Sue Fenlon for Whistlefish
Holiday cottages are booming businesses these days, all the more good if you happen to own a property you can turn into one! Seriously, if you have a small shack that you could do up on a budget to a nice standard, you will likely find it’s a nice little earner, although you’ll still have to keep it clean, or employ others to clean it for you. And any business like this means that you have to keep on top of legal stuff like safety and fire regulations etc.
Renting a holiday cottage can be a nice way to enjoy a holiday, as you get to stay somewhere quiet (hopefully), many take pets (not too far away, so they don’t get stressed) and also are mostly child-friendly, have free parking, all mod cons and you get to relax, rather than go on some stressful package holiday.
What’s also nice is that aside from the agency taking a small commission, you are supporting independent families and people who own cottages, rather than giving to big business. Most of these sites have filters, so you can easily find cottages that take pets (read this book to keep your dog safe) or children, or are disabled-friendly. It often pays to go in a bigger family or friend group, because they tend to rent by the house. So if there is only one or two of you, they work out expensive. But if you have a big crowd, it usually works out much cheaper than renting a hotel.
You can rent small or large properties, and many of these sites also have chalets by the sea or rural retreats. And most also have unusual places, like staying in a disused lighthouse! If you’re a regular holidaygoer, you may also be able to get discounts. Have a look around, and choose what suits!
