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After being made redundant Paula and Graham have decided to use their cash and follow their dream of running a B&B, but should it be in the Lake District or the Dolomites in Italy?
After being made redundant within 17 months of each other, Paula and Graham Smith decided once and for all that it was time to quit the rat race and follow their hearts to greener pastures. The problem has always been agreeing on where to move.
The couple have been dreaming of owning a B & B business and have exhausted themselves with research, which has left them struggling to see the wood for the trees. Can Jonnie and Jasmine help them focus their minds and decide on the Dolomites in Italy or The Lakes?
Home properties - The Lakes
Despite being the rainiest part of the UK, the Lake District is also one of the most vibrant tourist centres in the country and footfall to the Lake District continues to grow every year, with visitors from all over the world coming to the region to view the beautiful landscapes and take part in the large number of outdoor activities that the region has to offer. The tourism industry is now central to the vitality of the Lake District, which means that there is a lot of competition among B+B owners. Despite this, a well placed business with a unique selling point could do well, and Paula and Graham could find that a move to the beautiful region could do wonders both for their bank balance and their quality of life.
Away properties - The Dolomites
The Dolomites, which are currently being considered for inclusion as a UNESCO world heritage site, are a section of the Alps located 70% in the provinces of Belluno, and 30% in the provinces of Bolzano-Bozen and Trento (all in north-eastern Italy). They extend from the Adige river in the west to the Piave valley (Pieve di Cadore) in the east, and attract over 350,000 visitors every year. They are therefore an ideal location for a B+B business. As a location the area has year round appeal, as its beautiful mountains are perfect for skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. There are also plenty of other reasons to visit including cheap property and of course the wonderful Italian food. But is it a case of aint no mountain high enough for our couple?
Will our couple be dazzled by the Dolomites or will they fall in love with the lakes?
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