Island Life Magazine Ltd October/November 2006 | Page 25

PROPERTY What: A four bedroom detached house with stunning sea views and extensive gardens Where: Alum Bay How much: £1410 PW - July/August holiday letting companies before deciding on Holidays2Remember. “With some of the companies, it felt as if they were interviewing us rather than the other way round” he says, “but with these guys it seemed as if they realised we would have an expectation of them as well, and they have definitely lived up to it”. Because they’re based on the mainland, the Henstridges go for a managed service on their property, which means laundry and cleaning is taken care of for changeovers. Mandy Bolwell, of Island Property Management, who teamed up with Josie and Tacis to be on the spot to look after the properties in terms of maintenance and security, has continued to delight both home owners and holidaymakers alike. “The bonus for us is that when we go for an out-of-season break, we come in to a place that always looks good – right down to ironed sheets, which is a luxury we don’t have at home, and definitely says we are on holiday! Another property owner, Mrs Amanda Holden, echoed the feeling of being “spoilt” which comes with the managed service. She and her husband David live in Surrey with three year-sold son Sebastian, and when they decided to let their four-bedreoomed Victorian holiday home at Totland, they were looking for a service that would take the worry out of long-distance ownership. “We had owned the cottage for two years and I always used to worry about leaving it empty, wondering what we would find each time we arrived for a stay” she says. “But since we’ve been with Holidays2Remember it’s been wonderful. We arrive to a clean, fresh house knowing that nothing will be wrong. It’s also good that other people are enjoying it”. The Holdens’ property, set in 3.5 acres and with glorious views from all sides, was booked out for 8 weeks over the summer and already has almost a dozen early bookings for the new season from September. “We have been absolutely delighted with the fast response and most of all, the personal service we have received from Josie,” says Amanda. Tacis and Josie have also continued to let their own property, the Mill House, and among the holidaymakers who stayed there in July were Brian Daniel, his partner Jolie and eight monthold baby son James, from Hertfordshire. Said Brian: “We rate it as probably one of our best holidays ever – and certainly the best in the UK. “The house was fantastic and had everything from hand blenders to high chairs, cots, toys and games – we didn’t really need to go out anywhere!” “We really didn’t want to leave at the end of the holiday, and would certainly consider returning – next time perhaps with some friends or family, because there was certainly the room”. For more information, check out the website www.holidays2remember.co.uk or contact Josie on 01825 791055, fax [phone] or email [email protected] What: A former fisherman’s 2 bedroom cottage overlooking the village green. Where: St Helens How much: £595 PW - July/August Island Life - www.isleofwight.net What: A newly built, 4 bedroom detached property situated on a popular residential development Where: Totland Bay How much: £1095 PW - July/August 25