What do you look for in a holiday cottage

[tabitha]

I'm not sure whether this is the 'right' place to post but here goes.
I've recently inherited a share of house in a popular holiday resort (UK). The deceased person was keen that the property be kept on for family members to use for holidays and to allow this, we're thinking if renting it out at other times. We're not looking to make a fortune but hope to get enough money to pay for maintenance and repairs with maybe a little left over. We'll probably use a holiday lettings company to manage it for us.
Although the house is in a good condition, we'll probably have to do a bit of redecorating etc before we let it out. I'm looking for some pointers on what people look for in a holiday let e.g decor, facilities etc.
Any assistance / comments would be really appreciated.

When looking at cottages my first thought is the location.
Is there anything good nearby or with easy travelling distance? Then I look to see if I can park my car without having to use pay and display car parks.
I look to se if there is decent wifi.
Photos will show me if the place is clean. I don't like over furnished cottages and will go for a less cluttered look.
I like to have a comfortable nights sleep.

I have stayed in open plan cottages and would book the ones with a separate utility room.
Apart from that not much else as I shouldn't be in that much.

Parking
Good location
Welcome booklet with emergency contacts, doctor, dentist etc
Welcome booklet with local attractions & places to eat
If remote location welcome pack eg milk, bread, wine, logs, peat for fire, tea, coffee, biscuits, toiletries
Umbrellas
Extra blankets if weather is cold
Books, games
If there are photos or pictures on the walls, I like them to be of local places

Agree with most of the above. At least a kingsized bed with no footboard. OH is over 6' and double beds with footboards are a complete no.

High wattage lights and lamps. I have crap eyesight and OH doesn't see well in dim light. I agree with a PP that I don't think some owners visit their holiday lets after dark.

No to low hanging lights or low cooker hoods. Again, OH has banged his head on these in holiday lets designed for shorter visitors.

A map of the local area on wall framed or to browse in book format

"A map of the local area on wall framed or to browse in book format"

I agree, a good Ordnance Survey map framed is really helpful in letting you spot interesting places to go and for you to understand the local area.

Mummymeister's advice is spot on - there's quite a lot more to it than making the place look nice and fitting it out. PAT testing has to be done, compliance with fire regs, annual boiler safety checks, etc.
This looks like a useful starting point; it has links to various sources of info such as laymyhat and other forums.

Finding a good agency is paramount; takes away loads of hassle and it's great to have a middle man for dealing with any hassle.

Apols for tepetition of hassle!

Sorry but - umbrellas!

Actually, re. agencies: they're usually willing to come out and have a look-see if they'd be willing to take your property on/sell themselves to you if they think it's a good prospect. They'll advise you on what needs to be done decor-wise, and also any safety aspects that need to be covered. You'd then get a feel for whether holiday letting is a viable option, which it sounds like it might be imo, as proximity to a beach is very popular, especially if there are nice eateries and shops nearby as well.

In fact, forget what random mners say - local agents will know what sells and how far you need to go in terms of improvements and decor in order to make a profit. You could tie yourself in knots trying to make every potential client happy, but really you only need to know that you can get regular bookings; if aomeone decides not to come back, that's their choice! Of course, what you offer has to be priced accordingly.