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Year round holiday letting occupancy

Year round holiday let occupancyIs year round holiday let occupancy achievable? There’s no denying that most holidays take place during the summer months. That doesn’t mean that your holiday home should only focus on the warmest season to attract guests. In recent years there has been a marked increase in autumn, winter, and spring breaks, particularly within the British Isles. This means you could get a great amount of trade during the rest of the year, but you’ll have to be active online to get the message across.

Good photography will increase holiday let occupancy

When was the last time you updated the photography on your website? Many owners can be guilty of leaving the same photos on their site for years on end, so now is the time to stand up and get it changed in order to attract those winter warmers in your holiday home!

Having great photography to show off your holiday home is always a good thing. You can make it even better by featuring photos of your property throughout the different seasons. People respond well to images, so show them that your cottage is a wonderful and cosy place to stay in autumn or winter. it will really encourage them to book during the low season.

Balance shots of the exterior and interior, but do make sure the winter pictures are cosy and charming, not rainy and grey!

Let people know you’re open

Now is a great time to be highlighting winter availability. Potential guests may be unsure as to whether you’re open throughout the year, so you’ve got to tell them. Many holiday homes will already be promoting Christmas and new year availability so if your cottage is the perfect new year or festive pad, ensure that you don’t miss the boat by leaving it too late.

You may think it’s obvious that your let is available, and that people can check the availability themselves through an online booking system, but that extra reminder could convince a few extra guests to book a winter retreat.

Email, Twitter and Facebook should all be in your plans. Use social media to drive people to your website to book, not rely on them finding it and researching your open season themselves.

Tell people about activities

This is where you can really make the most of social media. Tweet and post on Facebook and Instagram about different things to do in the local area. From indoor play areas for kids, to museums and galleries, let people know that there is plenty to do rain or shine. Tag the accounts of the attractions and you may get a re-tweet and have your cottage shown off to their followers, of which there could be thousands.

Remember that winter attractions will be different to summer. Ensure your content is up to date and that you’re working with all of the other local businesses to promote your destination and local area to potential visitors.

Blog about the seasons

Does your website have a blog? Then you should be making the most of it. Remember this doesn’t need to be reams and reams of words; you’ll get more engagement through photography. Whether it’s the snow or the autumn leaves falling, ensure photos are displayed throughout your blog. Share them on social media too.

For some other ideas; is your garden full of beautiful flowers in the spring? Let people know. If you provide buckets and spades in the summer, tell everyone. If the autumn brings out your great selection of puzzles and books, show them off. And if winter makes your house feel cosy and warm, make sure guests know about it.

Use testimonials from all year round

Testimonials and reviews are becoming increasingly important in gaining bookings and increasing year round holiday let occupancy. When your autumn guests provide a testimonial, show it off. Letting potential guests know that you do get bookings at that time will help you increase your holiday let occupancy. The positive words of another guest will really seal the deal for many future visitors.

Boshers offer specialist holiday home insurance to owners across the UK. For more information on how a specialist insurer can help and support you if you’re buying a holiday cottage to let, please give us a call on 01237 429444.

 

Loft conversion

Loft conversionIf you’re after more space in your holiday home, then a loft conversion is a great idea. Whether you want an extra bedroom for visitors, or a fun playroom for younger guests, creating a special space at the top of the house will inevitably add value to your property.

Sloping ceilings and small spaces can make loft conversions feel uncomfortable and awkward to style, however it isn’t that difficult to turn a converted loft into a luxurious or fun room.

Small space to attract families

If there isn’t much space and a king size adult double bedroom isn’t an option, consider a single bed with a pull out trundle bed. This will turn the room into a child-friendly space that kids will love by day and provide room for two children to get their heads down at night. A colourful frame will look great against white walls, along with other hints of colour throughout the room. Light walls will stop the room feeling too small, whilst a splash of colour here and there will create a cool den-like room, perfect for younger guests.

See the sky

Want to bring the outside inside? One of the most common features added to loft conversions are skylights. They’ll quickly add light and air to the room, whilst blinds are also easy to add and fit if your guests don’t fancy waking with the rising summer sun.

Luxurious living

Sloping ceilings are inevitable when it comes to loft conversions, but you can easily make it into a feature that works for you and your guests. Add a touch of luxury by installing a canopy over the bed, letting the fabric fall with the ceiling on either side. This will also help add height to the room, as well as making it a light and airy space.

Clear from clutter

Loft conversions look best when they are free from excessive furniture, decorations and ornaments. Good fitted storage will allow guests to store their items, and keep the room looking clear and beautiful. Keeping the colours neutral and light will also help create a spacious and open room; great for those summer visitors.

Attract attention

If the low ceiling is all you can notice, then you’ll need to draw the eye to somewhere else in the room. Turn whatever wall space you have into an eye catching feature with attractive art or a gorgeous feature wall.  Visitors will naturally be drawn to this wall, and low ceilings will no longer be the first thing you spot.

Bright and breezy

If you’re able to, consider converting your loft into a mezzanine and let the natural light from the room below to flow up through the full length space. Whether you’re upstairs or beneath the conversion, the room will feel impressive and incredibly spacious. There may be some restrictions on your ability to do this, however, so always check with building regulations as certain ceiling heights are required for health and safety reasons.

Your holiday home insurance

Be sure to inform your holiday home insurance broker of your loft conversion plans to ensure you have the correct contract works cover in place for the project. You’ll also need to review and revise your buildings and contents sums insured once the works have been completed.

Boshers offer specialist holiday home insurance to owners across the UK. For more information on how a specialist insurer can help and support your holiday home business, please give us a call on 01237 429444.

Modern Living Room Holida Home Contents Insurance

Modern Living Room Holida Home Contents Insurance How much are the contents currently in your property worth if you had to replace them like for like as new? Whether it’s your own home insurance or your holiday home contents insurance, it’s a question we’ve all faced from time to time when seeking a quote. It’s an important question too; go too low and should the worst happen you’ll potentially find yourself short or underinsured. Go too high and you’ll be over insured, paying an unnecessarily high premium year after year.

So how many of us really know the true value of the possessions in our holiday homes?

Is it £25,000? £35,000? Or even more?

Have you considered the soft furnishings, curtains and the carpets? They count too, as do the gadgets, furniture and even the clock hanging from the wall or the ornaments adorning the bedside tables.

Still think you know? If not, here’s our helpful overview to make sure you’re ticking off every item and making an informed decision on the level of cover you really need.

Account for the full replacement cost as new for holiday home contents insurance purposes

You may have queued up from 0600 in the morning on New Years day to furnish your holiday home in the sales at bargain prices but when your three piece suite is damaged beyond repair in mid-summer you’ll want a like for like replacement quickly and without question. For this reason it is important to insure for the full cost as new for all of your holiday home contents, that’s the full retail price without discounts.     

Electrical Equipment

One of the biggest growth areas in contents is the sheer volume of gadgets we all have in our homes, and holiday cottages are no exception. Make a list of the items you have including some of the following:

  • Televisions, DVD players and other entertainment systems such as PlayStation’s or an Xbox
  • White goods including your freestanding oven, microwave, dishwasher, fridge freezer, washing machine and tumble drier.
  • Remember your cleaning equipment also counts, so add that shiny Dyson or humble Hettie the Hoover in there too!

Your furniture

The furniture throughout your holiday home will add up to a considerable cost should it need to be replaced. Go through each room and make note of all of the furniture and furnishings and other contents in each, not forgetting to open the drawers and cupboards where spare bedding, linen or towels may be stored:

  • Your sofas are likely to be the key item in the living room; don’t forget to include any soft furnishings you’ve added to them too such as scatter cushions.
  • When it comes to bedrooms and your beds you’re going to want to include both the frame and the mattress (even the pillows and the bedding too), which can be expensive should they need to be replaced.
  • Where do your guests enjoy an evening meal? If it’s at a dining table and chairs be sure to add this to the list.
  • Those kitchen utensils, pots, pans, dinner service and cutlery they’re making and eating their meal with? You’ve got it; they need to be included too!
  • Not forgetting small appliances such as the kettle, toaster, iron and barista machine if you have one!

Child friendly holiday homes

Regularly welcome young families to your holiday home? You might have some of the following in your cottage:

  • Cots
  • Stair gates
  • Play equipment

Garage and garden items

Thinking outside of the home and into the garden shed, are you including the items that make that garden look as pristine as it does?

  • If not then factor in cover for items such as your lawnmower and garden tools.
  • Trampolines, and other play equipment would also form part of this section of your contents.
  • Patio and garden furniture
  • Ceramic planters, garden ornaments and statues, it all adds up

Those items you might not think of

When we think of contents we often think of personal items such as clothing, or other accessories such as our television. Here are a few you’ll need to allow for that might not immediately spring to mind:

  • Lighting, including lamps, and the light bulbs throughout your cottage.
  • The curtains and blinds in all of your rooms.
  • Carpets and floor coverings or rugs (commonly forgotten).

‘High risk’ items

If you have any particularly high value items within your holiday home, such as expensive pieces of art such as prints, paintings and sculptures, then these may need to be listed separately within your policy. Ask your insurer about these items when receiving your quote.

Once you’ve added up the replacement cost of the above, check it against your current sums insured and speak to your broker to increase your cover if necessary.

Boshers offer specialist holiday home insurance to owners across the UK. For more information on how a specialist insurer can help and support your holiday home business, please give us a call on 01237 429444.

For further information on UK holiday home insurance visit the website page most relevant to you:

N.B. This article is only an indication of the items that you should be considering when calculating your potential contents insurance. Please speak with us for further information or a quote for your holiday home insurance.

Raing Day holiday Letting Monopoly

Raing Day holiday Letting Monopoly The British weather can be unpredictable to say the least, so when inclement weather strikes you need to be prepared and have plenty of things to keep your holiday home guests happy on those rainy days.

Whilst your visitors may not be having the warm and dry trip they had hoped for, that doesn’t mean that they can’t have a great time. We’ve compiled a list of 10 simple ideas for keeping your holiday letting guests amused on rainy days to ensure that they’re having fun, regardless of the weather outside.

  • Wi-Fi 

10 million British adults (that’s 22% of the entire population) login to public Wi-Fi each week. Access to the Internet has and is moving from an added extra in holiday homes towards an expectation. On rainy days the first thing many of your guests will no doubt reach for is there internet enabled mobile or tablet. So if you haven’t already installed wi-fi at your holiday letting property it may pay to consider doing so.

If you own a large holiday home or cottage complex and are looking to install wi-fi read our article which considers wi-fi options which may also help your marketing:

Sometimes when you can’t go outside, the best thing to do is pile onto the sofa, wrap up in blankets and pop a good film on. Having a good selection of DVDs will ensure that guests are entertained. Always ensure that your selection is tailored to your audience, and that if you have young children visiting your holiday cottage, films meant for older viewers are kept in an alternative location.

  • Music

Sometimes its nice to sit back, relax and listen to your favourite music, radio station or podcast. Providing a good quality radio or hi-fi for your guests will be appreciated. With so many of us now carrying extensive music collections with us on our mobile phones and tablets you may also want to consider a good quality bluetooth speaker for your guests to use.

To ensure that you’re not infringing copyright law you should ensure that you have explored relevant music and film licences. To learn more read our blog article:

  • Board Games

Everyone loves a good board game, so make sure there are plenty of choices for everyone to enjoy! Scrabble, Monopoly, and Uno are all great games suitable for families. Ensure that all your games are up to date – an 80s version of Trivial Pursuit isn’t any good for kids, teens, or young adults.

  • Reading material

Around 29% of adults say they don’t read books because they simply don’t have enough time. So when they’re on holiday and housebound due to the weather, reading may suddenly become a great option.

Let guests escape into a different world through a selection of classics – think Jane Austen, ‘chick lit’ – Cecilia Ahern, and even a few thrillers – Stephen King is always popular! Don’t forget about the little ones either; have a few books for different age groups available for them to read. Books needn’t be expensive with many novels only read once and then donated to charity shops where they can be purchased for a fraction of their recommended retail price.

  • Cook books

Mary Berry seems to have led something of a baking renaissance in recent years. With more and more of us thinking we might be the next winner of The Great British Bake Off, does your holiday home come with all the main ingredients to make it a baking success? We of course don’t mean raw ingredients such as baking powder and eggs, but how about mixing bowls, wooden spoons and all those other things that are mentioned in a cookbook!

  • Information

Bad weather doesn’t necessarily mean guests can’t go outside. In your welcome pack, include information on activities and tourist attractions that aren’t weather dependent. Museums, bowling alleys, and indoor play areas are just some of the things that guests can enjoy regardless of the heavy rain.

  • Menus

After a day of watching films and playing games, guests may not feel like cooking a meal themselves. Providing menus to local takeaways will provide guests with an alternative option. Looking for luxury? Consider offering a local private chef service! For more information on how food tourism has become so popular read our blog article:

  • Umbrellas and welly storage

Guests may not be prepared for the rain, so keeping a few umbrellas in the house could really help them out! It’s also worth popping an umbrella stand by the front door to prevent any puddles in the house.

After a day of exploring in the rain, guests will most likely have some dirty and wet wellington boots, as well as clothes! A mat by the door and a welly brush outside will keep things clean and tidy. Also consider if there’s anywhere in your holiday home suitable for drying that soaking clothing; particularly vital if you welcome walkers, cyclists and surfers.

  • Puzzles, crosswords and colouring books

The best thing about wet, cold, and windy weather is having the excuse to curl up on a sofa with a cryptic crossword or sudoku puzzle. Colouring books can be therapeutic for children and adults alike. Providing a small selection of paper back crossword, sudoku or colouring books and pencils can be inexpensive and will be sure to make a good impression with your guests on those rainy days.

Boshers offer specialist holiday home insurance to owners across the UK. For more information on how a specialist insurer can help and support your holiday home business, please give us a call on 01237 429444.

Holiday Let Changeovers

Holiday Let ChangeoversDuring the busy summer months, it’s common to have a small time frame for your holiday let changeovers between guests. With time at a premium it’s important for you to still check your holiday home to ensure it is safe, suitable for guests, and looking lovely.

Catching problems or faults early can prevent potential accidents and save you money in the long run. Here’re a few items you or your housekeeping should be checking during holiday let changeovers.

Checking around your cottage

Start with the outside of the property. Make sure that the pathways are clear and free of slip hazards such as algae or moss (particularly prevalent during rainy periods). It is also a good idea to check driveways and parking areas for the same issues. For tips on removing moss and algae check out our blog post on the subject:

During the winter months, there’s bound to be a collection of leaves and other bits clogging up your guttering. Ensure that they are cleared to avoid any blockages and overflowing water (this is often the main cause of water damage to cottages).

Have you updated your key safe combination?

Holiday cottages can often become targets for opportunistic thieves, particularly during the summer months when they know visitors will often be away from the property during the day.  If you have a key safe, it is recommended that you change the code between guests. For further guidance on the use of key safes check out these blog posts:

Whilst you are changing the code, have a quick look and see if there is any damage; in the event that the key safe is compromised find other ways for you to provide your guests with keys while a replacement is sought.

Checks to be made inside your cottage

Inside the property there are many things you will need to check. Ensure that all furniture and furnishings are suitable for use and live up to customer expectations and standards.

Now is also a good time to see if there is any general maintenance that will need to be carried out. Keep an eye out for peeling wallpaper, walls that need repainting, or tired looking soft furnishings. Make a note of wobbly taps, dodgy door knobs, and tricky locks.

It is also vital that you test all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. These alarms are a legal requirement, and regular testing means you are keeping your guests safe.

Visual checks and Portable Alliance Testing (PAT) are important in ensuring that all your electrical appliances are fit for use. Whilst PAT is not a legal requirement, it is good practice and a prerequisite of many of the tourism accommodation quality assured schemes. Regular visual checks in between annual PAT tests are advisable, take a look at the leads and plugs on all electrical items. This includes lamps, kettles, TVs and everything else! Keep an eye out for breaks or cuts in wires and any other damage. Remove defective appliances and replace them as necessary.

Don’t forget to test and check your battery powered devices such as TV and DVD remotes.

How about that hot tub and garden furniture?

If you do have a hot tub for guests, then it’s important you have the relevant health and safety checks in place. You can find out more in our blog post here:

Garden furniture will obviously be popular during the summer so make sure it’s still sturdy and in fine condition. Once autumn and winter arrive ensure it’s stored away, and this also applies to periods of inclement weather.

Other bits and pieces

This is also a good time to make sure your property is clean and hygienic. Make sure that there isn’t any food left in the fridge from the previous guests, the bins are empty, and beds are clean and fresh.

Before you leave the property and the next group of guests enjoy your home, have a final check of external doors and windows. Any unsecured entrances are an invitation to thieves! Make a note of any wear and tear that could become a problem in the future.

Getting into the habit of carrying out these checks during your holiday let changeovers is not only necessary for safety, it shows a high level of care for your guests.

Keep a list

There is plenty to think about so if you’re unable to get to the property, make sure you ask your cleaner or whoever is responsible for the changeover process to complete a tick sheet of items so you’re able to maintain consistency and ensure every item on the list is checked.

Boshers offer specialist holiday home insurance to owners across the UK. For more information on how a specialist insurer can help and support your holiday home business, please give us a call on 01237 429444.

Managing holiday letting guest expectations

Managing holiday letting guest expectations

The build up to a holiday can be an exciting one for your guests. In anticipation they’ll have created a number of expectations in their mind about the quality of the accommodation, the local area and the experience they feel they’re likely to enjoy.

How are these expectations formed, and what can you do in order to effectively shape and manage your holiday letting guest expectations?

With visitor expectations rising year on year this is becoming an increasingly important part of owning a holiday cottage and ensuring that your guests go home happy that each of their expectations have been readily met or even exceeded.

We discuss a few areas you can use to make sure that your customers know exactly what they’re getting…

Website copy

This can be an area that is often neglected so when was the last time you wrote, reviewed or updated yours?

When someone visits your website they’ll be doing so with a list of things you’ll need to fulfill in order to gain their booking; some of these will be conscious and others, sub-conscious.

They’ll have things that they’ll need from their accommodation (for example a certain number of rooms), they’ll have things that might be desirable and add something extra (for example a hot tub), and finally fears or worries (for example being somewhere too remote and without local shops).

By working out what your visitors need, want and fear, you can then effectively answer these through each of the pages of your website.

In doing so you’ll be answering all of their questions, and creating a clear picture of what they can expect. You’ll be managing their expectations by increasing their knowledge of your cottage. For more information on improving the copy on your holiday home website listing see our previous post:

Website photography

Whilst words will tell them everything they need to know, photos will give them a real feel of what to expect.

You’ll probably already know that photographing the interiors of a holiday home is a tricky business; lighting and making the rooms seem as large as real life are just a couple of the common barriers holiday homeowners will have faced when trying to get the perfect shot.

Consider investing in a professional photographer to ensure your rooms, and other areas are done justice and give a realistic expectation as to what someone can expect.

Also, make sure you have a wide range of photography; both inside and outside, to ensure that nothing is left to the imagination (which is where expectation and reality begin to part).

For more information on eye catching photography for your holiday home website listing see our previous post:

Communication with guests

Whilst expectations can be built and shaped through your website communication, they will continue to evolve during the run up to their visit.

This could be as the result of previous experiences both good and bad, so it’s important you continue to communicate with them and let them know exactly what to expect.

This can include information about their welcome pack, when they can check in, what they’ll need to bring with them and what’s already provided.

The more information you’re able to give them, the better you’ll be able to manage their expectations.

Welcome information folders are an important tool when for communicating useful information to your guests. For more information on welcome folder content ideas and why it’s important to keep them fresh see our previous posts:

It’s the little things

Whilst you can manage the expectations in the run up to a guest’s visit it’s still the little things that count. Think of elements you can add to their stay that may now exceed their expectations; have you considered adding something special or seasonal to the welcome pack? Perhaps hooking up with another local tourist business to offer them a special discount? Or even a pre-decoration service if they’re coming for a special occasion?

Adding and exceeding guest expectations could mean more repeat bookings, so once you’ve shaped them, make sure they have the stay they expect and so much more!

Boshers offer specialist holiday home insurance to owners across the UK. For more information on how a specialist insurer can help and support your holiday home business, please give us a call on 01237 429444.

Coastal Gardens

Coastal GardensA combination of strong winds and salt air can create challenging conditions for growing plants in coastal gardens. If you’re wanting to add a dash of colour to brighten a dull plot or even help protect your garden from the elements with a natural windbreak, here’s some coastal gardens inspiration for your holiday cottage by the sea. These tips will ensure your plants enjoy being by the sea as much as you and your guests do…

Windbreaks      

If you’re heading to the beach for the day you’ll no doubt pack a picnic and a windbreak. Like us, plants also need shelter from prevailing coastal winds.

Shoreline windbreaks can commonly be seen in the form of wooden posts and fencing, or certain varieties of trees and bushes.

If you’re starting a coastal garden from scratch make sure you create a windbreak or shelterbelt before adding smaller plants that require more protection.

Some experts say the best garden windbreak depends on the design rather than the plants, but here are a few types of bushes and trees that can create a natural barrier…

  • Italian alder (Alnus cordata) / Grey Alder (Alnus incana) — fast growing tree that can thrive even in dry soils
  • Sea buckthorn (Hippophae) — deciduous shrub known for its bright orange berries
  • Beach rose (Rosa rugosa) — scented, summer flowering shrub
  • Populus robusta — fast growing, narrow, leafy tree

Location

The location of your holiday home will affect how prosperous your plants are by the sea; some will thrive in colder coastal areas whilst others will prosper in milder spots of the UK.

If your holiday cottage is in the north of the country you’ll want trees and plants which can cope with the wind and cooler conditions.

These can include: Alnus glutinosa (common alder), Salix alba (white willow), Salix caprea (willow), Carpinus betulus AGM (hornbeam), Berberis (Barberry), Mahonia, Sambucus (elderberry), Viburnum.

Holiday cottage with coastal gardens further south? You’re likely to benefit from milder temperatures, allowing plants to flourish all year round without being affected by harsh frosts.

A warmer climate brings with it a larger variety of suitable plants.

These include: Dichroa febrifugia, Gazania, Alyssum, Acacia dealbata, Colutea arborescens, Acca sellowiana (pineapple guava), Dodonea viscosa ‘Purpurea’.

Low maintenance

If you live a good distance from your holiday home then you’ll also have to consider which plants are suitable for you to grow and manage. Avoid potted plants and containers, along with fast growing hedges and plants, which will require frequent pruning (and cost if you employ a professional gardener to tender to your garden).

Although your options will be more limited, there are plants that require minimal upkeep, allowing you and your guests to enjoy the pleasure of a garden without any arduous ongoing maintenance.

Consider ground-covering plants such as Hypericum (St John’s Wort), Liriope muscari, and Convallaria majalis Pink (Lily of the Valley).

Rock gardens

Perhaps your holiday cottage only has a small garden, but acts as a natural suntrap. If so, a rock garden is a great way of livening up a quiet corner.

Rock gardens can be as simple or complicated as you want to make them. The best time to construct a rock garden is during autumn and winter, giving you plenty of time before planting them in spring.

Perk up a dull wall

Wanting to add some colour to the exterior walls of your garden or cottage? Brighten them up by planting a climbing plant such as clematis, which is available in a variety of colours.

Not only is it great for camouflaging a dull looking wall or fence, when left to its own devises it will still flourish every year!

Sources:

Don’t forget your garden when insuring your holiday home

For those owners who may have got carried away with landscaping your coastal gardens it’s important to ensure that your holiday home insurance is wide enough to cover additions such as statues, hot tubs, patios, hedges, fences, walls, driveways, paths, terraces and garden furniture. it is also important to ensure that your sums insured are sufficient to cover their reinstatement following an insured peril.

Boshers offer specialist holiday home insurance to owners across the UK. For more information on how a specialist insurer can help and support your holiday home business, please give us a call on 01237 429444.

Holiday Home Insurance Specialist, Boshers Ltd has received the 2010 All Star Award from Constant Contact®, Inc., the trusted marketing advisor to more than 400,000 small organizations worldwide. Boshers is one of Constant Contact’s 2010 top performers and most prolific user of its email marketing tools.

Boshers Marketing Director, Mark Lavington, commented; “We’re happy to be recognized by Constant Contact for our use of email marketing tools to update our Holiday Home Insurance clients and prospects.” 

A BIG THANK YOU to all of our holiday home owners who have engaged in our newsletters!” 

To access back issues of our newsletters please click – Holiday Home Owner Newsletters