How to start a holiday let business
Whilst owning a holiday cottage can be a financially rewarding and exciting venture, it can be incredibly daunting knowing...
With the promise of warmer weather on the way we all wish to spend more time outdoors, especially when on holiday. Our property experts recommend optimising your holiday home’s outdoor living space to its best potential.
A garden or outdoor space is a key component to securing bookings. Not only for those travelling with pets, but for families and couples too. In fact, according to the Sykes Staycation index, a garden is one of the most sought-after property features, so it’s worth giving your holiday home’s outdoor living space the consideration it deserves.
Whether you have a bijou balcony, a cosy courtyard or vast rolling grounds, with some creative planning and a few tips from our holiday letting experts, you can add character, value and booking appeal to your holiday cottage.
Use the quick links below to read about a particular topic or continue reading for our full guide on optimising your holiday home’s outdoor living space:
A low maintenance outdoor space that’s both practical and functional means that both you and your guests can make full use of your holiday home, whatever the season. Think of your garden, balcony or patio like an extension of your home, rather than a completely separate .
Without the same need for regular mowing and upkeep, having artificial grass means it will continue to look great way no matter the time of year.
It’s particularly worth considering having artificial grass if your holiday home is host to bigger parties. Especially if guests have young families or you accept pets.
Fake turf can withstand heavy foot traffic. It is also safe for small feet and paws, giving your guests peace of mind when using the outdoor space and keeping it in pristine condition.
A patio or decking that is versatile and equally low maintenance improves the functionality and use of your holiday home’s outdoor living space.
Use materials like composite decking, which is a lower maintenance material than wood. Or opt for a natural stone patio, which is not only easy to clean but also relatively slip resistant. It’s guaranteed to provide the pleasure of outdoor living without the hassle.
No matter if you’ve got a vast garden or small patio, – sprucing outdoor areas with low maintenance plants can create a relaxing outdoor space.
Perennial flowers, herbs and bushes bloom every year and don’t require constant upkeep. Plants such as English lavender, which not only stands winter temperatures but also adds a fantastic, relaxing aroma. If your property is exposed, why not speak to local garden centres to find out what plants can help you achieve privacy?
Ensure your holiday home’s exterior stays pristine and ready to welcome guests throughout the year.
Use suitable masonry paint and exterior decorating material to prevent the wind beaten look, erosion, damp and dust.
Keep your garden looking neat and tidy by using functional outdoor furniture storage.
Choose weatherproof garden storage boxes, sheds and benches. These are great to store furniture, cushions, wellies and any other outdoor pieces. It will also prevent them from being damaged in winter storms.
A covered outdoor living space that can be used whatever the weather is a desirable feature in any home. If done well, it’s like adding another room to your holiday cottage.
Investing in a beautiful, covered area is a great way to create a seamless transition between life al fresco and the cosy indoors.
No matter whether you have the grandest of gardens or the smallest of courtyards, it’s possible to create a sheltered area that allows guests the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
To truly embrace the idea of al fresco living, treat your holiday home’s outdoor living space in the same way as you would interior furnishings. Form an idea of what furniture you need by thinking about what it is you and your guests would want.
For example, a sturdy outdoor dining set or picnic bench is ideal for a family-friendly holiday home. Alternatively, an elegant bistro set could provide the perfect morning coffee spot for a couple’s retreat.
If you are looking for an informal dining experience, then why not have a long, extendable table with chairs? Or consider having various size tables that can be placed in different areas. This option will give your space versatility.
Rattan sofa and table sets can provide a sociable space for dining but can also be used as a more relaxing space during the daytime.
Create a backyard oasis for guests by providing comfortable, sociable seating options as part of your furniture décor. This is a great way to create an extension from the inside to the outside of your holiday home.
Having a bench or two, or pouffes with plush cushions and throws creates a warming, cosy atmosphere (even on chilly nights). A fantastic, affordable option that works perfectly for small spaces.
If space and budget allows, and you wish to offer guests a luxurious hideaway, consider investing in plush waterproof sofas, or outdoor bean bags for kids. With new trends such as garden cinemas, why not provide cinema equipment too – a fun experience for families and couples.
If it’s a peaceful escape you’re after, then why not consider more relaxed furniture such as a sun lounger, hammock or waterproof bean bag?
Maximum comfort means your guests can remain outdoors from sunrise to sunset – perfect for star gazing from too!
In true British style, whether it’s sunny or stormy, there are few things as reminiscent of staycations than cooking and dining outdoors. Whether it is having breakfast on the patio or grilling your favourite dish on an open fire, al fresco dining is a must. Adding a dedicated dining area allows your guests to enjoy your outdoor space while eating and drinking with friends and family.
An outdoor cooking and/or dining area will transform your guests summer holidays. Whether it’s investing in an outdoor kitchen, barbeque or simply adding a trendy beverages cooler, these luxury tweaks (big or small) will create memorable experiences.
We recommend providing a barbeque, but consider that charcoal units may be harder for guests to clean. A gas barbeque is easy to use and keep clean, however owners need to factor in the cost of replacing gas bottles.
Another alternative is to build a designated space, such as a bricked area, for tenants to use their own disposable barbeque.
There’s nothing more enticing on a warm evening than spending time outdoors after the sun goes down.
Twinkling lights are a great way to create an inviting ambience and allow guests to make the most of the summer days. Not only this, but outdoor lighting can also be used as a health and safety feature to illuminate paths and steps at night, whilst accentuating your home’s external features.
To find out more holiday home safety tips, read our blog on holiday let rules and regulations.
Whether it’s a shady spot or somewhere to soak up the sun, an enclosed private space is a sought-after feature for any holiday home.
There are several ways to create a space that feels sheltered, secure and tucked away. Read on for our top tips.
A ‘green’ way to add privacy in any outdoor area is by planting bushes, grasses, trees and flowers, as well as creating natural shade. Boxwood and privet shrubs are the classic choices for hedges, but flowering greeneries like rhododendron or laurel are also a great choice.
Adapt any area of your garden and transform it into a hidden retreat by adding trellis or a panel. Fence panels can be interspersed with shrubs, woody ornamentals, and perennials to soften the appearance. Opting for trellis adds architectural interest whilst creating a private space away from view. Trellis is ideal for climbing plants like ivy or clematis.
A strategically placed shade sail adds privacy and a coastal style. Not only will this feature piece shield guests from both sun and rain, but a shade sail can also provide an inexpensive private area in a garden.
Soaking in a warm, bubbling hot tub is undoubtedly one of life’s great pleasures. If your property has the space, consider adding a hot tub. Guests will be able to indulge in this little slice of luxury on their holiday.
According to the Sykes Staycation Index 62% of guests seek properties with hot tubs. And holiday lets with hot tubs earn 54% more than those without. So it’s worth considering if space and budget allows.
Owners will also need to factor in the cost of operating a hot tub, such as running and water costs, as well as cleaning between each booking. To find out more read our blog on hot tub guide for holiday lets.
Booking data shows that pet-friendly properties can earn 11% more on average. So, by allowing dogs to stay at your holiday home, you could increase both your year-round occupancy and revenue.
If you’re considering welcoming dogs, ensure your outdoor space is safe and secure. You can do this by making sure your property has an enclosed garden or patio and those plants are non-toxic; lavender, rosemary and calendula are low-risk options.
Read our guide on whether to make your holiday home dog-friendly for everything you need to know.
It’s worth noting that off-road parking is a sought-after holiday home feature. If your holiday cottage has an expansive outdoor space, you may want to consider creating additional parking areas into your plans.
Having a beautiful and multifunctional outdoor living space is undoubtedly a key feature for guests. With just a few changes and a bit of planning, you can transform your holiday home’s outdoor living space into something amazing. A great way to boost your property’s year-round booking levels.
Whether you are considering letting your holiday home or you already have a holiday letting business, the following owner guides may be useful to you:
If you own a holiday home and you’re thinking of renovating it, visit our property owners blog for a whole host of advice. With over 20 years’ experience, from advice on electrical safety regulations to holiday let insurance, our team are here to help!
To find out more about holiday letting with Coast & Country Cottages, request your FREE owners guide today or call our team of holiday letting experts.
Click here to request an Owners Guide
Discover how a local brand with national reach can work for you. We're a British Travel Award winning holiday letting agency, priding ourselves on delivering consistent year-round bookings and bespoke property management options.
Find out how we can work together. With over 25 years’ experience, our local expertise will give you peace of mind and bring you the bookings you deserve.
I’ve had the privilege of living in the beautiful South West since 2010, and in my opinion there’s no better place in the worl...
Read More About Author
Sign up to receive exclusive offers, competitions and the latest news to your inbox, and you'll be entered into our monthly prize-draw 3 times!
Whilst owning a holiday cottage can be a financially rewarding and exciting venture, it can be incredibly daunting knowing...
Owning and running a holiday home can be a fantastic and rewarding experience as well as a great return...
Whether you plan to use your second property for your own holidays or let it out and make a...
