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. For period properties, introducing energy-efficient changes can help attract more year-round bookings, making your property more appealing over the winter, and will encourage those all-important low season visits. 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, actually a robust maintenance plan 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.
Other improvements that guests won’t necessarily see are draught proofing and insulation, which will make a huge difference in how comfortable your property is for guests, as well as saving on energy bills. A couple of quick fixes include applying draught excluding tape to external doors and your letterbox, making sure radiators are not covered up by furniture, so there is lots of space for heat to circulate. Rugs on wooden or stone floors provide a warm and cosy feel, as well as stopping draughts, and 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’, as well as finding locally sourced brands such as shower and bathroom products. 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
