Hi PaulR,
I had a similar situation a few years ago. I called into an insurance broker who advised me on the situation.
An unoccupied house costs a lot more to insure plus there are issues of turning off the water at source and adding extra security locks etc.
Since it was my intention to spend a few weeks a year in the house (new year, easter, a few weekends and some time in the summer) the broker suggested that I insure it as a summer home. This was less expensive and less onerous in terms of water etc.
ajapale