The Daily Telegraph - Saturday - The Telegraph Magazine
Getting the most from our holidays
Sir Matthew Pinsent is known all over the world as a British champion rower and winner of four consecutive Olympic gold medals. Although he retired from the sport in 2004, he continues to lead a very busy life as a broadcaster. So how does he like to unwind, away from the pressures of daily life? Increasingly the Holiday Property Bond provides the answer to that question, because Matthew and his family recently became investors (Bondholders) in HPB.
Both Matthew and his wife Demetra have demanding careers, so HPB seemed the ideal way to escape from time to time for a relaxing break. “Coming up for air”, they call it.
“HPB has been a wonderful discovery for us,” says Matthew. “We have three children and two busy jobs and so family time is crucial. What we’ve found with HPB is that it gives us a gap that we can plan together and anticipate together and then relish.
“Our first HPB holiday was to the Manoir du Hilguy, a beautifully restored 18th century chateau in Brittany. It really is a wonderful setting. We spent a chunk of each day in the pool and went for long, invigorating walks along the clifftops, only pausing to admire the scenery and go rock pooling. We also fell in love with the local cuisine, especially the moules frites. HPB has its own excellent bistro on site at Hilguy and there are many other excellent eating places within easy reach.” For Matthew and his family, one of the best things about HPB holidays is the ‘home from home’ comfort that you find whenever you stay at a Bond location. “Your apartment or villa is always carefully prepared for you and always wonderfully clean, comfortable and well equipped. You also have space and privacy so you can forget the pressures of everyday life and unwind in your own way. Excellent on-site amenities such as heated swimming pools and games rooms are another strong point in HPB’s favour. If you just want to stay on site and relax quietly, everything you need is right there for you.”
But maybe the biggest plus point about HPB holidays for the Pinsent family is that everything is straightforward and hasslefree. Matthew says: “With HPB you know all the basics are taken care of. No endless phone calls to sort out issues. And if there are any minor problems, the on-site Englishspeaking staff are really helpful. They go the extra mile to make you feel at home.” What’s more, as relatively new Bondholders, the Pinsent family are looking forward to even better holiday experiences in the years to come. “There is such a variety of HPB locations, from restored historic houses like Hilguy to completely purpose-built private resorts in places like the Canary Islands and southern Spain. As the years go by, we will be looking forward to exploring a lot more of what HPB has to offer to the whole family and I have already visited Langton House in Dorset, a county with many family connections.”
He adds: “I suppose that is what attracts so many people like us to the Holiday Property Bond. It’s a lifelong adventure that you can experience and enjoy afresh year after year.”