FOUNDERS OF TheVillaAgency Patrick Wrigley and Karen Lippett have bought back the company they sold to Bladon Lines in 1991.
Both kept a 35% share in the company, which was bought by Bladon Lines owner Christopher Needler after Inghams acquired his company in 1995.
Wrigley and Lippett have now bought Needler’s 65% holding and have a 50:50 share in the company.
Wrigley said he is a sleeping partner, while Lippett is managing director.
“Needler was more interested in Blandings, which we set up as a subsidiary of The Villa Agency and which specialises in renting big English country houses and castles, so we decided to take back ownership of the villa side of the business,” said Wrigley.
The Villa Agency, based in Brighton, operates in Portugal, mainly in the Algarve. Wrigley said a Florida programme brought out last year will be phased out. “It is important to concentrate on what you do well,” he added. “We will be increasing the number of villas by 20% to just over 100 for next year.”
He said most of the villas have pools and are aimed at the top end of the market. Prices lead in at £262 for a three-bedroom villa with pool in Loule in the Algarve based on two sharing from March to May and October to November. Six people taking the same property pay £366, or £61 each.
“We can put together packages, but find that most people prefer to arrange their own flights and car hire,” said Wrigley.
The Villa Agency offers car rental from £110 for a week, while charter flights with Unijet are from £125.
Wrigley said about 25% of the business comes through the trade.
“We will not be firing off brochures to every agent, but will wait for them to contact us,” he added. “We are happy to support those who are active in this market.”