HOLIDAY LETTINGS
INVESTING IN HOLIDAY LETTING…
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ach month, experts from Norfolk Country Cottages and Norfolk Cottage Care – both part of The Original Cottage Company based in Reepham, will give advice on holiday letting in the county and how to make the most of your investment. This month, Lucy Downing of Norfolk Country Cottages, the county’s truly local and leading holiday cottage agency, looks at the many ways you can make your holiday property stand out from the rest… Norfolk is a holiday destination that has grown in popularity over recent years, with thanks to the hard work and investment of local businesses as well as our region’s fantastic destination marketing organisations (DMO’s to those in the know!) including Visit Norfolk, Visit East Anglia, Visit North Norfolk, Visit Norwich and Broads Tourism to name but a few. This increase in awareness and visitor numbers has seen a growth in the number of high-quality holiday cottages, particularly along the coast and within the Broads National Park. The breadth of choice is wonderful for holidaymakers, but how do you, as a holiday cottage owner, make yours stand out? Here are a few ideas stemming from our experience of what our customers are on the lookout for… FABULOUS INTERIORS… The last thing visitors want, when searching for their perfect holiday abode, is old-fashioned upholstery, patterned carpets or a three-piece suite passed down from your great-aunt. On the contrary, nor do they wish for a bland, cheap and hastily put-together, off-the-peg interior. As a country, we are far more aspirational and interested in interior design than ever before. So ensure your property stands out with an inviting, high-quality interior. Comfy seating and simple upholstery in neutral fabrics, brought to life with playful accessories and locallysourced finds is the perfect combination. Try and place a WOW piece in each room to help it zing – think a bold velvet chair, local artwork or fabulous pendant. High quality kitchens and bathrooms with streamlined appliances and equipped with everything a visitor might need will ensure a happy stay. Make sure lighting is suitable for the different scenarios your home offers – a reading light in a cosy corner, task lighting in the kitchen and ambient side lights for rooms in which to relax in. PICTURE-PERFECT VIEWS… Make the best of your property’s location and frame incredible views. Create a window seat, or place a chair by the window to encourage visitors to sit and relax. If a view isn’t on the cards, then hang some artwork by a local artist of a nearby location to encourage your guests to get out an explore further. Think about creating settings within your holiday home too – perhaps your sitting room looks incredible from the stairs, or a beautifully adorned bed can be appreciated when taking a bath. We are all influenced greatly by our surroundings, so make the best of yours to help guests gain maximum enjoyment during their stay.
WELCOME HAMPERS WITH INTEGRITY… After a long journey (perhaps with tetchy children in tow!), nothing beats turning the key and finding a thoughtfully assembled hamper to welcome you. Help your guests to get to know the area from the offset by including your favourite locally-sourced ingredients. Fresh flowers are a lovely touch too, as is the inclusion of everything guests need to enjoy a refreshing cuppa with something yummy to munch on whilst they unpack. Many of our owners include a bottle of wine, pet treats for parties bringing their four-legged companion, and even the ingredients for a full English breakfast come morning. Who could ask for more? DREAMY PAMPERING… If you’re fortunate enough that your property features a roll-top bath, massive walk-in shower or even a wet-room, make the most of it. You could include some luxurious bubbles or bath oil, candles and even a Bluetooth speaker for a relaxing soak. A heated mirror to keep reflections clear, underfloor heating and mood-lighting can all help ensure blissful bathing. SUMPTUOUS LINENS… We recommend that owners provide 100% natural bedlinens and fluffy, high quality towels. Making sure these are freshly laundered, spotlessly clean and impeccably ironed, ensures a boutique hotel experience for guests throughout their stay. Mattress and pillow protectors, mattress toppers, comfortable beds, plump duvets and pillows and spare bedlinen (especially for children’s beds) should be included if you wish for complimentary guestbook comments and repeat bookings. RELAXING EVENINGS… Helping your guests to enjoy their evenings in your cottage should be top of your agenda as an owner. Offering a barbecue and outdoor seating will allow for memorable summer evenings, whereas a woodburner or open fire with a freshly stacked woodpile will ensure cosy evenings come this time of year. Some of our owners really go to town and adorn their gardens with stylish outdoor lighting (even fairy lights), and complement their hearth with locally-crafted fireside companion sets and even toasting forks and marshmallows! These special touches are the little things guests remember once they’ve returned home. INSIDER KNOWLEDGE… Nothing can beat a personal recommendation, so make sure you share details of your favourite haunts and hidden gems with visitors. Norfolk is an incredible holiday destination with so much to see and do, so help your guests to enjoy the very best of this wonderful county by pointing them in the right direction. It will save them precious time whilst also ensuring they create many happy memories to treasure.
IF YOU’RE INTERESTED in investing in holiday letting, perhaps weighing up a selection of potential properties or already own a holiday home, you can always ask for advice. With 25 years of experience and a trusted reputation, the homeowner team at Norfolk Country Cottages are always more than happy to visit you and talk through the options. They give honest advice and realistic income forecasts – all for free and without obligation. You can call 01263 569220, email owners@norfolkcottages.co.uk or visit their website for more details – norfolkcottages.co.uk 81