Dh and I are currently in the process of turning a stable block and barn into accommodation that we’re planning to let out for holidays. We’ve read hundreds of thread about layouts and welcome packs etc. but there are three sticking points that as yet we can’t decide on. So please help if you can!
Firstly the cottage will be in the grounds of our house but will have separate drive, garden and look like an entirely separate property. If you were staying there would you like to know that the owner lives at the bottom of the garden or not? Pro’s are that we can be there immediately if there’s a problem and we’re both as knowledgeable about the building as we can be so should be able to sort anything there and then. Cons being that people may feel we’re keeping an eye on them and not be able to relax properly.
Secondly a hot tub? All the agencies I’ve spoken to have said to definitely get one if we can afford to as it immediately pushes the house up a grade in terms of charges. I hate hot tubs —filthy sex ponds— and can’t see their appeal at all. The house will sleep up to ten so groups will generally consist of two or more families if that changes anything at all. The cost of buying and running a hot tub would easily be covered by the bump up in charges but I think the category it puts the house in means I’d need to buy a lot of other things to justify it too.
Thirdly a secret den. The the back of one of the built in wardrobes there’s a door about 80cm high with a room about 2mx2m behind it. My dc’s have turned it into a little den with fairy lights, bean bags, nice photos on the walls and they often go in there for a bit of peace. I think it would be great to keep it and do a series of clues for families telling them how to find it. Dh is not keen at all and thinks it overcomplicates things. He thinks kids could get ill due to it being too stuffy and get co poisoning or something.
I’d love to hear others thoughts. Thank you.