Nick are delighted with their investment at White Sand and are already considering buying further investments at the development. As Vanessa says, "White Sand has all the ingredients that make up a successful holiday let. There is positive cash flow from the rent, year round activities to attract people to the area, and its outstanding location means it will benefit from coastal appreciation in the years to come."

Prices at White Sand start from £195,000 for a two-bedroom cottage, ranging up to £360,000 for a spacious four-bedroom house.

For more information, log on to Wardhomes.co.uk.

Vanessa and Nick have set up a free website to champion education and networking for property investors: visit 4wallsandaceiling.com.