Trading the tropics for traditional seaside charm in Sidmouth After spending many years
Having spent the past two decades overseas, staying in a string of holiday homes in Shanghai, Vietnam, Singapore and Australia among other far flung destinations, Chris and Ellen Bourton had a pretty clear idea of the dos and don’ts of the self-catering business when they returned to the UK and switched hats from guest to owner in October 2022. Chris previously worked in manufacturing operations all around the world but it was always his intention to put down roots in the South West. Originally looking in Cornwall where they had enjoyed years of happy summer holidays, the couple quickly deemed Devon a better fit for them and their 11-year-old son, especially travelling the Globe, Chris and Ellen Bourton decided to dip their toes into the world of self-catering accommodation in the seaside town of Sidmouth.
during the quieter winter months. Turning their attention to the other side
Our only initial concern was that we had never been to Sidmouth before but
of the Tamar Bridge, Chris and Ellen stumbled upon Bulverton House, the first - and only - property they viewed in person. This Grade II-listed 1800s house came with three self-catering cottages converted from original outhouses in 2008 together with additional buildings with potential for further development. “We took one look at it and immediately fell in
after one walk along the seafront with its colourful
buildings, shingle beach and friendly independent shops and cafes, we knew that this was where we wanted to be.” With only four bookings in the calendar when they took it on, Chris and Ellen had time to get to know their new home and business, carry out the minor maintenance
“We took one look at it and immediately fell in love; we knew we wanted to manage and maintain the business ourselves so the size of Bulverton was perfect.”
love; we knew we wanted to manage and maintain the business ourselves so the size of Bulverton was perfect.
work and launch a new website and booking system before the busy season got underway. “It has been an extremely
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