October 13th 2024.
The picturesque village of Runswick Bay, located in North Yorkshire, UK, has long been hailed as one of the best places to live in the country. However, for the locals who have called it home for generations, life is not as idyllic as it may seem. The number of permanent residents in the village has been steadily dwindling, as more and more tourists are buying up second homes in the area.
One of the main sources of frustration for the locals is the high demand for properties in the village. It's not uncommon for there to be just one cottage on the market at a time, and even then, it is quickly snatched up. The influx of outsiders looking for a holiday home has also driven up housing prices, making it nearly impossible for locals to afford to buy or even rent in their own village.
Colin Elliott, an 85-year-old café owner who was born and raised in Runswick, longs to live in the village but knows it is simply not financially feasible. He remembers a time when the village was much quieter and less touristy, but after the first lockdown, the number of visitors increased drastically. Now, there are only 14 permanent residents in the village, and Colin laments that it has always been a popular spot for holiday accommodations.
The popularity of Runswick Bay as a beauty spot has only worsened the situation for the locals, especially after it was named the UK's best beach by the Sunday Times during lockdown. The café owner explains that when the village becomes too crowded, it takes away from the peaceful and quiet atmosphere that the locals cherish.
Another resident, who used to live in the village as a child, reflects on how much Runswick has changed over the years. She remembers a time when there were more permanent residents and a bustling local bar, which has now been replaced by holiday homes. She acknowledges that this is a common trend in many places, where locals are being priced out of their own communities.
For first-time visitors Richard and Helen Foster, it is evident that Runswick Bay is primarily geared towards tourists. However, they still enjoy the area and even on a grey day, they have had a lovely time walking along the beach. Another visitor, 85-year-old Colin Elliott, has been coming to the village for 20 years to relive old memories. He describes it as a peaceful and nostalgic place, and he would love to live there if he could afford it.
Despite its popularity among second home buyers, the village is not the most practical place to live day-to-day. One couple, Graham and Lane, are visiting and note that while it is beautiful, it may not be the most ideal place to raise a family or find employment. They mention the lack of shops and nearby train stations, making it necessary to work remotely or commute to other areas.
The café owner also acknowledges that many of the cottages in the village are small and not suitable for modern residents. He believes that most families would struggle to live there comfortably. However, amid the frustrations of being taken over by holiday homes, some residents are content with Runswick Bay being a popular tourist destination. Tom Rose, the owner of the Royal Hotel, loves living in the village, regardless of the weather. He describes it as a hidden gem and appreciates the charm that draws people to the area.
Unfortunately, for the locals, the issue of second homes is not unique to Runswick Bay. In March 2023, residents in Cornwall took a stand against second homes by targeting properties with graffiti slogans, urging owners to rent or sell their empty houses at a fair price to locals. It's a sentiment shared by many in Runswick Bay, who just want to see their village thrive as a community, rather than just a holiday destination.
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