Thinking about holiday letting?

There are many reasons why people look to buy UK holiday homes, and this has never been more relevant in the Cotswolds than it is now. The draw of the quintessential countryside, accessibility to larger cities and towns, and the quaint chocolate box villages with their Cotswold cottages and pubs make it an appealing year-round destination.

With more and more new owners looking to capitalise on the growing domestic holiday market in England while finding a good investment, Bolthole Retreats are seeing an increase in demand for people looking for advice and guidance on where to buy, what to buy, and how to get it all ready for those first visitors. Here are some of our top tips and guidance on how to buy and prepare the perfect holiday home in the Cotswolds. 

1. Location, location, location

Always keep the holidaymaker in mind – what are they looking for? Are you appealing to those who want a relaxing, remote escape in the countryside, or those who want to tick off the big-ticket tourist items in popular towns? Holiday letting is completely different to renting long term, where factors such as good schools and transport links come into play. Instead, the holiday rental market needs to consider those aspirational lifestyle questions and, above all else, deliver.

2. Don’t budget the beds

The more guests you can accommodate in your property, the more money you will earn. There are a lot of 2 and 3 bedroomed Cotswold cottages, so if you can afford 5 bedrooms, we would strongly encourage it. That all said, if your budget only stretches to a 2 bedroom, make sure you make the cottage stand out from the crowd. Use high-quality linen and make sure the guest has a comfy night – it’s the leading factor guests take into account for a returning visit. Nothing is better than a good night’s sleep!

3. Instagrammable

Unique, quirky, boutique… all of these words conjure up luxurious surroundings. In this digital world, guests are always looking for something a bit different so they can share it with the world. A hot tub, swimming pool, games room, tennis court, or even a wine cellar, will increase demand for your property. Even if you don’t start off with all of these extras, always make sure there is space for the future, as you never know what new development may come along, and we want this to be a good investment for you.

4. Stay professional

Your holiday home needs to stand out from the crowd, for all of the right reasons. Guests are always looking for that little bit extra, that je ne sais quoi. Make sure your cleaning and housekeeping are of the highest standard, add finishing touches such as a personal note or some fresh, local produce, and employ a professional photographer to showcase your property at its very best. Word-of-mouth marketing remains the most effective channel of them all, so good reviews are key to a successful holiday let.

5. And don’t get too personal

While you want to offer a guest that stylish home-from-home feeling, you aren’t inviting them to your actual home. Remove any personal items you might have in the cottage, such as family photos, but keep those books and board games for those rainy days. You want to be welcoming and homely, but just not your home.

For more information on how Bolthole Retreats can assist you in the holiday rental market, please see our Let Your Property page. We will be glad to setup a face-to-face meeting or have a casual chat over the phone.