The National Trust is planning to close more than 130 properties in its UK portfolio in a bid to offset cost rises. The heritage charity said the decision to reduce its collection of holiday cottages was "not easy", but was necessary to ensure "a sustainable future". The 137 cottages cut from its portfolio will be listed on the rental market later this year, according to reports.
The Trust has not confirmed which properties will be affected, but the move will make a sizeable dent in its 500-strong collection of cottage lets scattered around the country. Local newspaper Cumbria Crack has reported that six of the earmarked sites are located in the northwest England county, including in the Lake District's picturesque Eskdale Valley.
It follows a challenging few years for the charity, which looks after hundreds of historic homes, gardens and monuments across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Membership numbers have fallen by around 120,000 in the last two years and its renewable profits, generated partly from solar panels installed on visitor centres, dropped by over 40% last year, according to The Telegraph.
The Trust's portfolio of holiday cottages and campsites made a £500,000 increase in the 2024/25 year, however, generating £22.5million.
Despite this, a spokesperson confirmed that 137 of the properties would imminently be "repurposed".
They said: "We have reviewed our holiday accommodation to ensure all holiday cottages are financially sustainable.
"As a result, 137 holiday cottages will be repurposed, with most becoming longterm rented homes that support local housing needs."
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