Hi there, I have enjoyed reading a lot on this forum, its very helpful. I looking for advice from similar owners who may have a place in the Highlands/Cairngorms. We are new to the market, we've spent 3 years doing up a gate house, we've had plenty of time to research considering but really struggling to feel we are advertising in the right places and the budget have gone on the renovations! This cottage is unique in that its the only remaining round thatched house in Scotland - I've got a magazine sending some reviewers soon for a wee free holiday, so hopefully that will get some interest, we've been open since mid December, not many bookings taken, mainly through Owners Direct, a bit disappointed in them, here is link to our website if anyone can throw a few suggestions in for sites, that would be appreciated - I'm not drawn at all to the large agencies, and would also prefer direct contact with potential guests. www.knockshannochlodge.co.uk
Thanks and kind regards, Pam
Advice sought - for new let in southern Cairngorms
Hi Pam,
Your place looks lovely but some of the photos on your website are very dark, not sure they really do it justice. I don't know if you will be allowed to use the ones from the magazine reviewers or it would be worth getting some professional ones done but photos really do sell rentals. It's not my area but if I were you I would be looking at sites specialising in unique and special places...others might be able to recommend the best of these.
Hope this helps
Jenny
Your place looks lovely but some of the photos on your website are very dark, not sure they really do it justice. I don't know if you will be allowed to use the ones from the magazine reviewers or it would be worth getting some professional ones done but photos really do sell rentals. It's not my area but if I were you I would be looking at sites specialising in unique and special places...others might be able to recommend the best of these.
Hope this helps
Jenny
I love your place, Pam, it is so unusual 
. If you have a FB account please do come and join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/bookholidaysdirect/ - we are a group of owners ourselves who have got together to run a FB group where those who provide high quality properties can promote their accommodation for free. There is no fee to join us and we all work together to spread the message about booking direct.
. If you have a FB account please do come and join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/bookholidaysdirect/ - we are a group of owners ourselves who have got together to run a FB group where those who provide high quality properties can promote their accommodation for free. There is no fee to join us and we all work together to spread the message about booking direct.-
Ben McNevis
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- Joined: Mon May 15, 2006 10:07 am
- Location: Scotland (for) The Brave
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Hello Pam.
We have two places in Scotland: West Highlands and Argyll. After a quick look at your website, I think that you will probably get plenty of bookings over time. Getting started is always slow though.
We also think that some of the interior pictures are too dark and would be better with a wide-angle lens. I thought that the extension part of the property, visible in the main photo looks a bit drab and would be better painted white (subject to listed building consent etc). Otherwise, the picture showing the mountains in the background and no visible extension might be a better lead picture. The garden picture with table and chairs looks great. I would give that one more prominence.
Have you looked at HolidayLettings.co.uk (subscription)? They're not great, but they do provide at least 50% of our bookings. We gave up with OwnersDirect a while back.
A few other random suggestions:
Your rates makes Christmas look very desirable, but in our experience, it's hard to get Christmas bookings but it is New Year that is really desirable.
We find most demand is not for full weeks (though a few do book a full week). Allowing odd periods (with perhaps a 3-night minimum) will probably get your property more booked up. You will need a short stay pricing scheme that covers the changeover cost regardless of length of stay.
We have two places in Scotland: West Highlands and Argyll. After a quick look at your website, I think that you will probably get plenty of bookings over time. Getting started is always slow though.
We also think that some of the interior pictures are too dark and would be better with a wide-angle lens. I thought that the extension part of the property, visible in the main photo looks a bit drab and would be better painted white (subject to listed building consent etc). Otherwise, the picture showing the mountains in the background and no visible extension might be a better lead picture. The garden picture with table and chairs looks great. I would give that one more prominence.
Have you looked at HolidayLettings.co.uk (subscription)? They're not great, but they do provide at least 50% of our bookings. We gave up with OwnersDirect a while back.
A few other random suggestions:
Your rates makes Christmas look very desirable, but in our experience, it's hard to get Christmas bookings but it is New Year that is really desirable.
We find most demand is not for full weeks (though a few do book a full week). Allowing odd periods (with perhaps a 3-night minimum) will probably get your property more booked up. You will need a short stay pricing scheme that covers the changeover cost regardless of length of stay.
Cheers, Ben
www . scotland-cottage.com www . scottish-cottage.com
Visiting Glenrothes? It's one of your Fife-a-day
www . scotland-cottage.com www . scottish-cottage.com
Visiting Glenrothes? It's one of your Fife-a-day
I think your property is going to appeal to a certain type of person who probably won't be searching on OD.
Bunk beds suggest a family - but most families are looking for comfort rather than antiques. The antique bed with a feather topper has me concerned that the bed is a small double with the original old uncomfortable mattress which would mean we wouldn't sleep at all. And the photo of the wintry window pane doesn't make me want to book.
I think you need to advertise with somewhere that has similar properties to yours - if that means going with an agent, then so be it.
Bunk beds suggest a family - but most families are looking for comfort rather than antiques. The antique bed with a feather topper has me concerned that the bed is a small double with the original old uncomfortable mattress which would mean we wouldn't sleep at all. And the photo of the wintry window pane doesn't make me want to book.
I think you need to advertise with somewhere that has similar properties to yours - if that means going with an agent, then so be it.
It's a lovely place with great charm. It's already been said, but it's not only desirable as far as I can see; it's an absolute necessity to get better photos. How much have you invested in the property? You don't need to answer, I just need you to think in relative terms, of how much perhaps £50 or £100 is compared to what you've spent in time and money so far, to get some professional photos taken. If you genuinely can't afford it, then find a photographer, with examples of their work that are good enough quality and can do the job, and swap a night or two in the property in exchange for a set of photos.
Come and join this facebook group Dog Friendly Holiday Accommodation; like Rosie's, it's free and it's huge. Over 50k members looking for holidays. I'm one of the admin team. www.facebook.com/groups/dogfriendlyholidays/ (PS I've sent you a private message so do look for that.)
Then, search on google, in incognito mode, with the sort of keywords you think your guest might use. Find a list of sites that come up on the first two pages and then decide where to list. It may be that you need to list with the big sites, but there may well be some niche sites that come up that are perfect for your very unusual property. Good luck!
Come and join this facebook group Dog Friendly Holiday Accommodation; like Rosie's, it's free and it's huge. Over 50k members looking for holidays. I'm one of the admin team. www.facebook.com/groups/dogfriendlyholidays/ (PS I've sent you a private message so do look for that.)
Then, search on google, in incognito mode, with the sort of keywords you think your guest might use. Find a list of sites that come up on the first two pages and then decide where to list. It may be that you need to list with the big sites, but there may well be some niche sites that come up that are perfect for your very unusual property. Good luck!
What a lovely, special place you have!
I agree with the others. ..you need professional photos, in fact I'd go further and also get a stylist. In the meantime you do have a few decent photos that gets its appeal across. I agree about the shot showing the mountains and not the extension,...that would be my lead photo.
If it was my property I would be aiming at the high end market, not family. So I would ditch the bunk beds. The property is so unique that I wouldn't waste it. I'd be selling it a special retreat and looking for niche sites. I came across this one; www.hostunusual.co.uk which might suit. But that's the type of site I'd go for.
Good luck!
Mousie
x
I agree with the others. ..you need professional photos, in fact I'd go further and also get a stylist. In the meantime you do have a few decent photos that gets its appeal across. I agree about the shot showing the mountains and not the extension,...that would be my lead photo.
If it was my property I would be aiming at the high end market, not family. So I would ditch the bunk beds. The property is so unique that I wouldn't waste it. I'd be selling it a special retreat and looking for niche sites. I came across this one; www.hostunusual.co.uk which might suit. But that's the type of site I'd go for.
Good luck!
Mousie
x
Hi! We also have a Facebook group where you can advertise free. Our group has a side group all active advertisers can join and share tips, problems and have a giggle. https://www.facebook.com/groups/HolidaysDirectUK/ You're welcome to join us.
Thank You everyone!
Firstly thank you all for very useful comments, we have photo's on the way! Hurrah! Secondly, I failed to realise until today that any comments had been made, new to this forum but will ensure I now read how to use it! I hope I have posted this thanks post in the right place! Kind regards, Pam