As a nation, Britons love a summer holiday abroad but as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, it’s not an option for many people. Instead, there’s been a ‘staycation stampede’ this summer and with the ease in lockdown, people are now making the most of their local area.
In fact, with everyone restricted to being at home for months, there has been a huge increase in people house-hunting as a result of being frustrated by what their current home and neighbourhood area could offer them. Things like having a private garden, flexible living space, the best kitchen appliances and having plenty to do within a few miles of home came to the fore as essential to truly feel ‘at home’.
Tanya Silk, sales director at Barratt Homes West Midlands, said: “With individuals looking for a break in the UK this summer, whether that be camping, days out or even just exploring their local area, we want to show people that staying at home for your summer holiday could actually be a great experience, so we have put together a list of suggestions for those planning to do just that.
“At all our developments we ensure we carefully select areas that offer a variety of nearby amenities and attractions for home buyers of all ages. Exploring the local area that you have just moved to can often be an exciting time and shouldn’t be overlooked as you start to plan your staycation.”
The teams at Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes and Barratt London (all brands used by the current WhatHouse? Housebuilder of the Year, Barratt Developments) have looked at some great ideas.
Get to know the local area
Many people don’t realise how much there actually is to do on their doorstep, especially when moving to a new area. It’s extremely important to get to know your new town or village and find out about local events and activities you can take part in.
Spend some time on your staycation looking inside all of the recently re-opened local shops that you wouldn’t normally have time to visit and take a trip to that park that you always drive past but never go to.
Local businesses are the backbone of the economy and it’s great to support your neighbours in their ventures of starting up shop. You may even be surprised about the competitive prices and the hidden gems that you find in these beautiful boutiques.
Example: Living at Shepherd’s Rest means countryside on the doorstep as well as easy access to Burton-on-Trent and a whole host of things to do. In fact, it’s hard to think of another place where there is such a variety of places within half-an-hour’s drive – take your pick from a marina, snowsports centre, local football club, water park, multiplex cinema or arboretum, to name a few.
Meet the neighbours
If you think you’ll miss out on meeting the locals when going abroad, why not attend local events, online or socially distanced, in your community and meet your neighbours? Take a look on local community websites and social media to see what’s happening in your area.
New Barratt Homes developments form brand new communities that flourish from when the first residents move in – so get to know the people living next to you and become a part of this.
Example: Millbrook Park in Mill Hill is a major development bringing hundreds of new homes to a popular and well-connected part of north London. Barratt London is building 345 apartments and ten luxury houses here, and the budget for available homes currently ranges from £419,000 to £1.04million. The area has a host of community clubs and facilities, and there are things like equestrian clubs, golf courses and gym close by, so plenty of opportunities to meet the neighbours.
Host your own staycation event
Subject to guidelines, get your friends or social bubble together and host your very own socially distanced staycation event in your garden. This can include everything from a tropical theme and drinks to getting out the paddling pool and playing outdoor games or creating a homemade beach.
Example: At Henbrook Gardens in the Worcestershire village of Stoke Prior, Plot 140 is the detached, three-bedroom which has a south-facing garden which is perfect for play and entertainment all day long. Priced at £329,995, it comes with kitchen/dining room with French doors to the garden, a separate lounge, large principal bedroom with en suite, a second double bedroom and a smaller room that could be used as single bedroom, playroom or home office.
Try exotic foods from the comfort of your own home
On your staycation, you should still aim to try something new and have different experiences, which includes what food and drink you have. Hit your local supermarket to see what you can discover in there. Try new recipes you wouldn’t normally look at and find what you like and what you don’t from the comfort of your own home.
Don’t fancy cooking whilst you’re off? Why not look at taking advantage of a nearby takeaway?
Example: DWH @ Calderwood is a development in Livingston which has a range of generously proportioned family homes available from £317,995. Open-plan kitchen/family rooms in these houses are perfect places to combine cooking, baking and entertaining. David Wilson Homes offers buyers a number of options for kitchens and appliances to suit the most enthusiastic foodie. Edinburgh is only 12 miles away and has an impressive range of supermarkets and specialist food shops, and Livingston itself is well served for home delivery by over 80 eateries with a big choice of cuisines from around the world.
Take a day trip somewhere exciting and try something new
Day trips always give families something to look forward to whilst enjoying their time off together. Why not plan an adventure day that everyone can enjoy nearby? Doing something together that you’ve not done before is not only a thrilling experience, but it also brings the whole family together.
Example: Kings Chase is part of the Romsey master plan bringing new homes, sports facilities, allotments and open spaces to the Hampshire town. There is currently a range of two- to four-bedroom homes there, priced from £305,500 to £499,999 with Barratt, and four-bedroom homes from £499,999 to £595,000 with David Wilson Homes. For a day out in the city, countryside or coast, it’s perfectly positioned, with the likes of Southampton, Winchester, Salisbury, the New Forest, South Downs, Bournemouth and Poole all well under an hour away.