Crown Gardens: Fully Booked

Andrew Kay talks to Julia Harding, the face behind business success, Crown Gardens

I first met Julia Harding a few years back. Hers was a new business and a fascinating story too. A single mum, Julia had decided to build a portfolio of property to let and target a very specific market.

Broadly speaking this was holiday lets, but in truth, she was looking at a rapidly expanding market of discerning large groups wanting breaks in a sophisticated yet homely environment, but cheaper than a hotel.

I admit my initial response was ambiguous. What makes for an extra special and sophisticated weekend in Brighton? Julia showed me by taking me to see her two original properties in the pretty Crown Gardens twitten at the very heart of Brighton.

They were well appointed for a holiday let and configured to give the maximum potential beds. She explained that girls on a sassy weekend break actually liked sharing rooms; a break could be seen as a rather grown up sleep-over party.

Over the last two years Crown Gardens has seen an annual increase of over 100 per cent in both their property portfolio and number of bookings. The recession has resulted in many more customers wanting Brighton breaks, and longer term stays from relocation companies have risen also. The exchange rates have also worked well in their favour, with UK customers choosing not to go abroad.

The dedicated team, headed by operations manager Debbie Mullan, ensures customers and clients are always happy. Their central office in the North Laine is open all day on weekdays. “Our team here is like a family,” says Debbie.

“Everyone works together and our skills are pooled ensuring we offer the the best to our happy clients; our testimonials speak for themselves. Many guests book directly with us here, especially tourists who have our details from Visit Brighton.”

Crown Gardens also offer a full design service for landlords who want to get in on the scene. Right now, Julia is creating a contemporary Moroccan Rhiad to sleep up to 24 guests in Kemp Town for one happy client, using vivid colours and exciting design ideas, perfect for the weekend market and also conference bookings too.

This property is already fully booked for weekend breaks in the summer season, without photos being available yet – a true indication of customer confidence in the Crown Gardens brand. Security deposits are kept reassuringly high but it is rare for breakage monies to be taken. “As we offer high end accommodation, customers are respectful and courteous at our properties.

“We are proud to have on our books some very unique and beautiful holiday homes”

“Many of our landlords are excellent interior designers and property developers. We are proud to have on our books some very unique and beautiful holiday homes. Other clients require our expertise in helping them develop their property for this specific market – which we love to do.

“Letting to holiday makers is an excellent way to make the maximum from a property investment,” continues Julia. “If you get the styling and the location right, then the returns can be excellent. And of course, unlike a long-term let, you can, if you wish, have access to your own property for holidays here by the sea. We can advise you where to buy, what to buy and how to get it right”

Crown Gardens offer a remarkable package to property developers and landlords. There are opportunities too, for owners who have their homes on the market. Viewings can take place whilst at the same time producing valuable income. “We are always keen to find new homes to offer in this way, and especially ones that can sleep large numbers.

We would even like to hear from small hotels that might like to become part of the Crown Gardens concept. We are a very hands on company, and our office door is always open.”

It’s always lovely to see a business grow and prosper, and Crown Gardens has certainly done that.

Crown Gardens Ltd, 7 Gloucester Yard, 121-123 Gloucester Road, Brighton, BN1 4AF, 01273 358086/08450 941 694, www.crown-gardens.co.uk