Case Study – Mark W
December 6, 2023
Like many of our owners, Mark needed to have complete flexibility when it came to using his lovely Cotswolds cottage, but at the same time wanted to generate an income when he wasn’t using it. We knew our model would be perfect and were delighted when he decided to join us.
Can you tell us a little bit about your situation and why you decided to short-term let your home?
I bought my cottage in The Cotswolds in 2021. I live and work just west of London, and wanted a cosy and peaceful getaway, not too far away, in a beautiful part of the country. My job doesn’t allow me to get to the house as often as I might like so the opportunity to allow others to share in it, and to have some help with the mortgage payments at the same time, was a no-brainer. I can still book my cottage to go and stay in when I get the chance, which is perfect, but for the rest of the year, it generates income.
As you live a fair distance away, what would you say is the most important aspect of hiring an end-to-end management company?
With a high turnover of guests arriving and departing, it’s vital that everything runs smoothly and if there are any queries they are dealt with promptly and efficiently. I just can’t be there to deal with that myself, and knowing that guests are in good hands is very comforting. At the same time, Guesthoo’s algorithms help generate a high level of occupancy to keep revenues coming in, which is important when you are losing part of any income in platform/commission fees.
They have an unfailingly professional and sensitive approach and we’ve been pleased with Guesthoo’s ability to deliver consistent revenues and excellent customer service throughout the year.
Why did you decide to work with Guesthoo and how has your experience been?
A friend recommended Will and the Guesthoo team. Will came to visit and made a good impression. They have an unfailingly professional and sensitive approach and we’ve been pleased with Guesthoo’s ability to deliver consistent revenues and excellent customer service throughout the year.
What do you think is key to running a successful short-term let?
A home away from home. People want modern luxuries and comforts but they also want the homely feel you don’t get in a hotel. I want people to feel that they have been welcome guests in my house, not in a sterile characterless commercial room or property. If they look at my bookshelves and prints they might learn something about me, and I hope they will feel part of the village and area that I have loved exploring myself.
Do you have any final tips for anyone considering letting out their property?
It can be rewarding. Work out what you want and who you wish to work with to get the results that make it satisfactory, and maintain a regular dialogue with the management company to ensure that guests are happy and that money is not being wasted when work needs doing.