Renovating a holiday cottage is a big commitment both in the amount of time it is unavailable and in the expense of carrying out the renovations. Once complete, you then need to consider how you plan to style your holiday cottage. But, if both or these are done right, your investment can pay dividends.
Find out our best hint and tips for renovation and styling a holiday cottage for todays discerning holidaymakers.
Tarn End Cottages, Talkin Tarn During renovations and after
There are lots to consider when taking on a project such as this and deciding on your market and your own goals for the cottage are the key factors in how you will project manage your renovations. For example, is the cottage to be used primarily by you and your family and renting it out as a holiday cottage is a means of subsidising the costs, or is it a cosy, traditional cottage that lends itself to the couples market looking for a romantic bolthole, or a large dwelling suitable for wedding parties or corporate events.
Each of these require very specific styling and any renovation work should be undertaken with how to maximise your income for your chosen guest at the forefront of your decisions. For example, if you are going for a romantic cottage, then think king size bed, large walk in showers, roll top baths (in the bedroom are always popular on romantic escapes), open fires and hot tubs. But to maximise bookings in larger homes for corporate events and weddings etc, plan to add zip link beds, making the bedroom suitable for a couple or individuals, 2 ovens may be required, providing projectors and if space allows an outside pergola or marquee etc.
Practical planning
Once you have decided upon your market then consideration should be made on the practicalities of the renovation work. For example, plush cream carpets in a cottage accepting pets and children may not be as practical as tiled or timber flooring which can be moped quickly on changeover.
Underfloor heating is efficient and a wood burning stove or open fire will add a focal point to any room.
Outdoor taps and boot rooms close to the entrance will help keep the dirt from muddy paws and walking boots from tracing through the house.
If parking is limited, can any outdoor space be converted into off road parking, will it be gravelled or tarmacked. A tarmacked drive is easier for guests who are less able to manage and, if taking into account the less abled, an access ramp into the property rather than steps should be considered.
Styling your cottage
Todays discerning clients are looking for consistency so it is no good adding a bespoke kitchen with a B&Q bathroom. Key rooms such as bedrooms, kitchen and living room should be both practical and a place of relaxion for you and your guests.
Lounge
When styling your living space, let your personality shine, but keep the styling in line with the character of the cottage. Some things to consider are rugs where there is an expanse of flooring. Cushions and throws of varying colour and size add interest and warmth. Keep items of furniture and ornaments minimalistic (remember these all need cleaned and dusted on changeover). Add pictures and artwork to the walls. Use a mix of lamps and pendants to provide different lighting levels and consider a dimmer switch to overhead lighting.
Kitchen
Lake View, Watermillock, Ullswater
Kitchens are a big investment, consider harder wearing worktops such as granite or quartz as opposed to real wood which takes more looking after. Induction hobs provide a streamlined flow to work surfaces. Consider adding plenty of trivets to prevent hot pans being placed on worktops. Fridge and freezers should be large enough to cater for your guests needs if staying for a week, add a touch of luxury by providing a wine fridge if space allows. Ensure all crockery, plain white usually works best, and glassware is of good quality and regularly checked for chips.
Bedrooms
The world is a better place after a good nights sleep, so invest in good quality mattresses, high thread count linens, hypo allergenic duvets and pillows, soft towels and consider supplying dressing gowns and slippers (especially if a hot tub is provided). Plenty of storage space in draws and wardrobes is essential and a vanity unit for guests to get ready at. Carpets tend to work better in bedrooms, but if not practical, sumptuous rugs beside the bed are a great alternative. Zip link beds offer flexibility especially with 2 or more bedrooms, making the property suitable for couples or families with children, you can also buy zip link duvets to save on buying and storing 2 sets of bedding. Colour coordinate a room using throws, curtains and cushions to bring the theme together. Consider the lighting, can it be dimmed, is there reading lights at each side of the bed etc. Is there space on the ground floor to have an ensuite bedroom with wet room, guests with limited mobility will appreciate not having to tackle the stairs.
8 Tarn End Cottages, Talkin Tarn
Bathrooms
Where possible add en-suites to bedrooms incorporating a mixture of showers and baths. Add a heated towel rail and hooks for hanging clothes and bathrobes. Shaving points are essential not only for gentlemen freshening up but for charging electric toothbrushes.
Gardens/outdoor space
During warmer weather the outdoor space needs to be as inviting as the interior. Keep it simple, mainly grass and shrubs, as there isn’t much time between guests to maintain a garden. We all love colourful flowers but who will water these during hot spells, instead add colourful shrubs which add interest but are low maintenance. Add an outside dining table and if space allows seating in other parts of the garden where guests can escape with a book or take shade etc. Is there sufficient space on the patio to provide sun loungers or a hot tub. Thoughtful touches such as lighting, BBQs, fire pits, outdoor blankets and patio heaters allow guests to enjoy the garden into the evening or in Spring and Autumn.
Go the extra mile
Electric vehicles are becoming more popular, consider adding an EV charging point, it is proving to be a big consideration for some guests now.
Now its time to welcome your guests.
Once the renovation and styling in complete you can add the finishing touches to make your guests feel welcome.
Families will appreciate a cot, highchair and stairgate; will these be foldable, if so where will they be stored. Consider adding a small library of books, games and maps for guests use. If accepting dogs, perhaps a basket filled with towels to dry the dog off after a walk, a dog bowl and poop bags, these not only signal to guests their dog is welcome but you expect a certain level of care from their owners also. And finally, provide a small welcome hamper for your guests, be mindful of allergies, so keep it simple, but filled with locally sourced treats.
If you are planning a renovation and would like any advice on what will work well for your chosen market then please do get in touch with us. We also work alongside a lot of local tradespeople who may be able to help with your renovation.
