Village Life - from Harriet Hadfield's 5 stories

Published 12:30 on 16 Jan 2022

The village of Seaview has been "effectively stripped out of permanent life due to 82% of properties being second homes" that's according to Bob Seely, the Isle of Wight MP. Bob was quoted in the Daily Mail in an article about potential licenses for AirBnB landlords in rural communities, as an effort to free up housing for locals in popular tourist hotspots such as the Isle of Wight.

One young family who are still looking for a house to buy in Seaview told me: "We think there needs to be some serious soul-searching and awareness around it. I am happy Bob raised it and was brutal around the assessment…  Across the Island the housing situation is killing off its potential because not just staff, but quality management are struggling to find a roof over their heads. The Government needs to make moves to cool off the market."

In Seaview's defence, I think we punch above our weight as a village with a thriving community shop, cafes and a pub but I was incredibly lucky to buy my Grandmothers home on the High Street, and I do wish more young families could become my neighbours. From Harriet Hadfield's 5 stories. To read more pieces or subscribe, click here.