Design Tips, Investment Properties
Shauna Lynn Simon
Expert Advice for Your Vacation Rental Property

If you own a vacation rental property (or are looking to invest in one), you know that designing a short-term rental cottage that stands out from the competition is key to attracting renters and earning repeat business. With the growing popularity of short-term rentals and Airbnb properties, it's important to create a space that not only looks beautiful but is also functional and comfortable for guests.

In this article, we'll provide you with expert tips and insights on how to design a short-term rental cottage that will have guests raving and coming back year after year. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to update an existing space, this guide will provide you with the inspiration you need to create a truly exceptional vacation home.


Start with the Basics

Before you start decorating, make sure you have all the basics in place. This includes…

Expert Advice for Your Vacation Rental Property

BTSH March Garden Tip Week - Day 3

To Seed or Not To Seed

Determine which plants you want to grow from seeds, and which plants you'll purchase already potted. Sketch out a plan for your garden and determine how many of each plant you need. Take into consideration how the sun rises and sets in respect to your garden and be sure to plan accordingly. Some plants will require more sun than others. As well, be sure to take into consideration the anticipated size that the plants will grow to, and avoid blocking the sun from smaller plants with larger plants. You'll need to space your plants appropriately. Some plants require more growing room for roots then others. Most nursery plants and seed packs will provide instructions for this. Be sure to account for this in your sketch. 

Cleaning Tips on Marilyn Denis with Charles The Butler

This is a man after my own heart! Check him out on last week's episode on the Marilyn Denis show (@MarilynDenisCTV).

Then check out the July 2009 BTSH Around The House Article for Cleaning Naturally:

Some ideas just never go out of style!!

BTSH March Garden Tip Week - Day 2

Buy Your Garden Supplies

Your local stores are already stocked with everything you need to prep your garden. Start by purchasing what you'll need to get started. This will allow you to get out on the first nice day and start getting dirty. Some items that you should have on your list:

For starting plants from seeds:
Peat pots
Seeds
Potting Soil
Tray for your pots (I use an aluminum roasting pan)

Garden Supplies - The Basics For Getting Started
Label Sticks (popsicle sticks and a marker work well for this)
Garden Gloves
Plant Food/Fertilizer
Trowel
Cultivator
Kneeling Pad
Weeder
Watering Can

BTSH March Garden Tip Week - Day 1

Think it's too early to start thinking about your garden? Well you couldn't be more wrong!

Now is the perfect time to start planning for the spring season. In fact, I start planning my garden immediately following fall. Once I've cleared out the last of the vegetables, and final plants have lost their blooms, I start by preparing a review of my gardening season. What went well? What went wrong? What would I do the same, and what would I change for next year? These ideas are fresh at the end of the season, and help you to plan for the following year. Make a list, and even sketch out some preliminary plans for the season. If you didn't do this last fall, then this is your first step towards prepping your garden. Look through magazines for inspiration, and create an idea book or bulletin board.