Swap your home for a festive adventure (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Swap your home for a festive adventure

3:30pm Saturday 10th October 2009 in

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A LUXURY property in Cape Town is still available for a central Hampshire family willing to do a house swap.

The Thomas family left Winchester eight years ago to start a new life in South Africa.

However, they want to return this Christmas, and are offering to swap their detached villa on a temporary basis.

Mother-of-four Joanna Thomas said they wanted to spend the festive season back in England for a change, and visit her parents in Fair Oak.

Instead of moving into a hotel for three weeks, she hopes that they can housesit for a family willing to spend Christmas in the Cape Town sunshine.

She added that not only would it save money, but would help to deter burglars looking for empty homes during Christmas.

In terms of avoiding unwanted callers, Mrs Thomas said their Cape Town property was in a 'security estate' in the leafy Tokai suburb.

The villa itself has four bedrooms, satellite television, a swimming pool and double garage.

Their seven-seater vehicle will also be included, in return for the Hampshire family making their car available in Britain.

Mrs Thomas said the selling points of Cape Town included Table Mountain, good value food and wine, and warm sunshine.

She added that what they missed about Winchester included The Wykeham Arms pub and the cheese straws sold at Reeves The Baker.

She hopes to return with her husband, Steve, and three of their children, George, Scarlett and Charlie. Their eldest son, Harry, is likely to be skiing in America this Christmas.

As a result, the family is seeking a four-bedroom house, and ideally a non-smoking family without dogs.

Mrs Thomas said some people in Hampshire had already expressed an interest, but were put off by the flights.

"Unfortunately we haven't found anyone yet," she added. "From the initial enquiries received, the families all found flights were too expensive for them at that time of year."

Prices for a return adult ticket with British Airways or South African Airways currently start at around £1,400. However, once in Cape Town, the accommodation would be free.

E-mail the family at jo.t@sothebysrealtyss.co.za for more details.