The money you save from being more efficient can then be invested in to more indulgent areas that really do matter to guests, like repainting any marks on walls, replacing bed linen, or installing a hot tub, which so many guests ask for!
Eco-Friendly Holiday Homes
Some green improvements will certainly help you win new guests, as well as increasing loyalty from existing customers. Some guests can think that period properties are cold in the winter months therefore, introducing energy-efficient changes can help make your property more appealing over the winter months, encouraging those all-important low season visits and attracting more year-round bookings. A few simple green upgrades can give your holiday home real distinction, helping you stand out from the crowd. Reinvesting the savings can, in turn, increase the rates you can charge.
Low season is the perfect time for making changes to your holiday let and a robust maintenance plan actually goes a long way towards making sure your property is more energy efficient. When it comes to loss of heat, the windows and the roof are the most obvious places to start. You will need to check your loft insulation and think about any necessary improvements to the windows. Secondary glazing or replacement double glazing can optimise heat retention as well as decreasing drafts.
Whilst guests won’t necessarily see improvements to draught proofing and loft insulation, these improvements can make a huge difference in how warm and cosy your property is for guests, as well as saving you money on energy bills. A couple of quick fixes include applying draught excluding tape to external doors and your letterbox, installing radiator foil between the radiators and walls and making sure radiators are not covered up by furniture, so that the heat can circulate the room more easily. Think about the textures throughout the home. Layering rugs on wooden or stone floors provides a warm and cosy feel, as well as stopping draughts, cushions and throws on sofas and beds ooze comfort and warmth whilst thermally-lined curtains not only keep heat inside but make for darker rooms which are ideal for a good night’s sleep.
Eco-Friendly Design
It’s not actually difficult to make period homes, that are filled with original features, character and charm entirely eco-friendly, but the fabrication of 16th and 17th-century properties showcase some of the best green credentials. It’s just a case of staying true to the original design when planning your renovations. For example, when refreshing your decoration, environmentally-friendly paints are available that won’t suffocate original stone walls like heavy chemical paints can, allowing the walls to breathe. House plants can also help with aeration, as well as creating an agreeable ambience for guests.
We know from our customer research that guests choose a holiday home based on its interior design, appearance and individuality. Using art created by local artists adds a ‘sense of place’ and helps to make a holiday cottage feel like a home from home. For the eco credentials there are many locally sourced brands that produce beautiful products for the home, from eco-friendly soaps and hand wash to kitchen products such as washing up brushes and sponges. Make sure your holiday home is equipped with ‘greener’ cleaning equipment and choose a zero-plastic approach, using airtight containers, rather than individually wrapped items. Include information on recycling points in your welcome pack, as well as information on exploring the area without a car.
Eco Friendly Appliances
You can also upgrade your cleaning appliances to ‘greener’ versions that don’t use too much power and water. Energy-saving light bulbs, smart controls and setting lamps on timers all make good sense. Outside, a water butt in the garden can be used to water plants – and installing an outdoor car charging point is very popular these days. These small and inexpensive changes will improve your guest’s experience and your bottom line, whilst doing a little bit for the environment.
If you’re looking to generate a second income from a property, a holiday let in the Cotswolds could be the perfect investment. You can make a good profit as well as having somewhere for yourself for weekends and holidays.
To find out more about our services you can call 01993 259444 or email owners@staycotswold.com
