Hi folks, Brittagh here. And typical of me, let’s just get right into it because there is something happening within the holiday home market that I think is really important to share. The short-term rental / holiday home market often gets reduced solely to numbers: occupancy rates, nightly fees, or how many five-star reviews a property has. But the truth is, when a holiday home is done right, it becomes so much more than that.

When operating at its best, a holiday home creates a cycle of good — a business model where hosts thrive, guests feel truly at home, and the local communities benefit in meaningful ways. That’s the magic that happens when every decision is guided by style, strategy, and purpose.

The Host Advantage

Too often, holiday homes are treated like a forgotten side hustle. I’ve seen it far too many times: throw in some furniture, upload a few photos, and non-targeted bookings may start to come in. But hosts who want long-term success know that their property is, in fact, a business.

And thoughtful styling makes all the difference when it comes to the success of that business. A well-designed space doesn’t just look good; it photographs beautifully, attracts attention online, and translates into quality bookings with the sorts of guests you’ve always wanted to welcome. Because these days, it’s so clear that guests aren’t just choosing a bed to sleep in; they’re picking the exact kind of environment they want or need in order to have the holiday experience they’re willing to pay money for – and design is the first chapter of that story.

Then comes strategy. In my opinion, behind every thriving holiday home is a plan: professional photography, a clear and smart marketing approach, the right touches and the right partnerships to keep guests coming back. When you treat your property with the same intention you’d give any other business, it will show. And it will pay.

The Guest Experience

A guest may book for a specific location, but they’ll return for the feeling of home. That’s why styling a holiday home isn’t about filling a room with furniture (seriously, it’s not!) – it’s about creating an atmosphere where people can finally slow down in today’s fast-paced world, sink into cosy spaces with total comfort regardless of any weather, and make genuine memories whilst feeling fully relaxed.

The little things matter: a relaxing reading nook can become the place where a stormy afternoon is the highlight of the trip, thoughtful details can make an early or late check-in feel effortless, and nothing can take away that feeling of “this home was designed with my comfort in mind,” 

When guests feel cared for, it really does show up in glowing reviews, repeat bookings, and the kind of authentic word-of-mouth marketing money can’t buy.

The Local Impact

For this part, I start to get even more passionate. Because holiday homes don’t exist in isolation; they live within communities. And very often, holiday homes live within rural communities that are dependent on the people and homes around them. And when hosts realise and lean into this critical connection, everyone benefits.

This is where my long background in grassroots PR and local partnerships come in. Imagine welcoming your guests with a voucher for the café down the road that – little do they know – could use all the support it can get, receiving a family discount on local surf lessons, finding a bottle of wine from a nearby vineyard in the kitchen, or having a list of local businesses and tips for experiences that aren’t on the usual tourist trail sitting right there on the coffee table ready to be browsed. It’s a win-win-win: the guest has a more memorable stay, the local community thrives, and the host builds a reputation for offering more than just accommodation, it’s a unique experience that enriches its surroundings. 

Style. Strategy. Purpose.

When these three elements come together, you don’t just have a holiday home. You have a beautiful guest experience that lingers long after checkout, and a business with heart that is playing a role in strengthening the local community you chose to invest in. You’re creating spaces and stories that look good, feel good, and do good.

If you’re a holiday home owner who wants more than non-targeted bookings; if you want to build something that feels personal, profitable, and purposeful — I’d love to help you make that happen and create a cycle of good. Get In Touch today.