As the days grow shorter, the weather grows cold, and the dark nights draw in, it can only mean one thing, Winter is here!
There are a number of things to consider when getting your holiday let ready for the winter season, whether it’s how to prevent draughts or checking your roof is ready to withstand the elements.
These little checks can have a huge impact on your guests stay, which we all want to be unforgettable for the right reasons!
Continue reading for our top recommendations on how you can get your cottage ready for the winter season…
Outside your cottage
Outdoor furniture
Store appliances and outdoor furniture inside a locked shed or garage. You definitely don’t want your lovely outdoor rattan furniture going damp or mouldy in these frosty and wet winter months! If you don’t have the space to bring this inside, you can always invest in a strong and durable cover. This will take up less room inside the house so that you can store the cushions etc.
Now is a good time to check the structure and exterior of the cottage. One of the most important things to check is actually your guttering! Believe it or not, leaves and dirt easily get clogged in them and can cause drainage issues.
Roof
Check for missing tiles and any cracks, this can cause leaks, especially in periods of heavy rain. North Wales is also notorious for strong winds! The last thing you want is a loose roof tile falling off and smashing into a window or even injuring one of your guests.
Trees
Windy weather can cause branches to break and can cause damage to gardens and properties. The best way to prevent this is to keep trees pruned* and remove any branches that could potentially pose a hazard. (*We know that some trees are protected and can’t be cut back without permission)
Adverse Weather
Winter, especially in Wales can bring lots of frost, strong winds, snow and ice! To make sure guests are prepared for all weather, why not provide a shovel, salt/ grit and a brush to help with any bad weather.
Inside your cottage
You should vacuum or clear out any debris, dirt and ash from the bottom of your fire. (You’d be surprised what you’d find in there!) The glass should also be cleaned and make sure that there are no cracks/ dents. Finally, you should check the chimney pipe, sometimes, small animals can make nests inside the pipe.
Having good ventilation and heating
Mold and damage can cause big problems in cottages. It’s important to keep on top of any issues. To help prevent this, it’s important to keep your cottage warm in the winter by using a cost-effective setting or utilising an energy-efficient smart heating control system. We know with the rising costs of gas and electricity, this can come at a large cost, however, there are a few ways to help manage this. There are quite a few options such as installing a Hive meter that can connect to your mobile phone. You can even remotely control your heating from anywhere in the world! (As a Menai Owner, you get 10% off at B&Q!) You can even turn the heating up a few hours before a guest arrives to make sure your cottage is nice and toasty for them. This can help reduce dampness, mould and the chance of pipes freezing!
Opening vents will ensure that there is adequate airflow in each room. Guests don’t want to arrive at a cold and damp cottage, keeping on top of this will ensure that guests have a great stay with you and are happy!
Draughts
Especially in older buildings, drafts and gusts of cold air can be an issue. A way to help reduce this is to buy some draft excludes. You can be creative with these and get ones to match the colours or theme of each room!
Tech
There is a lot more rain in those winter months, so visitors are more likely to use the WiFi, TVs, and DVD players. You should check that these are working before each guest.
Check the property regularly
If you live close to your cottage, then it would be worth popping in at least once a week during any periods when guests are not there. By doing this, you can check pipes, heating and structure regularly and ensure that there are no issues. As a Menai owner, you also get 5% off at Screwfix.
Decorating your cottage for Winter
Where should you start when preparing your house for the chilly winter months?
Think about adding extra lighting to darker areas and even hallways as a subtle finishing touch. This also helps to create a ‘cosy vibe’ inside your cottage.
A few decorative pieces with winter themes and hues provide a subtly festive hint. A really easy way to do this is to switch up your cushion covers or add a nice throw! This can really change the style and ambience of a room. Why not opt for cream, brown or taupe colours? These are very neutral colours but they will add a subtle hint of colour to a room. cable-knit weaves are also a great choice and make a room feel more ‘wintery’ and cosy.
Wreath
Why not add a colourful wreath to your door? First impressions are important. A beautiful wreath on the door is a perfect way to make your cottage look polished and welcoming!
The Toll House has a beautiful pink wreath that really ties the cottage together
Seasonal Decorations
Another way to make your guest’s stay extra special is to provide seasonal decorations! Over the Christmas period, why not add stockings, a Christmas tree, tinsel and Christmas lights? This can make your guest’s stay that extra bit special and can also contribute towards great guest reviews!
Check out our Pinterest board for some ideas and inspiration:
What can Menai Holidays do to help keep my holiday let safe during winter?
Winter Checks
If you are on our Managed Service option (depending on location) the Menai property team can help organise winter checks for your property. We can check pipes, heating and the exterior of the property.
24-hour guest support
We provide a 24-hour emergency phone for guests we will always keep you up to date with any issues. Or Managed Services team are here to help with any maintenance issues or unhappy guests. We are here to make things easier for our owners. We will pay invoices on behalf of our owners and break down the expenditures on our monthly owner statements.
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Decorating Service
If you are on Managed Service with us, we can also go into your property and decorate for Christmas! You can order the items to one of our offices and our Handy Men will go and work their magic!
