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With Summer being one of the busiest times of year for holiday homes in the Cotswolds, it’s important to ensure your home is fully prepared for the increased footfall. The good news is that this doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. From experience, it’s always the small, thoughtful details and maintenance checks that count in elevating a guest’s stay and encourage glowing reviews.
To help you prepare, we have put together our expert guide below on how best to prepare your home:
Create inviting outdoor spaces for summer guests
Your home’s outdoor space, whether that’s a garden, patio or courtyard, is a huge selling point for guests, not just during the summer months. This becomes equally as important as indoors for those looking for space to relax with their morning coffee, a space for an afternoon read, or a BBQ gathering.
Before summer gets underway, consider spending some time giving your outside space some love, ensuring the following are actioned if applicable:
- Mowed lawns and trimmed hedges
- Weed-free flower beds and borders
- Cleaned patios and paths
- Clean outdoor furniture and BBQ
- Replace any old or broken furniture and lighting
As mentioned, this doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. Guests are just looking for outdoor space they can enjoy while they’re away – one that feels clean, well looked after and welcoming.
Top tip: If your property benefits from beautiful countryside views, ensure the furniture is positioned carefully to take advantage of this.
Essential summer maintenance checks for holiday cottages
To ensure each stay goes as smoothly as possible, we recommend taking some time to do a basic walkthrough of the property to help spot any potential maintenance issues, wear and tear or areas potentially overlooked during the quieter holiday periods. As previously mentioned, the smallest details can have some of the biggest impacts.
Below is a full checklist of areas we would recommend checking in your home:
- Rubbish build-up
- Windows and doors
- All keys and locks
- Gates and fences
- Hot tub (cleaned and functioning) – if applicable
- Tested smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Clear gutters and drains
- Replaced light bulbs where needed
- Proper functioning appliances (i.e. oven, microwave etc.)
Top tip: Fixing the small issues now will save you in the long run, preventing any guest complaints or negative reviews during the busy changeover period.
Refresh interiors for the new season
Please don’t panic – we’re not saying you need a full Grand Designs-style transformation every year, but small, simple updates and additions to your home could make the world of difference.
It’s natural for wear and tear on furniture to occur during busy holiday periods, which is why now is the perfect time to freshen up your home. The upcoming season is all about brighter, lighter colours and fabrics, which is something we encourage our owners to embrace.
Take the opportunity to look around your home for any areas in need of some TLC, such as:
- Any worn furniture or furnishings (i.e. sofa, cushions, throws etc.)
- Old bedding or towels to be replaced.
- Paintwork with any marks or signs of wear.
- Any dated artwork, lampshades or decorative pieces.
- Lack of fresh flowers or greenery before guests arrive.
- Clutter.
All guests expect to receive the quality stay they researched and booked – no more, no less. A place that is clean, welcoming and well thought out before their stay. Having these small additional touches can make a big difference to their overall experience and first impressions.
Top tip: Walk through your home like it’s the first time. Try and see your home through the lens of the guest – are there any areas you would expect to be better if you were staying there for the first time? or anything that would elevate your stay?
Are you looking to generate a second income from a property? Then check our out holiday let advice – it could be the perfect investment opportunity! For more information on how we can support you on your journey, call 01993 259444 or email owners@staycotswold.com
