A FORMER nurse has launched a brand-new holiday lettings business in the heart of Skipton.

Skipton Holiday Homes is the brainchild of Victoria Peace and her husband Andrew, from Thornton-in-Craven, who believe the town is set to enjoy a tourist boom as staycations become the order of the day.

Following a surge in visitor numbers to the area after the first Covid lockdown, the couple have launched their first let in the town’s High Street House, owned and managed by Andrew Mear of San Pedro Properties.

Mrs Peace said: “As we emerge from a second lockdown, I think people will be even more determined to holiday in the UK. As a tourist hotspot, Skipton is well placed to benefit from increased visitor numbers – provided the town has the capacity to accommodate them – and it was with this in mind we decided to go into holiday lets.”

The Clocktower Suite has been transformed from what was originally office space, then a private apartment, into a luxury holiday let sleeping up to 10 people.

Mrs Peace added: “After leaving my position as a nurse I set up a business on footcare, within the building. I pitched my vision to Mr Mear, and he said, go for it.

"We have a lot of confidence in Skipton, and while the hospitality sector has taken a beating, we are sure it will soon bounce back. The Clocktower Suite is the perfect accommodation for city dwellers looking to escape and get out into the countryside, as well as keen ramblers and cyclists.”

Mr Mear whose Skipton property portfolio includes the town’s historic High Corn Mill said: “With the changing face of the high street, it is important that we diversify building use – so when Victoria came to me with the idea I thought it would be a good opportunity. I wish her every success in the new venture which I’m sure will be a roaring success as we move into, hopefully more certain times.”