10 Things We Learned From Sarah Richardson on Stand-Out Cottage Rentals

In a lake of online listings, what will make your cottage stand out above the rest? In her latest show, Sarah’s Cottage, Sarah Richardson revives a 1950s-era cottage and gets it ready to be rented out. So we’re sharing 10 key ways to make your cottage attractive to potential renters, too.

1 / 10

Access to Lake

This one’s a no-brainer. Access to the lake is a major plus. Not only will it attract more renters, but it means you can charge a higher fee.

Get more great tips on Sarah’s Cottage

2 / 10

Outdoor Dining Area

One of the greatest pleasures of being up North is eating al fresco meals under the balmy sun. Make sure your space has an outdoor patio or deck complete with a table and chairs so your renters can do just that.

Get more great tips on Sarah’s Cottage

3 / 10

Stylish Interior

A stylish interior will make your property stand out among the majority of cookie-cutter cottages. While gorgeous decor won’t be important to everyone (like a rowdy bachelor party, for example) it will help attract the right type of renters who will respect your space.

Get more great tips on Sarah’s Rental Cottage

4 / 10

Number of Beds

Make your cottage appealing to large groups by furnishing the interior with as many beds and sofa beds as possible.

Get more great tips on Sarah’s Cottage

5 / 10

Entertaining Space

A cottage is a place where friends and family gather, so ample space for entertaining is a must. If your property has a tiny kitchen or non-existent dining area, consider opening up the space to create a section that can accommodate a group.

Get more great tips on Sarah’s Rental Cottage.

bjanegardens.com

6 / 10

Fire Pit

A fire pit will make your cottage instantly more appealing to renters. It opens up a whole new realm of activities, like roasting marshmallows and singing camp songs over a bonfire, and could be the deciding factor between your listing and someone else’s.

Flickr/pedram

7 / 10

Boats and Water Sports

You may think that a boat on premises will make your property more attractive to renters – and it will – but it can also put you at risk and liable if someone gets hurt. If you have a lakefront property, direct visitors to a nearby marina so they can get a rental boat that’s properly insured.

8 / 10

Lots of Listing Pictures

When it comes to pictures on your cottage rental listing, the more, the merrier! A lack of pictures can make it seem like you’re hiding something (which is never a good thing) so try to depict your property as naturally as possible. That being said, make sure you tidy up and take the pictures on a bright, sunny day to get the best results.

Get more great tips on Sarah’s Cottage

9 / 10

Cleanliness

Cleanliness is important and shouldn’t be treated as an afterthought. If your cottage isn’t spic and span upon guests’ arrival, they’ll likely write about it in your review (for everyone to see), thus hurting your chance of attracting more renters. If you won’t be there to give the place a scrub down, hire a cleaning service to pay your property a visit instead.

Get more great tips on Sarah’s Cottage

10 / 10

Proximity to Town

Like any vacation, being located close to the city centre is a plus. If your property is close to grocery stores, restaurants or ice cream shops, mention that in the listing. On the other hand, if you’re completely secluded, that could be appealing to some renters too, so make it known either way.

Get more great tips on Sarah’s Cottage