Thinking about re-opening a site...
Sorry, long post...
We purchased a property almost two years ago that had a CL - (in Naunton, near Upton Upon Severn, see "Another Sad Loss" in the discussion forums from 2018). At the time of purchase, the Mortgage company wouldn't allow us to continue to take on and operate a CL.
I'm seriously considering reopening the site, getting all of the relevant permissions and certifications. I've never been a caravaner. nor have ever run a site like this before.
The Electrical Hook Ups are all still in place, and functional, there are outside taps etc.
Wonder if I could ask a couple of questions of advice:
1. The site has a toilet at the back of the garage, it probably needs a bit of effort to clean, spruce and fix up the roof. If a site DID NOT offer a toilet, is this a deal breaker? (I'm not sure if it's part of the conditions...)
2. Apart from water and electrics, what else do I need to offer? I'd put bins/recycling out, but what about water/waste from caravan bathrooms etc? I'm not sure what was done before.
3. I can't guarantee that the site hedges/grounds etc will be quite as well maintained as when the previous owners looked after it. Previous owners had one of them maintaining the site 24/7 whereas wife and I both work. Would a few weeds and overgrown hedges be a deal breaker?
4. How "hands on" would you want an "owner" to be? We'd be there for check-in/check-outs etc, but pretty much leave you alone unless you wanted questions etc. Would you want more interaction?
5. I'm currently storing a couple of "fixer upper" caravans for a friend. Would it put you off the site if you arrived to find a couple of old broken caravans in a corner of the site?
6a. Site was traditionally "adults only". We, as current owners, have children here. Would this be off putting?
6b. If we allowed children into the site, would this put some off? (Noting general lack of children's facilities and family oriented activities nearby)
Any input, thoughts etc to help the decision process would be appreciated.
I would consider offering a couple of free nights to experienced caravaners who would be willing and able to provide constructive feedback and a bit of help whilst on site on the logistics of what they would expect.
Thank you
Pete