Property Management

Short Term Rental

Short Term Rentals are very popular, especially for seasonal events. They can be profitable for landlords and provide flexibility for tenants. Intended to be a ‘home from home’, bills are usually included, and the tenant just arrives with the essentials.

From large country homes to annexes and apartments, a variety of properties can be let out for shorter periods but we would recommend a period of three months to six months (subject to required consents).

The polo season sees demand from May-September specifically in West Sussex near the Cowdray Park Estate, ‘Home of British Polo’ with 400 matches played and demand from both players and spectators for a place to rent during the period.

The sailing season runs from March to November, peaking in the summer months with activity focussed around The Solent and demand for rentals driven again by participants and spectators.

The fishing season is usually from June to March bringing a demand for short term accommodation in the Itchen, Test and Meon Valleys. These areas are also popular for a variety of other country sports, each with its own seasons and need for short term accommodation.

If you have a cottage or annexe on your grounds or are planning to go away for an extended period, then a short term rental may be an option. For existing landlords concerned about, or experiencing, a void period and would like the security of a tenant for three to six months, or have a property that may be suitable for short term rental, please call: Claudia Hunt or Louise Bailey on 02392 632275 email: claudia@countryhousecompany.co.uk or louise@countryhousecompany.co.uk

Kate Porter

Sales Claudia Hunt

Lettings Marishelle Butler

Management

E Q D C

Tel: 02392 632275

Meet Alex, the National Park apprentice that it gives you the opportunity to see all aspects of a field; we learn both about the theoretical side of our work (ecology, conservation, For National Apprenticeship Week this February, we caught up with one of the National Park’s apprentices, Alex Jarvis. common agricultural practices) and the practical applications (conservation grazing, vegetation management, species surveys, the importance and value of heritage crafts like hedgelaying). This combination allows you to get a very complete understanding of Can you tell us more about your apprentice the job you are carrying out, while giving you a variety of skills and role at the National Park? experience that will help in the wider world of work. I also think As an apprentice, I’m being trained in the role apprenticeships can be really helpful for those wishing to get in to a while in the job, in my case, that of a park ranger. competitive industry, where it can seem difficult where to begin. This means that I carry out tasks with the park ranger at Seven Sisters, and they instruct me What have been the challenges so far? how and why these things are done. This can Probably the most challenging aspect so far has been learning to use be anything from scrub clearance, to boundary power tools. Learning to fell trees was incredibly interesting but also repair, maintenance of signs and benches or a bird quite nerve-racking. Luckily our instructor was very helpful, and we survey. I also attend college for the theoretical aspect of the course, and all overcame this challenge and passed the course. have to complete a portfolio summarising my work and study. What’s been the highlight of your time in the National Park as an Why did you choose an apprenticeship at the South Downs apprentice so far? National Park? There are many! Since I spend most of my working days at Seven During the Covid-19 pandemic, one of the most important things for Sisters Country Park. Much of the practical work we do focuses on me was spending time outside in nature. Informed by the experience, the large areas of chalk grassland found there. I have found learning I decided that I wanted to try something different that meant I could about this habitat fascinating. Not only is the incredible diversity of spend more time in nature, but also allow me to gain new skills and gain plants and insects that can thrive there staggering, but learning how experience in a new field. Growing up, we spent a lot of time going for this is a man-made landscape that needs careful management and walks at some of the most beautiful spots in the South Downs National grazing has been really interesting. I also enjoyed learning the craft of Park, particularly the eastern end, the Long Man of Wilmington, hedge laying. Mount Caburn, and the Seven Sisters. So, when the opportunity came up to be able to not only work in this landscape, but also learn how it’s managed and protected for the benefit of both people and nature, I jumped at the chance! What are your future aspirations for your apprenticeship? During the rest of my apprenticeship, I hope I can continue gaining experience working in conservation and land management, and contributing to the great work the rest of the team are doing at Seven What do you think are the benefits of apprenticeships? Sisters. I also hope to continue taking courses in other areas that I’m I think the great thing about studying through an apprenticeship is interested in, such as woodland management and bird ringing.