Villagers say there are only 14 | left due to the owners of the second house News from the United Kingdom

A small community in one of the UK’s most stunning villages is on the brink of being pushed out by tourists buying second homes.

It’s been hailed as one of the best places to live in the UK, but life in Runswick Bay isn’t as shabby as its quaint beauty might lead you to believe.

There’s no denying that the red-roofed half-timbered houses and narrow streets carved into the cliff provide the perfect backdrop to the glistening waters of the North Sea.

Known as one of North Yorkshire’s most picturesque destinations with a white sand beach that was also once crowned the best in Britain, it’s all very pleasing to the eye.

But it is the incredible character of the village’s appearance and picturesque location that is actually the cause of its downfall for some locals.

It has become so popular that its inhabitants live off the scraps left behind by selfish tourists who break down houses and leave only “one hut in the market”.

Demand for properties in the village is extremely high, but they are rarely available and prices have been driven up by outsiders renting holiday homes.

The cafe owner, who was born and raised in Runswick, told YorkshireLive: “On days like this it’s really quiet and there’s no traffic.

“It was never very busy, but after the first lockdown, a lot of people flocked here.

“I think there are 14 permanent residents here. However, in my lifetime it has always been mostly holiday accommodation.’

The cafe owner believes the reputation Runswick Bay gained as a beautiful place during the lockdown after it was named Britain’s best beach by the Sunday Times has made the situation worse.

He said: ‘When it’s too stormy, everyone has a degraded experience.’

Another woman who lived in the village as a child said: “Runswick has changed so much over the years – I remember there being a lot more permanent residents.

“I also remember it used to be a busy local bar and it’s quite sad that it’s gone. As anywhere, the locals were appreciated.

“Houses don’t come on the market very often, and when they do, they’re very expensive.”

First time visitors Richard and Helen Foster immediately got the feeling on arrival that it was a tourist-oriented place.

They said: ‘We just love this area, even though it’s quite touristy.

“Even though it’s gray today, we had a lovely time walking all over the beach.”

Another visitor was 85-year-old Colin Elliott, who has been coming to the area to relive old memories for 20 years.

He said: ‘It’s such a nice place and has such memories of my partner and me.

“It’s very peaceful. I would live here if I had the money.’

Despite its popularity with second-home buyers, the village isn’t the most practical for day-to-day living, according to one couple who visited.

Graham and Lane said: “It’s a beautiful place, but I’m not sure these ‘best places to live’ rankings often take a lot of real practical things into account.

“It’s beautiful, but I can’t imagine raising teenagers or anything or trying to find a job here.

“You would have to work remotely or commute somewhere else. There are also no shops in the village and no train station nearby.’

The cafe owner added: “I wish there was a bit more living in the village, but many of the houses here are actually very small and not suitable for modern residents.

“I think most families would try to live here.

Amidst the frustration of the village being taken over by those who want a holiday home, there are some who are perfectly happy with it being largely a tourist attraction.

Tom Rose, who has managed the Royal Hotel in central Runswick Bay for two years, said he “loves it here whatever the weather”.

He said: “Runswick definitely has a certain charm that people fall in love with. Most of the owners of the cottages do not live in them, but they are often there all year round.

“Everyone who comes is nice, probably because everyone is in holiday mode! We have some locals that come in and they are nice too.

“All the houses probably came down through the generations. I think Runswick is a bit of a hidden gem, but once you find it, you know all about it.’

In March 2023, angry locals in Cornwall waged a war on second homes by targeting properties with giant graffiti slogans.

A strong message painted on the wall outside one holiday home read: ‘Second home owners give back: Rent or sell your empty homes to locals for a decent price.’

This article was first published on May 10, 2023.

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