Letting specialists from legal, financial and property firm Pagan Osborne have released tips for holiday-let owners to make their houses a home away from home for their guests.
Linda Black, head of letting at Pagan Osborne, said:
“To make your property desirable in a competitive market, the smallest of touches can clinch the deal. It is a lot more than simply providing a roof, bed and basic provisions.
“People choose to rent houses, rather than stay in a hotel for a reason. It is important that the property is homely and inviting, however while at the same time not too personal to the owners.”
Pagan Osborne is the R&A’s official letting agents for the 150th Open Championship being held in July in St Andrews. Pagan Osborne has been the body’s official agent for the St Andrews tournament for over 25 years.
Linda outlines some of the things homeowners can prepare for their guests to enhance their stay.
1. Remove personal items: If guests feel like they’re encroaching on someone else’s personal space then they will not be able to relax. You should remove family photographs, and things such as kids’ paintings and anything you wouldn’t want strangers to see such as bills.
2. Remove expensive and irreplaceable items: Irreplaceable family heirlooms, although lovely to look at, are not necessarily inviting to a guest. They might be terrified they damage them. The worst case scenario is that they’re stolen. I would also avoid having very expensive furniture. The majority of guests are respectful of your possessions but are unlikely to treat it as you would.
3. Make it comfortable: Small touches, like providing throws and cushions, will make the home a lot more inviting. People are getting away to relax and this will make the place a lot more comfortable. Fresh, crisp white bed linen can also never be beaten on the beds.
4. In-house entertainment: A lot of people will stay in a holiday home to visit the local area, however there is ‘down time’ to consider so having appropriate magazines, so for instance Bunkered for golfing guests, a DVD library and perhaps a selection of board games is important.
5. Entertaining kids: And whilst the adults have fun inside, providing balls, skipping ropes and other outdoor toys will keep the kids entertained outside.
6. Extra information: Guests may not know the area. I would suggest providing them with taxi numbers, takeaway menus and directions of nearby shops, pharmacies and restaurants.
7. Outdoor activities: If your home is in an area of natural beauty, then provide people with options for walks and outdoor activities. A lot of people, for instance, will come to St Andrews and the East Neuk for the golf and not necessarily know about the beaches and hills there are nearby to explore.
8. Getting to the house: Prior to arrival, provide guests with easy directions to the house. If it is quite complicated to get to, you, or a concierge, should meet them at an easily accessible location.
9. Agree expenses in advance: Agreeing expenses in advance protects both parties. I heard a case of a group being hit with a £90 charge for utilities after spending a summer weekend in a home which they were not expecting. This is not good for the reputation of the let. You also need to agree what happens for telephone and paid-for TV costs.
10. Welcoming arrival: In the winter have the heating on, in the summer have the windows open – having the house at an ambient temperature will make it more welcoming. Also have it well-aired so there is a fresh smell. It is advisable someone is there to greet them as well in case they have any questions. A lot of guests, particularly those visiting the Open, will have travelled a long way and will appreciate there being provisions such as tea, biscuits, even flowers and fruit to greet then.
Linda added:
“The Open in St Andrews is a spectacular event. We are privileged to be associated to the tournament and enjoy matching properties to visitors from all over the world.
“It is now not long away, and the pace of bookings is really picking up. There is still a good range to choose from, ranging from flats overlooking the course through to large houses in semi-rural locations.
“People are willing to pay a significant sum to visit the area during the Open period so, at Pagan Osborne, we ensure their rental property adds to the overall experience. Small touches and a good Scottish welcome can really make all the difference.”