Not only is this a common aim for many of our property owners, it is also totally achievable. Moreover, there are financial advantages to choosing a large property in particular.
The Holiday Market
The Cotswolds is an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ and is centrally positioned as well as being extremely accessible; if you live in London, you can be enjoying the scenic countryside of the Cotswolds in only 2 1/2 hours. This is, in part, why large holiday properties in the Cotswolds let very well and enjoy year-round occupancy. Not only do these family-size properties attract the family holiday market during summer months, but they draw regular event-lead bookings too, which fill in off-peak dates and result in steady year-round occupancy – a big family birthday or a milestone wedding anniversary doesn’t always fall in the summer months.
It sounds as though you’re deciding to enjoy more holidays in the UK and with the increase in popularity of the UK staycation, many other families are doing the same. A large cottage within a 2 hour drive from towns and cities such as London, Bristol, Bath and Oxford will see the benefits of this captive audience.
The Events Market
Event-lead bookings: such as weddings, are on important sector of the larger holiday lets’ bookings. They are generally booked well in advance, which is great for budgeting and financial planning.
There’s plenty you can do to make your large property attractive for the events market. Many wedding parties choose to rent a large holiday home for the bridal party or groom’s accommodation, and so choosing a large property that is close to a wedding ceremony or reception venue is beneficial. Large holiday lets benefit from proximity to festivals and notional events too, such as the racing at Cheltenham, and are well placed to take advantage of this out of season market.
Quirky, attractive and large stand-out properties, with plenty of privacy and large gardens, attract event bookings for private parties and gatherings of friends and family. Children can run free or kick a ball, whilst adults can enjoy a social gathering on the patio or terrace. Do remember though that in large properties the bathroom to bedroom ratio is incredibly important. Large groups will not want to have to queue for a morning shower and may will expect en-suite facilities in at least half of the rooms. Equally, when it comes to furnishing larger properties, you will need to ensure that communal spaces are large enough to hold enough seating for the entire party.
The Family Market
Groups of friends or large families looking for a stylish space to get together will look at both rural and more central locations. A village pub within walking distance can be a big attraction, but it is actually less important than with smaller properties catering for a handful of occupants. Being dog-friendly can also be extremely beneficial given the surge in dog ownership lately.
To appeal to the family holiday letting market, style and furnish your property in a contemporary manner, with a nod to the traditional features and original character. Include family-friendly extras, like a travel cot, highchair and games console. Entertaining is important to this market, where large properties are often used for gatherings and reunions, so consider spacious dining areas and a second break away area for children. One area not to overlook is the garden – consider how you can make this a space for the whole group to enjoy. From a hot tub which is ideal for guests of all ages, to a lawned area for kids to run off some energy and outdoor seating for an early evening glass of wine. Special occasions and large group holiday guests tend to spend less time exploring the local area and more time in the holiday home, often choosing to dine-in as a group and spend quality time playing games and preparing food together, so these spaces are extremely important.
The Cotswolds is enjoying a huge demand for large holiday properties, due to its central location and easy accessibility from hubs like London. The area of outstanding scenic beauty is known for sociable activities like walking, golf and horse riding, which are ideal for groups and compliment a year-round holiday offering. The fact that there are fewer competing properties in the large holiday let market is also appealing to many owners. As well as year-round occupancy opportunities, booking lag for large holiday properties tend to be longer, making it easier to plan financially.
Buying a large property in the Cotswolds as a family holiday home could not only pay for itself, it should be a nice little earner too.
To find out more about our services you can call 01993 259444 or email owners@staycotswold.com
