Put it this way, if you would rather avoid staying in a hotel or B&B which, to be honest, looks like anywhere else you've stayed in, you need to get in touch with the team at Properties Unique and they'll find somewhere that ticks all your boxes
They’re accommodating when it comes to finding topnotch accommodation. They have a selection of city centre locations, coastal retreats, countryside mansions all of which are fully serviced and include townhouse’s, apartment’s, penthouse’s and a former Rectory that can sleep up to ten people.
Properties Unique is one of the most established property letting companies in the North East. It has been providing a luxurious alternative to staying in a hotel for both leisure and corporate visitors since 2004. However, it is now under new ownership, although the desire to provide the best accommodation for anyone wanting self-catering style apartments or houses for both long- and short-term durations, is still the backbone of the business.
“I’m proud of the fact that when we acquired Properties Unique in December last year, we’ve kept the same staff, added to the team, kept the same property owners and the same attention to detail,” said MD Andrew Biggs. “As a provider of luxury accommodation, the customer always comes first. That’s why we ensure the properties on our books are immaculate. We have our own Housekeeping Team, which looks after all the domestic aspects of the properties. We also have our own maintenance team who are on call to sort out any mechanical or electrical problems and guests are provided with a 24-hour contact number.” Properties Unique was originally formed to serve areas such as Newcastle and Gateshead, but since the acquisition, the Company has moved further afield and, via another arm of the company H&S North East Ltd, opening properties in areas stretching from Seaton Carew in the South, Haydon Bridge in the West and up to the Scottish Borders. “Our sister company, H&S North East specialises in providing clients with accommodation in areas that are traditionally where you’ll find holiday homes,” adds Andrew. “We have properties in seaside resorts like Alnmouth, Bamburgh & Beadnell and in towns and villages which are surrounded by stunning countryside like Haydon Bridge, St Johns Chapel & Wall. We also have properties in truly enviable positions in some of our most popular towns and cities like Durham, Berwick and Morpeth, plus of course those in bustling places like Newcastle, Gateshead, Gosforth and Jesmond. We really can find a home from home property to suit anybody’s taste.” When we caught up with Andrew, there was one burning question. Was buying a business in the middle of a pandemic a good idea? “It’s been a challenge. Those properties which would normally be taken by people who are looking for a holiday destination, have been deserted. City centre properties have suffered because, as anyone who has been into somewhere like Newcastle City Centre can testify, it is quiet. Fewer people have been travelling for work, and of course when it comes to travelling for enjoyment it hasn’t been allowed at all. “However, the situation is picking-up dramatically. We currently have 30 properties which are aimed at the corporate market…business people who are looking for somewhere comfortable to stay but who don’t want to be stuck in a hotel…and we have just over 70 holiday-style properties. Since lockdown began to ease we have taken over half a million pounds worth of property bookings. I’d estimate that we’ll be up to £1million by the end of June and anticipate a first year of over £1.5m in bookings. It also forced us to take a close look at the lettings market and we’ve found that many of the traditional holiday properties are being taken by corporate clients. We’re also being approached by more and more owners who want us to look after and market their properties across our various platforms. We have several properties which are different.
A classic example is The Old Rectory on the outskirts of Durham. It sleeps up to ten people and even has its own tennis court. You approach the property via a private drive and the gardens are wonderful.” Andrew is incredibly passionate about the North East and he is also a terrific ambassador spreading good news stories about this fantastic region around the globe.