Antrim
Glens Cottages
Antrim Glens Cottages is the community business
of North Antrim Community Network, the business has been operational
since the summer of 1995.
The project was support by LEADER I, Department
of Agriculture, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Rural Development
Council and the International Fund for Ireland.
A total of nine direct properties were leased
in the Glens of Antrim. Local farmers, National Trust and landowners
own the properties. All of the properties were in poor condition
and were not habitable at the time of leasing. The aim of the project,
therefore, was to renovate the properties into self-catering accommodation.
The lease agreement allowed the owners to hand
over their property for a period of 21 years to a community business
that would use them for the sole purpose of tourist accommodation.
The owner can purchase back the properties after 11 years at a pre-fixed
price which declines every year there after. However, after 21 years
the properties are returned to their owner at no cost.
The project has several
benefits for the area:
· allowed buildings in the area to be put back into use
· increased the provision of high quality holiday accommodation
· provided work in the initial renovation stages
· increased the capacity of North Antrim Community Network
both in initiating the project and managing the ongoing developments
· employment for local people - cleaners, cottage hosts,
gardeners and handy man.
· sustainability for community activity - NACN
Understandably with a community business the
budget is limited. Therefore, Antrim Glens Cottages aims to take
advantage of every opportunity to increase the level of occupancy
of their nine cottages.
By renting one of Antrim Glens Cottages you are
supporting local community activities in the area through the work
of North Antrim Community Network.
