How to furnish your property for the holiday letting market

The Cornish Secrets portfolio is full of unique properties. When new owners are venturing into the world of holiday lets, decorating your holiday home can be a daunting prospect and it’s difficult to know where to start.

We’ve put together some tips to put you in the right direction.

Take Inspiration from Cornwall

It doesn’t get much more inspiring than the Duchy. Cornwall stimulates creativity which should be presented when decorating your holiday home; from the colour of the sea to the texture of the gorse that fringes the coastline, Cornwall has the perfect colour palette.

Celebrate this beautiful part of the world in your own way, whether you choose to use a Cornish artist, hang photography of local views or opt for coast-inspired tableware… there are many ways to bring Cornwall into the interior of your property. After all, guests want to fully immerse themselves in Cornwall living.

Design with Photography in Mind

Good imagery is key to securing bookings, and what might look stylish in reality, might not photograph quite so well. We like our photographers to capture detail shots as well as property overviews to give an insider look; soft furnishings like plump cushions and throws not only look inviting but give a stylised feel to an image. We also find an exposed period feature, ornate lamp or cosy window seat make for a fabulous picture. A blank wall with standout artwork tends to lend itself more to a lens than elaborate wallpaper.

Today’s guests make booking decisions within seconds of viewing a listing online, making professional photography one of the most valuable investments you can make.

Invest in Features That Guests Remember

While thoughtful interiors and comfortable furnishings create the foundation of a successful holiday home, it is often the extra features that make a property truly memorable. When guests are comparing holiday lets, unique touches can help your property stand out and create an experience they will want to return to.

Consider features that complement your property and its surroundings, such as a hot tub, wood-burning stove, outdoor seating area, sauna or fire pit. Practical additions like an outdoor shower, boot room, secure bike storage or EV charging point can also add value, particularly for guests exploring Cornwall’s beaches and coastal paths.

The best features are those that enhance the way guests use your property throughout the year. Whether it is a cosy space to relax after a winter walk or an outdoor area for enjoying summer evenings, thoughtful additions can help your holiday home appeal to a wider audience and encourage more bookings.

Balance Style with Practicality

Adding a sofa bed or opting for a zip ‘n’ link set up can make all the difference to securing bookings. If you’re renovating, is there the option for an extra downstairs toilet? Or perhaps your property is close to the sea, an outdoor shower and wetsuit hook can be a deal breaker for beach enthusiasts.

While it’s good to maximise the potential, be practical too. Don’t overstretch your property, all guests will need somewhere to sit in the lounge, or around a table to eat or socialise, so be realistic.

Create a Welcoming Space by Decluttering

It might be that you’ve once lived in your home, or you spend a lot of time there but make sure you remove any family photos or anything with sentimental value. Less is often more, while you don’t want big empty spaces, self-catering tends to allow guests to get more square meterage so don’t cram in too much. Additional furniture, or too many ornaments requires more dusting and will make the property look much smaller.

Experience Your Property Like a Guest

It might seem silly, but we always encourage owners to spend a few nights in your property before you let it. Spending a weekend in your own holiday home is often the best way to identify small improvements that make a big difference to your guests, and otherwise would of gone unnoticed.