Is Your Holiday Cottage Winter Ready?

1. System Checks:

During the colder, Winter period guests will need heating to stay warm during their stay. One of our most common complaints from guests is that the cottage was cold on arrival or the heating wasn’t functioning. We understand that appliances may break, however yearly maintenance of your systems should help to prevent a breakdown and result in warmer, more satisfied guests.

By law you are required to have your gas appliances checked every 10-12 months, if these aren’t up to date, then it can be illegal to let the property.

Consider checking your appliances in the quieter months such as the beginning of the year so they are ready for the year ahead and also do another check in Autumn in advance for when these appliances will be used most.

 

2. A Warm Welcome:

A welcome into a warm and cosy cottage is the perfect way for your guests to start their holiday. By investing in a remote home heating kit such as Hive, you can turn the heating on in advance and adjust for the guests estimated arrival time. Guests will appreciate the gesture and be ready to make themselves at home.

 

3. Compliance:

Ensuring your public liability insurance, fire risk assessments and all electrical and gas safety compliances are up to date is very important.  Make yourself a note in your diary each year when this is due to remind yourself.

 

4. Garden and Exterior:

Although the weather may not be as warm, guests will still be looking to spend time outside and in the cottage surroundings. Ensure all windows are clean and sweep the patio ready for Winter guests. Having some outdoor furniture is still a good idea such as a bench, for those frosty but sunny Winter mornings.

 

5. General Maintenance:

With Winter months generally being quieter, take time to consider what maintenance work needs doing following a busy holiday season, perhaps some paint touch-ups are needed or a full repaint, even re-decorating a room, or power-washing of the outside areas. Consider an upgrade of appliances, furniture and bed linen if worn or tired.

 

6. A Deep Clean:

A thorough deep clean is essential at least once or twice a year, especially for kitchen appliances such as oven, fridge and freezer, windows, and also your paintwork. Make a note for a good time to book this in. It’s good practice to check the bed linen and towels too and replace if needed. Guests will be expecting high quality all year round.

 

7. Welcome Pack and Supplies:

Many of our lodges supply guests with a welcome pack, i.e some bread, milk, juice or a cake will make visitors feel welcome on a dark Winter’s evening.  Also ensure you leave instructions for appliances, such as how to work the heating and WiFi code.

 

8.  Ensure Your Photography Is Up To Date:

Images sell properties! If anything has changed, please let us know and we can arrange for some new photos to be taken. If you have a new sofa or throws ready for Winter it is great to show these off as guests search for the cosy element.

 

9. Dark Nights:

Please check with us that we have the correct arrival times and travel directions to your property. As guests will be arriving in the dark throughout Winter, it’s best to ensure we can advise them as much as possible on the easiest and most accessible route.

 

10. Fireplaces:

We’d recommend you get chimneys swept and any services required in the warmer, Summer months when they are not needed. This ensures they’ll be in top condition for your Winter guests wanting to cosy up to the fire! Fireplaces are a big selling point for Winter bookings.

 

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We hope our Winter checklist helps you get your cottage Winter ready. Request your FREE owner pack here or call us on 01947 820949 to get in touch.