As
specialists in vacation home exchange, the team at IVHE is revealing a
selection of superb stay-at-home destinations today which are guaranteed to captivate
the imagination of even the most well-traveled holidaymaker.
Bucking the nation's ongoing demand for ‘staycations', when asked about their vacation plans this year by ABTA, a staggering 67% of Members of Parliament said they planned to go abroad.
"It
seems like such a wasted opportunity to be jetting off in search of something
different when we have so many fantastic and varied destinations right here on
our doorstep," commented Suzie Magnus, founder of IVHE
Unlike the vacation
traditional home exchange method which involves participants swapping during
the same period, IVHE members can spend their points on a vacation at any
property in the extensive portfolio whenever they like.
"Our home
exchange UK portfolio shows just how amazing Britain really is," adds
Magnus, "and perhaps next year the MPs could try a little harder to patronize
the 'best of British' and send out a clear sign to the voters that right here
is where it's at."
With many MPs each boasting a number of homes, Magnus believes they’re missing out on a golden chance to cash in on the true potential of their properties through luxury home exchange.
With many MPs each boasting a number of homes, Magnus believes they’re missing out on a golden chance to cash in on the true potential of their properties through luxury home exchange.
"Just
think of all those MPs' second homes lying empty while they were sunning
themselves in Barbados," exclaims Magnus, "Not only could these
properties have been quietly earning points for their owners – had they been
members of IVHE vacation home exchange – but because they'd have been let out
to approved fellow members, the usual stress of having strangers stay in your
home would have been eliminated."
Here is a
round-up of some of the very best UK properties within the IVHE portfolio:
Scottish grandeur in historic Murrayfield
This stunning three-bedroom detached former coach house is positioned in the spiritual home of Scottish rugby, only a stone's throw away from Edinburgh's buzzing centre and is ideal for an MP looking to catch a few laughs at the annual Fringe festival.
A perfect match for: Mark Pawsey – conservative MP for Rugby, lifelong rugby fan and a retired player for Old Laurentian RFC.
This stunning three-bedroom detached former coach house is positioned in the spiritual home of Scottish rugby, only a stone's throw away from Edinburgh's buzzing centre and is ideal for an MP looking to catch a few laughs at the annual Fringe festival.
A perfect match for: Mark Pawsey – conservative MP for Rugby, lifelong rugby fan and a retired player for Old Laurentian RFC.
An impressive 17-bedroom mansion for private time with friends
Close to the rugged coastline between Newcastle and Edinburgh, this huge gothic mansion features five separate wings – just the thing for the MP with a memoir to write.
A perfect match for: Prime Minister David Cameron who has got to be considering a Blair-style bestseller after he leaves Number 10.
Close to the rugged coastline between Newcastle and Edinburgh, this huge gothic mansion features five separate wings – just the thing for the MP with a memoir to write.
A perfect match for: Prime Minister David Cameron who has got to be considering a Blair-style bestseller after he leaves Number 10.
Beautiful thatched cottage in picturesque Dorset
Gorgeous flag-stone floors, grand ancient fireplaces and an oil-fuelled Rayburn – if this isn’t a suitable country retreat to keep our elected representatives on home soil, we give up!
A perfect match for: Richard Benyon – the Government MP whose remit includes Britain's fisheries. He’s just the man to talk about cod with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall whose River Cottage Canteen is only up the road.
Gorgeous flag-stone floors, grand ancient fireplaces and an oil-fuelled Rayburn – if this isn’t a suitable country retreat to keep our elected representatives on home soil, we give up!
A perfect match for: Richard Benyon – the Government MP whose remit includes Britain's fisheries. He’s just the man to talk about cod with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall whose River Cottage Canteen is only up the road.
Family fun with a hint of style on the outskirts of the Exmoor National Park
With no other buildings for miles, this magnificent six-bedroom property in Somerset allows you to be as noisy as you like. Not that our beloved MPs would make a racket, of course - especially with their very own private pool and relaxing sauna to distract them.
A perfect match for: golf-loving Tim Yeo, MP for South Suffolk – there’s a plethora of stunning courses nearby.
With no other buildings for miles, this magnificent six-bedroom property in Somerset allows you to be as noisy as you like. Not that our beloved MPs would make a racket, of course - especially with their very own private pool and relaxing sauna to distract them.
A perfect match for: golf-loving Tim Yeo, MP for South Suffolk – there’s a plethora of stunning courses nearby.
An elegant country home in the Chiltern Hills
Surrounded by cherry orchards, this spectacular property features a private tennis court and hot tub, although the top selection of excellent restaurants and gastro-pubs in the area will tempt even the most camera-shy MP away.
A perfect match for: John Bercow – Speaker of The House Of Commons. The MP for Buckingham loves a bit of tennis and ranked in his youth as Britain's top player.
Surrounded by cherry orchards, this spectacular property features a private tennis court and hot tub, although the top selection of excellent restaurants and gastro-pubs in the area will tempt even the most camera-shy MP away.
A perfect match for: John Bercow – Speaker of The House Of Commons. The MP for Buckingham loves a bit of tennis and ranked in his youth as Britain's top player.
