Brits flock to the West Country for holidays at home

Leading West Country holiday letting company Blue Chip Vacations reports that the poor Summer of 2007 has not dampened the enthusiasm of the British public for holidaying in the West Country. The company is reporting a 120% increase on bookings made in January, compared to the same period in 2007.

Blue Chip Vacations represents over 300 handpicked 4 & 5 star properties across the West Country. Each property has been chosen for its stunning location, amazing coastal or rural views or hi-spec interior. Properties are reviewed each year to ensure they meet the high standard set not only by Blue Chip Vacations, but also by Quality in Tourism.

Managing Director, Liam Gavin comments:

“I was concerned that the disappointing Summer of last year, combined with the volatile economy and the fact that 2007 had been our best year ever (doubling 2006 bookings) would mean that growth in 2008 would be slow or even down on previous years. However the public have proved themselves to be far from fickle over their love of Devon and Cornwall. At this rate the West Country is definitely the place to be in 2008.”

“We are privileged, at Blue Chip Vacations, to represent some spectacular properties in the most picturesque parts of the region. Kingsbridge is a traditional market town amidst some of the most beautiful countryside, whilst further down the coast, Dartmouth has a wide selection of fine restaurants, galleries and shops. Newquay too has a number of stylish new developments along its coastline and an enduring popularity.”

9 DART MARINA, Dartmouth, Devon - Sleeps 4

This luxurious waterfront property sits directly on the River Dart and affords breathtaking views up and down the river and to the hills beyond. It is an exceptional apartment boasting the ultimate in style, quality and location. All rooms are finished to a very high standard with solid oak floorboards and doors and 100% wool carpets in the bedrooms. Dart Marina itself is an exclusive development and benefits from on-site facilities including a luxury health spa with heated indoor pool, steam room, spa bath, fitness suite and treatment rooms. The development also has two high quality restaurants where you can sample the best local produce.

Weeks beginning 16 & 23 February, 1, 8 & 15 March - £704pw
Valentines Week offer, beginning 9 February, Was £704, Now £563

6 CRABSHELL QUAY, Kingsbridge, Devon - Sleeps 4

Just a short walk along the river to the market town of Kingsbridge, Crabshell Quay has beautiful views across the Salcombe estuary. Finished to a high standard throughout, the apartment is very bright and airy with high beamed ceilings and large windows and is accessed through secure gates into a private courtyard. Kingsbridge lies between Plymouth, to the west, Torbay to the east and Dartmoor to the north and is the historic and natural centre of the South Hams, a unique area worthy of its national status as a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Weeks beginning 16 & 23 February, 1, 8 & 15 March - £431pw
Valentines Week offer, beginning 9 February, Was £431, Now £345

Newquay is also one of the prime locations for the new ITV soap opera, ‘Echo Beach’ and companion series ‘Moving Wallpaper’. Soap veterans Jason Donovan and Martine McCutcheon star in the show but the real star is Cornwall, in particular Newquay, where the series is based.

QUAY HOUSE, Newquay - Sleeps 6

Probably one of the finest 3 bedroom holiday properties in North Cornwall. Quay House is sited in an enviable position directly on Porth Beach and offers everything you would expect from a luxury holiday home. It has its own steps down to the beach as well as 2 parking spaces. The property has fantastic views across the bay and a balcony with outside seating. Broadband access is also available to guests who bring their own laptop. The open plan living room has high ceilings and bay windows, plus a 34" flatscreen TV with Sky Satellite and a DVD player.

Weeks beginning 16 & 23 February - £562pw
Valentimes Week beginning 9 February, now has 20% off, Was £562, Now £450

ATLANTIC REACH, North Cornwall

Set in the grounds of 17th Century Carworgie Manor, close to numerous sandy beaches and just a few miles away from The Eden Project. The site boasts an excellent range of facilities including an indoor pool complex, health and beauty spa, sauna and jacuzzi, outdoor pool with paddling pool, children’s adventure fort and 9 hole golf course. There is a bar and brasserie with night time disco and entertainment. Properties available include:

74 Atlantic Lodge, sleeps 8 and is available for weeks beginning 9, 16 & 23 February, 1, 8 & 15 March for £274pw
129 Atlantic Terrace sleeps 4 and is available for weeks beginning 9, 16 & 23 February, 1, 8, 15 & 22 March for £562pw

And Quay House also benefits from another offer, a complimentary £50 voucher on a meal at the Jamie Oliver inspired Fifteen Cornwall, for breaks taken at Quay House before 17th May 2008. Fifteen Cornwall is based at Watergate Bay, close to Newquay airport, in an area ideal for short breaks. It overlooks fantastic views from the top floor of the Extreme Academy building, across a two-mile stretch of beach.

To book properties, visit the website on Bluechipvacations.com.