To ask you how you go about choosing a holiday cottage?

[Movinghouseatlast]

My disclaimer is that I am setting one up! It is an annexe attached to my house.

There seems to be so much choice of area I don't know how anyone makes a decision!

So do you pick a general area, or a specific place? Eg Cornwall, or a specific village.

In terms of cottage companies, do you stick with one and look at every suitable property? Or look at loads of companies?

Is price most important? Or a view? Or the interior?

Mine is very high end (luxury dare I say) inside, big log burner, massive furnished terrace but we don't have a sea view. Next door has a sea view, but is very basic (but lovely) inside. We are more expensive as I have compared our house with nearby ones with similar interiors and facilities.

Is it important to you to be able to walk to a village/pub/beach? You can from ours, but some of the most popular cottages in my area are a drive from anywhere at all. Yet they are expensive and booked all year round- and don't have additional facilities to mine.

I am.just trying to get my head round it all. I want to get my pricing right and give people a fab experience.

Thanks.

Oh and WiFi

And a big yes to a local information folder. Nothing worse than finding a drawer of outdated random leaflets re local buses, attractions, takeaways etc. Yes, I know you can google, but real local recommendations/suggestions are worth a lot and save a lot of time randomly googling. Quick and easy to get a lever arch file with lots of plastic sleeves and put in a couple of leaflets for everything of local relevance (so the occupier can take one out with them which you can replace if it doesn't come back!). Particularly, any local magazines or leaflets with money off or free entry vouchers and also any local resident's discount cards or parking permits. You can also add in your own local recommendations for nice walks, pubs, restaurants, late shops, etc. Yes, I know that kind of thing isn't going to attract first time visitors, but it helps for building up your repeat customer base which is essential for the long term.

WiFi
Washing machine
A big bed for us (we like to sleep as far apart as possible, we're a bit weird)
Clean
Oven in the kitchen
Not necessary but dishwasher is nice

I couldn't give a toss about the sea view but if DH books and he can choose between two appropriate places he'll choose the sea view

SATURDAY TO SATURDAY BOOKINGS!!! (yes I am shouting, sorry). So many cottages seem to be Friday to Friday which means having to take an extra day's leave to get value for (a lot of) money which really really pisses me off!

And breathe...

My search would be usually be down to location first, like "holiday cottage Whitstable" . Or perhaps "holiday cottage sleeps 12" where location is less important but size is.

I've had several good experiences with Sykes Cottages (for example), so they tend to be my go-to if nothing comes up straightaway on Google.

Wi-fi not important to me personally (no DC to keep entertained) but I know it is to most. Flexible check-in time is - having probably driven two or three hundred miles, I can't guarantee my exact arrival time. I recommend a key-safe or similar. I've owned a B&B and waiting in for people when you want to go out is purgatory.

Parking also vital.

Agree re supplying logs - just add a fiver to the price! Likewise factor in cleaning costs - I'm happy to tidy up and bag up rubbish etc but I do not expect to have to clean or pay for cleaning. It really should part of your outgoings.

Hope it goes well OP.

We search using several holiday companies.
We decide on an area we want to visit.
Then select according to the following
Must be dog friendly
Must have enclosed dog proof garden
Must have on site parking
Must provide bedding and towels
Good WiFi
Free electricity and fuel for fire, especially important for a winter break
Prefer separate shower, not over bath
Prefer King size bed
Decent size kitchen, not poky galley kitchen
Walking distance to pub providing good food.
Nice views a positive selling point
Would never select a house on a main road
Decent supermarket within an easy drive.

Layout of main living area is important, it must also look clean and not cluttered. I have also rejected cottages before that have TVs high on the wall.

We tend to choose an area first, search a few tried and tested companies, then try for a sea view. I don't like being near the sea if I can't see it from the property.

I would avoid an annexe type property unless it has it's own private entrance/exit. I don't want to feel 'watched over', so that must be made clear in the description for me.

Good beds and bathrooms and wifi next with lots of clear pictures rather than some of the artistic pics owners like to show.

Plenty of basic crockery and cutlery. I don't need fancy platters and serving dishes on holiday. I can't tell you how many rental properties have dishwashers and only one set of 6 of everything. I've started taking extra mugs and teaspoons. State whether a coffee machine or cafetière is available so we know what coffee to take.

We've paid up to £1000 for a week in the UK and I want it to be right for that amount.

Good luck with your property. It's great that you are asking what people are looking for in a holiday let.

I think you have to consider your target demographic. If it's more expensive than others nearby, I think you have to highlight whatever edge you feel it has and market it accordingly. So not just a list of facilities, an advert which will hook someone to look at it in more detail.

When we've stayed in the more remote places where you have to drive to nearest shop, it's been because the property offered something that most others didn't. For us that was use of a swimming pool, but it could be something like other places near you allow a dog.

I don't think it being an annex would put me off, I've been on a farm close to the owners house. I'd be happier with a few reviews that said you didn't get in the way.

A floor plan is really useful - it can really help when you have little ones to work out if the lay out will result in a relaxing holiday or a three year old up and down the stairs all night and the parent getting a 'sleep in' can hear every tantrum at 6.30am! Also useful if taking grandparents to work out if there is a room slightly out of the way where they can escape in peace.

Blackout lining/blinds also very useful for properties aimed at families.

Moving - the annexe part is fine. It is fully advertised as being connected so I guess people who don't like it just don't book in the first place. We have a communal entrance hall also so no fence between us. Outside space is opposite sides of the house so we would see people if we went outside that way, but not generally. People always seems to find us on our way in and come out to chat purposely rather than avoid all contact with others so they seem to like that we are nearby if anything. I also provide on site evening babysitting so being connected does have its perks to guests.

OP when you're setting up on agency sites, you can use lots of keywords so anything you think might be relevant...

Devon
Exeter
Sidmouth
Coast
[local interests]
Dog friendly
Wood burner
Child friendly
Swimming pool
Parking
Hot tub
etc. etc.

I'd consider strongly suggesting that you are rarely there at the main house, I also skip over adjoined properties as I'd feel watched.

WiFi, parking, walking distance of places to eat and the sea, are all my priorities. Plus a second loo. I don't care if its ensuite or a cloakroom but I want more than one.

Like a previous poster I wouldn’t book anywhere with a double sized bed. It has to be at least king size, super king if possible. Also, I look for somewhere with huge fabric sofas and a footstool. I want to be able to relax, not perch on a cramped cold leather sofa.

You say you don’t have a view but have a furnished terrace. Comfy outdoor furniture to lounge on, or even a hammock/swing, would be a huge plus. Also twinkly lights/cushions/candles. Is the Terrace overlooked at all or is it completely private?

I’d be put off by the fact that you’re next door. Maybe you could say that you’ll be available for key collection and will show people round if they want, other than that you will leave them in privacy? It’s not nice to feel like you’re being spied on.

I look for amount of rooms, price and location.
Then I start looking for added nice features if there is a lot of choice.

We pick a general location area
Wi-fi
Parking on site- not in the public car park down the road
Close to the sea, or overlooking water
Shops, pubs and restaurants within easy walking distance
Dishwasher, washing machine and dryer
Decent furniture
King size bed
Bath and shower
Well equipped kitchen. We don’t want to discover that there’s no peeler or corkscrew. Tea towels, good quality hand and bath towels
Storage
Books, games are nice but not essential. We’ll be taking our technology. I do like a good jigsaw though.

Essentially, we want somewhere that is as comfortable as home. There’s no point in spending money to be uncomfortable. I know people sometimes choose the least expensive accommodation because it’s regarded as just a base. For us, good quality fixtures, fittings and furniture are important. Bed has to be really comfortable too.

set up of rooms is also important, as i wouldnt want my kids to have to share a double bed etc

And if you expect me to bring loo roll, hand soap, kitchen cloths, washing up liquid and dishwasher tabs I don't mind in the slightest but PLEASE TELL ME!

Yes, that follows from my earlier comment about an accurate website containing full details of what's in the house. I'm more than happy to bring my own dishwasher tablets, washing up liquid (and even washing up bowl), loo rolls, milk, soap, etc., but I want to know - I'm the kind of person who can't do with the unexpected. If you're providing cleaning consumables, then tell people, likewise with towels and loo rolls and a food/drink welcome pack. But even though I'm happy to bring my own stuff, I'd prefer (and pay a little extra) to have everything provided, i.e. plentiful loo rolls, towels, basic welcome pack, washing up stuff etc.

I really like HomeAway, formerly OwnersDirect. I find their website really easy to use in order to narrow down what I want and there are no 'spare rooms' as on airbnb.

Lots of ideas here. I would love a king size bed with a new Hovag (Ikea) mattress. No dogs. Well supplied kitchen but no crap-not six blunt peelers, 30 wooden spoons and no big pan. Last place we stayed had an electric carving knife and the cupboards were so rammed there was nowhere to put our food.

Linens supplied including towels-makes a huge difference. A cleaner weekly however long the let is-e.g. you get a mid-way clean if you book for a fortnight, and new bedding/towels.

Clear description of the area and what's in reach of the property

Somewhere to sit outside with a glass of wine

Good heating and hot water

I look at several websites. If I wanted to go to Cornwall, I'd then filter by no of bedrooms and dog friendly. I usually then filter by highest grading or reviews.

The cottages that catch my eye are those with well-lit professional photos of every room, especially the kitchen and bathroom. It has to look very, very clean and well maintained. I prefer the contemporary look, rather than quaint cottage.

I'd also want on-site parking, dishwasher, washing machine (and separate tumble dryer if a pool/hot tub/or beach location). Not bothered by fancy coffee machines or other gadgets around the property. Details of local supermarket, takeaway, petrol station, restaurant are good to know, as well as a list of supermarkets who will deliver groceries.

Very clear, simple instructions for using the heating, TV etc. No long lists of DON'T do this or guests CAN'T do that etc.

Having to clean a property before leaving is a big no-no! And I'd be weary of having to pay a deposit for breakages/damages.

Re payment, I often choose a company that asks for a low deposit. Some I've looked at want a third or 50% up front, which always puts me off.

Oh and if the cottage is in the middle of nowhere, please state it clearly. I remember one being down long, windy, single track, unlit, unmarked 'roads', which put us off going out more than once a day, and especially after dark.

For me, the number one priority is cleanliness!

Detached, older property
Dog friendly
Enclosed garden - preferably large
Good walks nearby
Pub within walking distance
WIFI

Welcome pack always does down well. Bottle of wine, homemade cake, teabags. A proper coffee machine eg Nespresso with pods. Dishwasher tablets and a few loo rolls. Makes all the difference after a long journey.

Number of bedrooms,
Parking
Location - I try to find out exactly where it is and use Street view to check out what is around it. A cottage isn't a quiet cottage if it is right next to a main road.
Whether it is on it's own or in a group of cottages.
Washing machine and outdoor space if staying for more than a few days.
Previous reviews
Plan of cottage layout - so you know that bedrooms are close together if you have children.
Photos - look for things that break easy. Don't want to be messing about moving loads of ornaments.

^and agree re household supplies-I'd prefer to just bring food, clothes and personal toiletries

Outside space - essential.
Parking.
Wifi.
A king size bed! I won't book anywhere without. And the lack of one, if there's obviously room for it, makes me think the owner is a cheapskate and will be skimping on other things, too.

Especially if it's anywhere near a beach, and if it's a UK family property, proper drying facilities for towels etc. - at least a heated drying rack, not just a washing line. Was very miffed a few years ago when an expensive 3 bed property very close to the beach, provided nothing of the sort.

Good, clear instructions for any appliances. Which of course should be in good working order and not need fiddling with or 'a knack'.

Second whoever just mentioned kitchen cupboards with no room left to put your own food. This is so common!