First impression is key. Keeping your holiday let clean, modern and clutter free will have those guests returning time and time again. Having stayed in many holiday homes over the years Emily Davies, Director of Key Home Staging, is now helping holiday let owners create the perfect place for guests to book their staycation.
Kurb Appeal
A clean and fresh appearance to the outside of your property is just as important to have as it is on the inside. Help your guests locate your holiday home by displaying the house name or number clearly. Fitting a key safe is also advisable so guests can come and go as they please. Flower pots, window boxes or modern hanging baskets will give a pop of colour … Just don’t forget to water them.
Entrance Hall
Kick off those shoes. Flooring such as wood, laminate, tiles or luxury vinyl is ideal as this will be hard wearing and easier to clean than carpet. You can pick up some very stylish door mats and rugs these days which are cheaper to replace than carpet if hard flooring isn’t an option. Plenty of storage is needed for coats and footwear. Providing a stair gate will stop pets venturing upstairs and also gives parents with young children piece of mind.
Living Room
A place to relax. Invest in a sofa that can easily seat the number of guests your holiday let can accommodate providing you have the space. A sofa with a washable/removable cover is a great choice. Brighten the space up with soft furnishings such as cushions and throws. When it comes to the TV make sure the size suits the room and that it is a Smart TV so guests can log into their apps such as Netflix, BBC iplayer etc. Have an area with a comfy armchair and reading light where guests can relax with a good book and a glass of their favourite tipple.
Dining Room
Tuck in. Placing an extendable dining table and comfortable yet practical chairs in the dining area will have your guests enjoying the space well into the night whether that be chatting or playing a board game or two. It’s important that your table can seat the number of guests your property can accommodate. If you only have a small area to work with benches are a good option instead of chairs. Don’t forget the highchair for those families with young children.
Kitchen
The heart of the home. A clean, modern, well equipped kitchen is on the top of my list when looking for a holiday home. Ensure you invest well when it comes to the appliances. Spending that little bit extra and taking out those guarantees could save you a small fortune in the long run. A washer/dryer is extremely helpful when it comes to those sandy, wet towels. A dishwasher is a must. No one wants to spend time whilst on their holiday washing dishes.
Bedrooms
Sweet dreams. Guests will be expecting a room that is extremely comfortable. Investing in a high quality bed and mattress is an absolute must. Go with a king size if you have the space. Provide a travel cot for the little ones. Plain white linen never goes out of date and is easy to replace when needed. Add colour and texture with scatter cushions and throws. Soft carpets and fully lined, thick curtains will add warmth. Be sure to provide plenty of storage so your guests can unpack those suitcases and feel right at home.
Bathroom
Bubbles, bubbles everywhere. A clean and modern bathroom is a must. Families with young children will prefer a bath with shower over. Provide shelves for toiletries and hooks for towels and dressing gowns. A mirror and adequate lighting is essential. Bathrooms are a breading ground for damp and mould. Installing an extractor fan, a shower screen rather than a shower curtain and blinds instead of drapes will help.
Outside
Be creative when it comes to the outside area. Ensure the garden is safe and secure so those guests with young children and pets can relax. Install outdoor lighting such as festoon lights for a romantic atmosphere. Hot tubs are in high demand. If you have the space and the budget it’s certainly a savvy investment. Provide a BBQ for those summer evenings and a fire pit for those chilly nights. When it comes to planting low maintenance is key. Evergreens are a great option for all year round colour.
Welcome pack
A welcome pack is a great opportunity to provide information to your guests on the surrounding areas such as local restaurants, location of cash points, taxi firms, activities for the family etc. Gathering together instructions for the appliances within the property is also useful. Making sure there is fresh milk in the fridge along with some tea and coffee will be much appreciated by your guests after that long car journey. A small selection of local honey, jam or chutney will go down a treat. Put together a small cleaning box containing dishwasher tablets, laundry powder, toilet rolls, cloths and washing up liquid.
Space for you
With a Hodge and Hodge holiday let mortgage you can spend up to 90 days a year taking a break and enjoying your holiday home. Save a cupboard or two to store your personal belongings that you may not want your guests to use.
Key Home Staging can help you create the perfect holiday let.
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