Home in Edinburgh? Swap it for one in California.....

Not forever silly (you’d sooo miss Auld Reekie).  Just for a weekend, a week or a fortnight.  And you don’t just swap houses.  You swap cars, lifestyles, friends and neighbours  (if you like…).

What are we talking about?  An international house swap.  You may have seen the Channel 4 programme ‘House Swap’ so you’ll know how well it can work.  What you may not know is that a home in Edinburgh is highly desirable and one of the easiest to swap.  It’s particularly popular with our transatlantic cousins.  And if you’re prepared to swap during the Festival or over the Christmas/New Year period – well, the world is quite literally your oyster….

So How Does it Work?

Home swapping is basically where two families agree to swap homes for the duration of a holiday ie. you stay in my house while I stay in yours.  Note: the exchanges don’t have to be simultaneous.

Is it Safe?

Home Exchange – one of the longest established agencies – say that in fourteen years and tens of thousands of exchanges they’ve never had a report of a theft or malicious vandalism.  They say:

‘Don't be worried about "Having a Stranger in Your House" . Think of home exchange as Internet Dating for your home. Before you would actually go on a date with someone you met on the internet, you would exchange some emails, talk on the phone a few times, and swap recent photos. By the time you agreed to meet, it wouldn't be with a "stranger". You wouldn't go on a date if you didn't feel a connection, and the same goes for a home exchange’.

What are the Advantages?
 

• Low cost holidays worldwide
• You live like a local in a residential community, not packed into tourist ghettos.
• It’s much more comfortable than an apartment or a hotel – you’ll have everything you need to live fully and normally.
• You can go for just a weekend getaway or a big two or three week holiday
• Swap with other similar-aged families and you’ll have everything you need to keep kids entertained plus a car that’s the right size.
• Someone looks after your home while you’re away. You can even agree to look after each other pets and water the plants!
• Some swappers have even exchanged their home for a 40-foot yacht or a gigantic 5-star motorhome. 

Interested?  Here’s a little taste of what’s currently on offer…..

California Beachfront

Spectacular 6-bed villa with beach views, pool, mini-gym, home cimema, gourmet kitchen and jeep.

Outdoor barbecue area and landscaped gardens.  Close to nightlife and entertainment.



South Africa

Absolutely jaw-dropping character lodge in the Eastern Cape set right on a wildlife reserve. Watch game from your patio!  2km of sea frontage, opulent furnishings and original objets d’art.  Canoes available to explore the adjacent lagoon.

Australia


Spectacular 5-bed seafront townhouse with top-end designer furniture, gourmet kitchen, lap pool and sauna in Queensland.

Close to national park and lots of outdoor activities.

Paris

Elegant 18th century apartment in the heart of historical St. Germain with spectacular views of Notre Dame.  Versailles floors and antique furnishings.

Right in the heart of Paris close to the Louvres, restaurants, shops etc.  

 
Bermuda

Fully restored 3-bed historical property with sea-views. 

Spectacular views, stunning public areas and large family-size pool.

Comes with small friendly dog and resident housekeeper.

Close to nightlife and entertainment.






And finally….

A list of companies offering to organise your swap.  So go trot that globe!  

www.homeexchange.com
www.homeforexchange.com
www.homebase-hols.com
www.homexchangevacation.com