Home Exchange – ready for a change!

We have been fortunate to have spent 4 great summers at our holiday cottage on the north coast of N Ireland. However we feel it is time for a change, and to spread our wings a little and travel a bit farther.

Not sure when I first heard of home exchange / house swap, but it has been in the back of my mind for some time. Before the cottage, nearly all our holidays have always been to holiday homes – villas in Tuscany, gites in France. We much prefer self-catering to hotels, as it is much more relaxing with kids, there is more space etc. We also like to shop for food in local markets, cook on the BBQ etc, so home exchanging seems the next step.

Is it something you would ever consider, have you ever tried it? I think we are probably happier with trying this with our second home, and it would be a much bigger step to do this with our main home.

I have spent the last few days decluttering and taking photos – perhaps too much decluttering (is that possible!) – have a look at the photos and tell me what you think?

We have also included some photos of the local attractions – Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle, beaches etc

.

So I finally signed up and added our details to a Home Exchange site last night. I plan to contact potential “swappers” who have expressed an interest in visiting Ireland and who are in are preferred areas to visit – namely North East US (New England, New York etc), France and Italy.

Here is our holiday cottage link – would love to hear your thoughts. Can you think of anything more I should add? (Photos of dining area and kitchen still to be added).

Charming 3 bed Cottage on stunning north coast of N Ireland – 2 miles from Giants Causeway, beautiful beaches and historic castles nearby.

A slight potential problem for us may be the fact that Northern Ireland is listed as part of the UK (NOT going to get political here!), but I think our property would appeal more for those searching for a cottage in Ireland……hmmmm…… again, your thoughts are welcome!

So this week I am definitely HOOKED on house swapping, and it has Inspired me to appreciate our holiday cottage and what our area has to offer so I am also including this in the Beautiful Life carnival too. This is also definitely a Show and Tell post, so adding it to There’s No Place Like Home.

Please visit these lovely ladies to find links to some great blogs.

The Inspired RoomHooked on HousesThere’s No Place Like Home

So tell me your thoughts on house swapping. Would you ever consider it? Do you think we are mad?!!! If you were going to do it, where would be your dream location to visit?

Looking forward to your comments.