Latest news with #RichardGreaves
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Clifftop holiday cottage which overlooks ‘Caribbean' beach crowned best in Scotland
Scroll down to see the other winners Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A STUNNING cottage which overlooks an award-winning beach has been crowned the best holiday rental spot in Scotland. The 'Oscars' of the travel world were held in Glasgow last month. 4 The hideaway is nestled into the cliffs 4 There are stunning views from every room 4 It overlooks the award-winning Luskentyre Beach There were winners from across Scotland, from luxury five-star venues to boutique B&Bs. And the clifftop Harris Hideaway took the top spot for self-catering accommodation. The gorgeous, secluded property is perched above the Sound of Taransay and is dubbed 'the ultimate place for relaxation'. Perfect for luxury-loving couples, visitors have views across the sea to the uninhabited island of Taransay as well as the beautiful beaches of Luskentyre - often compared to the Caribbean - and Horgabost. The underground hideaway, run by Debbie and Richard Greaves, is built into the rugged landscape with natural rock walls and a turf roof made from local peat and wild grasses. The couple were delighted to win top prize for their property. Debbie said: "Winning Scotland's Best Holiday Rental Accommodation is real honour as there is an abundance of amazing cottages across Scotland. "To win this award in our first year of opening is a testament to the three years of hard work that went into its creation. We'd like to thank all the small businesses on the islands who have helped us create something special and also to our amazing housekeeper Gael Hogarth who ensures the Hideaway offers first class accommodation to every guest that stays with us.' The owners reckon the amount of space and calmness of the interior is something quite special. Debbie added: "When guests walk through the entrance way for the first time and see the expanse of sea view from those huge curved windows, their first words are WOW! Luskentyre Beach: Scotland's Gem Among World's Best "Many guests message within a few hours of being there, thanking us for creating something so magical and sharing it with them. The connection which the house allows visitors to have with the island and the surrounding nature is spellbinding. "Some guests have booked a return visit for four years in a row after staying for the first time last year." Highlights of the hideaway include the outdoor copper tub, which allows guests to soak as the sun rises or under the stars at night with the sound of the sea in the bay below. And visits from the local stags and white tailed sea eagles make a stay even more special. Awards Director Warren Paul said across the event, held in Glasgow's Doubletree Hotel, the calibre of nominees was the very highest standard. BEST OF THE REST THE highly recommended in the category were: Auchrannie Resort, Isle of Arran Portavadie, Loch Fyne He added: "They're all the very best operators in Scotland, delivering amazing service and much- needed escape from the rigours of modern life. 'We all need time out to rest, recover, recharge – especially right now – so our world-class, in fact world-beating hospitality industry should be celebrated and shouted from the rooftops. 'I really wish the powers that be would support and help the hard-working people who give up their weekends, days and nights to offer the rest of us all sorts of amazing breaks and escapes. 'Whatever you want to do, you can find it in Scotland – and here tonight. From the perfect wedding hotel to the most incredible hotel bar in the heart of Glasgow's music city, country retreats, island hotels, bustling city breaks, cosy retreats for private rental, all of it. 'We have it all, Scotland really is special and the offerings in this trade are stellar. That's why we are here – to showcase the results of the hard work by so many people, and to recognise and thank them.' Among the other awards were the best golf hotel and spa and the best value hotel in Scotland.
Calgary Herald
29-05-2025
- Business
- Calgary Herald
Canmore sees growing demand for its high-cost housing
Canmore is increasingly one of Canada's worst kept secrets as a top recreational destination. That's helped drive real estate prices, making the Bow Valley community one of the most costly in Canada for many years. Article content Article content This year is no exception even amid economic uncertainty. Recent market data from the Calgary Real Estate Board shows Canmore's benchmark price was $1,116,500 at the end of April, up nearly 13 per cent from the same month last year. Article content Article content The 54 resales consisted mostly of row home and apartment resales with single-family detached homes making up less than 20 per cent of all sales — significantly less than in Calgary and other regional communities. Article content Article content One reason is the average higher price for a home, says Richard Greaves, Canmore realtor at Re/Max Alpine Realty. And it is likely to move higher this year as demand ramps up from a slower pace last year. Article content 'In 2024, the single-family home market in that $1.8 million to $2.8 million was actually fairly slow, and this year, it's flipped on its head with more sales.' Article content This has not been unexpected, he adds. 'In the past, when stock markets got volatile, people invested in something safer.' Article content Canmore real estate is indeed a safe bet, given its scarcity and high demand. In turn, Greaves suspects that high-net-worth buyers are looking to purchase in Canmore. That's maybe even more so today as more Canadians sour on American destinations, says Don Kottick, president of Re/Max Canada. Article content Article content 'We know anecdotally the snowbirds are thinking about coming back,' Kottick says. Article content Re/Max's recent 2025 Canadian Cabin and Cottage Trends Report forecasts tariffs are having an impact, but it's mostly a headwind for resales. The study notes demand growth paused this spring as prospective buyers held back on decisions. Article content Still, the report also forecasts that prices could gain almost two per cent year over year across Canada in recreational markets by year's end. And resales could range from flat to as high as 10 per cent growth, depending on the region. Article content Kottick further notes some buyers see the market as a good entry point with prices down from their peak in places like Ontario.
