Colin Walker

My career has mainly been built around people, service, operations and business growth, first through sport and leisure management and now through short-term rental property management for investors and coastal holiday home owners.

I hold a Master of Business Administration, MBA, from the University of Hertfordshire and am a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute. I also have a strong operational and compliance background, which helps me take a practical, professional and organised approach to property management, guest experience and business performance.

I founded Norfolk Seaside Escapes after managing my own coastal short-term rental properties in Cornwall and Norfolk, a journey that started over nine years ago. During that time, I have learned what makes a successful short-term rental, from choosing the right type of property and setting it up properly, through to managing guests, cleaning, linen, maintenance, reviews and the many small details that make a big difference.

One of the things I noticed is that many investors dismiss short-term rental because they see it as too much hassle for the return. However, many of those assumptions are based on expensive city properties, where yields can be much lower and the numbers are harder to make work. I believe there is still a strong opportunity in affordable freehold coastal properties, where the right property, set up and management approach can deliver much stronger returns.

Norfolk Seaside Escapes has been created to take the hassle out of short-term rental investment. We support investors who want to be as hands-off as possible, providing the services, systems and local support needed to run a successful STR. This can include helping identify suitable property opportunities, setting up listings, managing guest communications, arranging cleaning and changeovers, providing linen support, coordinating maintenance, monitoring reviews and handling the practical day-to-day details.

My aim is to make short-term rental simpler, safer and more profitable for serious investors, part-time investors and coastal holiday home owners. I am passionate about helping owners achieve strong returns while delivering excellent standards for guests, because a happy guest is ultimately what creates a happy host.