Weekend retreats in the South East

If you have recently battled with airport delays, high costs from the strong Euro, you're not alone. With a euro now worth 80p, the amount of holiday money in people's pockets has shrunk, and many have opted for a holiday at home in the UK. Indeed, a recent survey by LV Insurance found that 58% of adults have opted for a UK holiday this year.

The main reason that most people don't consider British holiday homes is the weather. But even this is changing. According to Met Office figures, British and European summers are getting increasingly hotter, with the 10 warmest years having occurred since 1990, and the trend is set to continue. The British seaside is also experiencing a revival - now, some of the fastest-growing property prices are to be found in coastal areas. For instance, seaside towns along the south coast are seen as attractive bolt-holes for London residents, and are smartening up accordingly.

But what UK holiday homes are out there for those with a discerning eye for a good investment, as well as a place to leave the worries of the world behind? Gareth Jacob, Sales and Marketing Director for Weston Homes, notes: "Traditionally, people look to Cornwall and the South West for holiday homes, but the over-inflated market in the region means there is high demand, and even despite the current property market conditions, inflated prices. Better value alternatives that are easier to get to for a weekend break include the Southern and South Eastern coasts, where prices are more reasonable."

Weston Homes currently has two developments located on the Southern and South Eastern coast that have excellent holiday home potential:

The Haven

The Haven, located in Thorpe Bay near Southend, is a niche development of just nine perfectly appointed two bedroom apartments and penthouses, boasting exceptional views of the adjacent golf course as well as the seafront. With miles of golden sand, properties with sea views have helped to position Thorpe Bay as the Millionaire's Row of Essex, and The Haven sits just a few metres from Southend's picturesque and award winning Jubilee Beach, stretching from the world famous Southend Pier to Thorpe Bay.

The apartments and penthouses at The Haven have been built to reflect the elegance and sophistication of the area. The properties boast outstanding, spacious living areas that are flooded with natural light. The intelligent design of the properties coupled with the high standards of construction, attention to detail and finish combine to create beautiful homes in an enviable locale. Prices start from £199,950, ranging up to £499,950.

Mayfield Grange

Mayfield Grange, located in the heart of the peaceful Sussex countryside near the small village of Mayfield, was designed by Edward Pugin in 1865, and completed in 1868. Weston Homes' faithful renovation of the Grade II listed building includes The Great Hall, which has been converted into 11 magnificent two bedroom apartments. Each of the apartments provides a unique home with period features such as vaulted ceilings, ornate stone windows and original tiled flooring.

Adjoining The Great Hall is The Chapel, which has been refurbished to provide one of the most outstanding loft style residences outside of central London. The Chapel has been transformed to provide a sumptuous apartment, almost 2,500sqft in size, with a stunning hammer beam ceiling and a triple height space above the main split level reception room. Many period features have been retained including intricate carved stone work, stunning stained glass windows and the original frescos.

Residents at Mayfield Grange are within a short drive of the spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells, lying at the heart of one of the country's most scenic stretches of countryside. The town has been popular since Georgian times, when the spa resort gained a reputation amongst the royalty and the aristocracy as the place to spend the winter season. Also, the beautiful seaside towns of Hastings and Brighton are approximately 45 minutes away by car.

The development is completed by a collection of 11 newly constructed five bedroom houses, a converted period property and 29 newly built apartments, carefully designed to fit seamlessly alongside The Great Hall and The Chapel. Homes at the development range from around £425,000 to £1,000,000.

Gareth Jacob, Sales and Marketing Director of Weston Homes comments: "UK holiday homes are a growing market, and now is the right time to invest in your own sanctuary of peace and tranquility not so far from home."

For more information on any of Weston Homes' developments across the region, visit Weston-homes.co.uk.