PRePARING yOuR hOlIDAy PROPeRTy FOR The NeW SeASON by Coast & Country Cottages
popular region of south Devon, now is the time for businesses across the south hams to restock their shelves, rejig their menus and rejuvenate their displays. For those with holiday properties in the area, the story is much the same. The quieter months of early spring offer a brief period in which the necessary preparations for the summer ahead can take place - a little effort now will make for a much smoother and more profitable 2013 rental season. Coast & Country Cottages is
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regularly consulted by both current and prospective new owners looking for guidance on property prepara- tion - with over 425 holiday properties exclusively in Salcombe, Dartmouth and the surrounding countryside, the agency looks after more five star award-win- ning cottages in the area than anyone else. Coast & Country Cottages offer property owners peace of mind - from cleaning, laundry and keeping the garden tidy, to 24 hour emergency assistance - they go that extra mile so their owners don’t have to! So, what is there to consider when
preparing your holiday property? Firstly, if your holiday home has been let
The stylish living room at White Lodge in Dartmouth
ith the 2013 holiday season fast approaching for the picturesque and
Farmhouse, near Dartmouth
previously it is important to remember re-investment equals re-books! As with any home, decorating, bed linen, crock- ery and kitchen appliances are the areas that need most frequent attention and with increasingly discerning customers, the quality and standard of these things can make all the difference. Guests are
“consider the ‘little things’ that will improve the customers’w overall holiday experience”
often looking for high standard proper- ties, with contemporary furnishings, such as a kitchen with top of the range appliances - should you need some im- provements to your property, Coast & Country Cottages’ dedicated Property
Services team can look after everything from small ‘fix-it’ jobs to large scale renovation projects. They can either manage the project for you, or help you find the best person for the job. When preparing your property for
letting, it is important to put yourself in the shoes of customers and consider the ‘little things’ that will improve the customers’ overall holiday experience. If your property is suitable, including baby friendly equipment like plastic cutlery, bed guards and toys, in addition to the standard travel cot and high chair, will make it more appealing to families. It is also important to consider the cleanliness of a property – use the quieter weeks to complete a ‘spring clean’, ensuring the holiday cottage is spotless before another letting season begins. Whilst cleaning and checks are completed each week, the bigger tasks like cleaning upholstery, including cur- tains and sofa covers and also carpets at this time of year ensures a property is presented at its best for customers. It is also vital that the outside is well main- tained - after all, the external features are what a customer initially sees on arrival and first impressions count. To make your property ‘stand out from the crowd’, think about the extra touches that you could introduce – a bottle of wine, fresh flowers or a Devonshire cream tea on arrival help to make guests feel welcome. Informa- tion folders containing details of local facilities and companies, as well as maps are very useful for those new to
Breakfast at Little Cotton
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