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25/02/2008, 16:10 JJ Joined on 01/01/2005 Charente Maritime Posts 247 Re: Gites. I would tend to agree with Cerise, the market is a saturated one, especially in the Charente and Charente Maritime. But that does not mean you cannot be a success. We had plans to have at least 3 gites, or a complex, but in the end we had to settle for one gite, however, it has been very popular averaging 26 weeks per year. Mind you, it does not provide enough income to live on. The main reason for our success is that the gite is big enough for a small family of two adults and 3 children, yet also ideal for couples, so bear that in mind. Also, one gite and one pool is a very popular option, although that may not be feasable in your case. Also, do not cut corners on fixtures and fittings, there are still loads of gites out there with tatty secondhand furniture wondering why they are not getting many bookings We are now in our 4th season. Good luck.   JJ www.gites.gb.com    Report

26/02/2008, 17:00 Ian Joined on 04/07/2007 Posts 388 Re: Gites. I think you are being quite conservative/realistic hoping for 10 weeks a year.  With a concerted multi-lingual marketing effort and delightfully photogenic gites, (with obviously appropriate pricing) you could find yourself closer to 20 weeks and after a few years touching 30 (the repeat bookers boosting your strike rate).  I got 22 weeks in my first year with one gite (have subsequently bought 2 more and the trend has continued.) I think you have had good sound advice here.  One other point I would add - if it's not too late - is to consider your exit strategy i.e. how you will sell your business or disperse your real estate assets when you have had enough.   Gite "complexes" will be much harder to sell than 4 seperate properties (your house + 3 gites) and by having seperate gites you can choose to sell them piecemeal should you wish to "downsize" too. The very best of luck. Holiday and Property Guide for Nice and the Cote d'Azur    Report

26/02/2008, 18:12 Cendrillon Joined on 19/10/2007 S.E. England & S.W.France Posts 410 Re: Gites. "I got 22 weeks in my first year with one gite (have subsequently bought 2 more and the trend has continued.)" Ian, you are further south so will no doubt benefit from a longer season. Cendrillon    Report

26/02/2008, 18:28 Ian Joined on 04/07/2007 Posts 388 Re: Gites. Very true - I don't know the charente market or weather patterns.  There are many parameters one has to take into account. It is more than just a question of setting your prices right.  Charente is wonderful and sunny ... but perhaps for not so long as Nice. Holiday and Property Guide for Nice and the Cote d'Azur    Report

01/03/2008, 6:39 nimportequoi Joined on 15/11/2005 Posts 506 Re: Gites.  Deby wrote: The other consideration should be is that people tend to prefer private gites and the trend is towards privacy.  People also do not like sharing the swimming pool.  Are you gites all connected or sharing the same viciniy, it is something you should consider.  Also contact the owners of other gite complexes within the region and they will be able to tell you exactly how it is. Deby Not sure - My 3 gites are fully booked from Easter to mid Sept and they all share facilites. There is still a market if you have nice, well located gites with plenty to do for children. Some people even prefer sharing, believe it or not    Report

01/03/2008, 7:44 Cendrillon Joined on 19/10/2007 S.E. England & S.W.France Posts 410 Re: Gites. Location / access Appeal Marketing /advertising Price Many things to consider. Cendrillon    Report

01/03/2008, 11:08 jon Joined on 29/12/2007 Gironde Posts 328 Re: Gites. Cedrillon where are you in SW France.....all very encouraging?    Report

01/03/2008, 11:09 jon Joined on 29/12/2007 Gironde Posts 328 Re: Gites. Itf where are you.....interested in all theis positive renting?    Report

01/03/2008, 17:43 nimportequoi Joined on 15/11/2005 Posts 506 Re: Gites.  Cendrillon wrote: Location / access Appeal Marketing /advertising Price Many things to consider. Totally agree, Cendrillon. Jon, Brittany.    Report

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France Forum » Owning/Running ... » Gite Owners » Re: Gites.

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