10 good reasons to arrange a home exchange #10: luxury accommodation at no cost!

Home Base Holidays occasionally gets phone calls from enquirers who are really keen on the idea of swapping homes but are worried that their own homes will be too modest and that members with luxurious homes will not be interested. It's always lovely (happens every day!) to have new members whose homes are mouth wateringly gorgeous (and, yes, we tend to feature these on the blog and in the newsletter samples quite a lot as the photos are often stunning).

Some members do feel more comfortable exchanging like for like but, for many, location is the most important criteria and, as long as a home in the right area is large enough to accommodate their exchange party (quite often an empty nester single or couple rattling around in a large family home), are not the least bit concerned that it doesn't match their own home in luxury or size). Many of the most desirable homes offered for home exchange are not large but are special in some way, whether the home itself (well preserved period properties are always popular), the facilities (e.g. a private pool) or breath taking views.

Here are just a few recent Home Base Holidays homes that we think are special and luxurious in their own unique ways:

Loch Lomond, Scotland: a magnificent contemporary country house set in almost seven acres with uninterrupted views of Scotland's most famous loch. Originally built in 1968 for a local hotelier, it was cleverly designed to take full advantage of the site's elevated position and the stunning loch views. All of the rooms have been refurbished and have panoramic south facing views with large windows. 

Jimbaran, Bali: A luxurious Colonial Mansion with sea view, 1100 sqm or 12000 ft of living quarter, 3 storey, 7 bedrooms;  Swarovski chandelier, piano, all ceilings decorated with 23 carat gold leaf, marble floor, indoor decking for private sun bath, 6 big balconies, gated. At night you can enjoy city lights view, as the house sits on top of a hill. You can also view sunrise and sunset, as the view is almost 360 degree from different parts of the house.

Sauteurs, Grenada: Treetops is a traditional Caribbean "Gingerbread style" Villa with magnificent views, set in over 150 acres of tropical rainforest. It is ideal for those seeking tranquillity, great walking, fabulous empty beaches and a friendly, safe neighbourhood. Relax in our wonderful Jacuzzi overlooking the Atlantic and Caribbean Sea.

Piedimonte Etneo, nr Taormina, Sicily: Villa Ama is a spacious gated property on three floors with a large garden, terraces and a pool surrounded by citrus trees. Rooms are spacious with high ceilings, french doors, and a wealth of natural light. Set on the foothills of Mount Etna near Piedimonte Etneo, Villa Ama offers magnificent views of the sea, Taormina and Etna. Beaches are within easy reach while the baroque gems of eastern Sicily can be explored in relatively nearby Siracusa, Noto and Ragusa.

Washington, DC, USA: Spacious, light-filled new home with 6 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms on 4 floors; near metro to downtown Washington DC and walking distance to the cafes, restaurants, bookstores and movie theaters of downtown Bethesda. It is an easy metro ride to the museums and art galleries of Washington DC, and we are near the beltway for trips to the Eastern Shore or the mountains of West Virginia. We are also easy walking distance to a park and playground for kids.

Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia: Our house is situated near magnificent beaches and tourist attractions; excellent golf courses & the sun shines all the time - warm weather guaranteed any time of year. The house is two story, has four bedrooms, three of which have en suite bathrooms and the fourth has a bathroom downstairs nearby but is used as a Computer Room. We have a swimming pool with spa and the rear balcony overlooks a lake so the views are spectacular.

Note: Although the vast majority of Home Base Holidays members are very conscientious about responding to all exchange offers, those with very desirable homes do often get many offers and can sometimes be overwhelmed. Please be patient; contact again a week or so later if you haven't had a reply but leave it at that and move on to other offers if you still don't hear back.

Have you swapped homes for a home either much more luxurious than your own or modest in comparison to yours? Do you feel it was an equal swap in other ways such as location? Do leave a comment or get in touch.

Comments

[Robert Hennessy]

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4397 Locust View Drive
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(415) 992-8057
rob.henny25@gmail.com
Skype: rob.henny25.
Twitter: @ HennyRob