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Original poster

Would you hire a holiday cottage that had a beehive in the garden?

148 replies

Scoutingforhoney · 20/05/2023 21:46

Quite a big garden, beehive is a long way from house.

Personally it would put me off.

OP posts:
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6
GrannyAchingsShepherdsHut · 20/05/2023 22:26

GrannyAchingsShepherdsHut · 20/05/2023 22:25

I'd agree that if they were my bees I'd be more worried about them than the visitors...

Something like this? If it was black it would be less noticeable I think.

Meant to say, to protect from stray footballs etc.

Hugasauras · 20/05/2023 22:26

My older DD would love this. She is fascinated by bees and would love to watch their comings and goings (from a safe distance!)

OhhhhhhhhBiscuits · 20/05/2023 22:26

I wouldn't because of allergies.

SirChenjins · 20/05/2023 22:26

Yes - I’d love it! I had a swarm of tree bumblebees in my garden two years in a row, it was fascinating to watch them. They didn’t like the noise of the lawnmower but otherwise they just got on with building their hive.

Nagado · 20/05/2023 22:35

It would make me more inclined to rent it. I love bees. You leave them in peace and they’ll leave you in peace. Unlike wasps, who will sting you just for the sheer fuckery of it.

I would be worried about the safety of the hives from footballs, curious pets/kids or stupid adults who think they’ll be ok to just scoop out some of the honey.

PensionPuzzle · 20/05/2023 22:44

I wouldn't book it while I've got a toddler that would attempt to climb in/over a hive at every opportunity but with older kids (and definitely if just me and DP) it wouldn't put me off at all.

If it were my property I'd perhaps put a low willow or picket fence up a few feet away just to stop people going right up to the hive but I doubt that's even necessary really.

Ninjama1 · 20/05/2023 22:46

Scoutingforhoney · 20/05/2023 22:00

I’m asking because my partner has a cottage which is going to be listed as a holiday cottage and it’s gorgeous, it has an orchard. And bees. Several hives. They don’t bother me but I do wonder if it would rent better if the bees were relocated.

And I would worry that someone might mess with them or kick a ball at them or something.

What's the insurance situation if someone gets stung while on the property?

Hollyppp · 20/05/2023 22:54

Wouldn’t bother me in the slightest

averylongtimeago · 20/05/2023 22:55

I think from a risk assessment/ insurance perspective the area with the bee hives in would have to be fenced off from the main area of the garden, to stop inquisitive dogs and children and stupid adults interfering with them.
Also you would need to mention it in the description so potential guests with severe allergies are aware.

However, you could probably make it a bit of a selling point, especially if you can give a jar of honey as a welcome gift!

Missedmytoe · 20/05/2023 23:03

I'd think it was fantastic. If you could guarantee sightings of reptiles and amphibians too, then I'd be booking regular return visits.

RunningFromInsanity · 20/05/2023 23:09

I have beehives and a dog and it’s no issue at all.
Dog takes no notice of hive, bees take no notice of dog.

Original poster
Scoutingforhoney · 20/05/2023 23:27

Well I stand corrected!

I thought it would put a lot of people off. They just do their thing though and don’t bother anyone. My chap also goes and rescues rogue swarms and is very good at explaining things so I’m sure if he was around, a little bee experience might be a nice added extra. Currently they’re mostly under a huge protected ancient hawthorn, so a small fence in front might be just the thing - more to protect the bees from curiosity and stray footballs than anything I suppose.

The garden is lovely, no chemicals at all, which I don’t think is on the listing actually. There was a little toad right by the back door on Sunday, we moved it so the dog wouldn’t get it.

And yes, a jar of totally raw organic local honey with defined provenance might be a lovely giveaway!

OP posts:
greenspaces4peace · 20/05/2023 23:31

my dh is a bee keeper...if i went on holiday and there was one in the distance he'd be all over it ;).
he currently is managing 50 active hives.

UWhatNow · 20/05/2023 23:35

greenspaces4peace · 20/05/2023 23:31

my dh is a bee keeper...if i went on holiday and there was one in the distance he'd be all over it ;).
he currently is managing 50 active hives.

Wow! 50! That’s impressive…

Aquafernspindle · 20/05/2023 23:37

I would be more worried about what access to the hives was needed and how that might impact on my stay. When I rent a cottage I want privacy and would be really unhappy if the owner needed to access the garden during my stay to do hive stuff, it would feel like an imposition.

Decafflatteplease · 20/05/2023 23:38

I'd love this! Have you got a link?!

ThomasWasTortured · 20/05/2023 23:40

No, but I have a child who is allergic. If you make sure potential guests are aware before booking then they can make an informed decision and I don’t see a problem.

FuckYouEzekiel · 20/05/2023 23:49

Sounds heavenly.

Amispringy · 20/05/2023 23:50

I'd love it. It would be a selli g point

Original poster
Scoutingforhoney · 21/05/2023 00:20

Aquafernspindle · 20/05/2023 23:37

I would be more worried about what access to the hives was needed and how that might impact on my stay. When I rent a cottage I want privacy and would be really unhappy if the owner needed to access the garden during my stay to do hive stuff, it would feel like an imposition.

They can be left to do their thing for months at a time apparently.

OP posts:
greenspaces4peace · 21/05/2023 00:30

they are work from March till November yes you can leave them alone in the deep of winter but even then we certainly check them every two weeks.

Clymene · 21/05/2023 00:58

No because I'm allergic to bee stings. Most people aren't though.

LadyJ2023 · 21/05/2023 01:20

I have a dog so no she might annoy the bees lol. If I didn't then wouldn't matter to me

HerNameIsIncontinentiaButtocks · 21/05/2023 01:59

It would improve the chances you got decent renters, I'd say.

Riapia · 21/05/2023 07:55

Have you considered the bees opinion on having their peace disturbed for weeks at a time.
They may not take it lying down.
If indeed bees do lie down.
😉😁😁.