Island Life Magazine Ltd August/September 2015 | Page 152

What makes Wight Island Escapes a home? I t’s a question I was asked recently and it’s one I’ve been pondering ever since. At the Newport agency of NFU Mutual we insure all manner of properties, from large manor houses and listed properties, through to state of the art contemporary homes and quaint cottages. In fact, the range of homes we insure is as diverse as the people who own them. According to a recent survey, British homeowners plan to spend £24.3billion on home improvements in 2015. And, whilst I am certain that a great deal of attention will be paid to elements such as the design and choosing those all-important colour schemes, I am less certain that all homeowners will revise the sum insured on their household insurance to ensure that their newly improved property is adequately insured. Unfortunately, choosing home insurance is not as interesting as selecting your new kitchen or ensuring that you appoint the right builder. However, it is one of the most important things you can do to protect your property and all the things that make your house a home. For further details about home insurance or to arrange a valuation please call the Newport agency on 01983 623 861 or email [email protected] Dores Hill Farm Emporium Kynges House, West Street, Brading, PO36 0DN t. 01983 303303 e. [email protected] w. www.wightislandescapes.com Briddlesford Road, Wootton Bridge, PO33 4RX m. 07515 931383 A D s the Isle of Wight’s appeal as a holiday destination continues to flourish, the people at Brading-based Wight Island Escapes have been working flat out to add to their portfolio of properties this year. Even as the summer season was getting under way, the self-catering accommodation company was still adding appealing new venues to the books – from cosy one bedroom cottages to spacious luxury barn conversions and period seaside houses. The company, which launched in 2012, is run by husband and wife team Terry and Debby Hallett, along with their small, professional team. “We all grew up on the Island,” said Debby, “so over the years we’ve developed a comprehensive knowledge of this very popular holiday destination. “We like nothing more than being able to share this with our clients, and pride ourselves on the excellent service we can offer to both property owners and visitors”. The company can provide accommodation for last minute breaks, short breaks and long stay holidays and takes time to match the perfect property with each client’s requirements. For holiday property owners looking for an extra income, or visitors looking for the perfect base to explore the Island, Wight Island Escapes is an obvious first port of call. Debby says that no matter how busy they are, the door of the Brading office is always open to callers for an informal chat and a cup of tea. oreshill Farm Emporium has been colourfully described as ‘The Isle of Wight Souk’ after it reminded one customer of an exotic bazaar or marketplace where you never quite know what you’re going to stumble across! Indeed, the emporium prides itself on having the most eclectic mix of vintage and retro wares and looks out for ‘different’ and ‘unique’ items. This summer is seeing the arrival of new traders with very specific interests – from vinyl records to vintage clothing and handbags, and an amazing ra