{"id":309,"date":"2026-01-20T10:30:29","date_gmt":"2026-01-20T10:30:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/?p=309"},"modified":"2026-03-18T17:21:11","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T17:21:11","slug":"creating-a-five-star-holiday-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/creating-a-five-star-holiday-home\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Make Your Holiday Let 5 Star"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"blog-post-featured-text\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #2eb16b;\"><strong>According to Sykes Cottages&#8217; 2025 Staycation Index, the market for holidays in the UK remains strong. 63% of Brits will take a UK break this year, and 34% are planning to make it their main holiday in 2025. Many of these holiday makers opt for a <a style=\"color: #2eb16b;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/collections-luxury-holiday-cottages.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">5 star luxury cottage<\/a> for an extra lavish experience.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Here at Helpful Holidays, we have <strong>over 40 years\u2019 experience<\/strong> in letting holiday homes and <strong>over 200 luxury cottages<\/strong> in our portfolio. We know what guests want from a holiday in the South West, and how owners can create a highly profitable and rewarding holiday let business.<\/p>\n<p>Below, we define how to make your holiday let 5 star, and what premium amenities you should include. Read on to find out more.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>How to make your holiday let 5 star<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_4713\" style=\"width: 650px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/cottage\/Devon-High-Bickington\/Little-Silver-Owl-1000434.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4713\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4713\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/09\/Little-Silver-Owl-Living-area.jpg\" alt=\"Inside the living area of Little Silver Owl Shepherd's Hut\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-4713\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/cottage\/Devon-High-Bickington\/Little-Silver-Owl-1000434.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Little Silver Owl, High Bickington<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<p>Use the quick links below to navigate to a particular topic or read on for our comprehensive guide to creating a 5 star luxury holiday let.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#interior\">Luxury interiors and soft furnishings<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#tech\">Latest technology and luxury gadgets<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#outdoor\">Beautiful outdoor space<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#location\">Choosing the right location<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#extra\">Added extra features<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#touches\">Finishing touches<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#grading\">Helpful Holidays 5 star grading criteria<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#casestudy\">Coach House Cottage case study | A 5 star luxury cottage<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><a name=\"interior\"><\/a>Luxury interiors and soft furnishings<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_5351\" style=\"width: 650px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/cottage\/Devon-Beckaford-Fm\/Beckaford-View-1127691.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5351\" class=\"wp-image-5351 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/05\/Beckaford-View-Manaton-Bedding.jpg\" alt=\"Corner of a double bed with a bed side lamp next to it\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/05\/Beckaford-View-Manaton-Bedding.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/05\/Beckaford-View-Manaton-Bedding-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-5351\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/cottage\/Devon-Beckaford-Fm\/Beckaford-View-1127691.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Beckaford View, Manaton<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<p>Exceptional interior design can add significant value to your property and offer a 5 star experience to guests.<\/p>\n<p>At Helpful Holidays, we recommend working with a professional interior designer to ensure your cottage stands out from the crowd. With staycations remaining in high demand, it is important to create an aspirational property that guests would like to retreat too.<\/p>\n<p>Choosing the right d\u00e9cor is key to creating a 5 star luxury cottage. Opting for Egyptian cotton bed linen or 100% cotton high thread count linen is a must.<\/p>\n<p>Mattresses should be well sprung, comfortable and have absorbent mattress protectors. Duvets and pillows should be synthetic rather than feather, but we recommend avoiding the cheapest as the quality is poor.<\/p>\n<p>Towels should be plush; each guest should have at least one hand towel and a bath sheet. For a touch of luxury add a bath towel for each guest too.<\/p>\n<p>The quality of the interiors and visual aesthetics should reflect that of a 5 star holiday let.<\/p>\n<h3>Looking for inspiration on how to make your holiday let stand out?<\/h3>\n<h4>Take a look at some of our 5 star rated luxury cottages:<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/cottage\/Devon-Brightley\/Brightley-Mill-Barn-952114.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Brightley Mill Barn, Nr. Okehampton (Ref. 952114)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/cottage\/Devon-Great-Pen\/The-Barn-976019.html?_hsearch=220523628bab9262165&amp;_price=3149&amp;_display=1#duration=7&amp;calendar=2022-09&amp;changeover=5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Barn, Southleigh (Ref. 976019)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/cottage\/Devon-Stoke-Gabriel\/Sandridge-Barton-975919.html?_hsearch=220523628bab9262165&amp;_price=3094&amp;_display=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sandridge Barton, Stoke Gabriel (Ref. 975919)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/cottage\/Devon-High-Bickington\/Little-Silver-Owl-1000434.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Little Silver Owl, High Bickington (Ref. 1000434)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/cottage\/Devon-Talaton\/Barley-House-975998.html?_hsearch=220523628bab9262165&amp;_price=877&amp;_display=1#duration=7&amp;calendar=2022-07&amp;changeover=5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Barley House, Ottery St Mary (Ref. 975998)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/cottage\/Cornwall-Mawnan-Smith\/The-Stable-Boskensoe-Barns-966635.html?_hsearch=220523628bab9262165&amp;_price=566&amp;_display=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Boskensoe Barns, Mawnan Smith (Ref. 966635)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><a name=\"tech\"><\/a>Latest technology and luxury gadgets<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_5352\" style=\"width: 650px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/cottage\/Devon-Heltor\/The-Coach-House-at-Thorn-Farm-1101840.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5352\" class=\"wp-image-5352 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/05\/The-Coach-House-at-Thron-Farm-Lounge.jpg\" alt=\"Cosy lounge with a wood burner in the centre and a large television beside it\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/05\/The-Coach-House-at-Thron-Farm-Lounge.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/05\/The-Coach-House-at-Thron-Farm-Lounge-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-5352\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/cottage\/Devon-Heltor\/The-Coach-House-at-Thorn-Farm-1101840.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Coach House at Thorn Farm, Moretonhampstead<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<p>Equipping your cottage with the latest technology and luxury gadgets is another great way to provide a 5 star holiday experience. Showcasing premium amenities is likely to attract more affluent holiday makers, increasing booking conversion rates and maximising your holiday let income.<\/p>\n<h3>Here are some suggestions of luxury gadgets that we recommend in your 5 star holiday let:<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Coffee machine<\/li>\n<li>Remote control heating<\/li>\n<li>Bluetooth speakers<\/li>\n<li>Projector\/cinema screen<\/li>\n<li>Streaming sticks<\/li>\n<li>Games consoles<\/li>\n<li>Mood and motion sensor lighting<\/li>\n<li>DAB radio<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><a name=\"outdoor\"><\/a>Beautiful outdoor space<\/h2>\n<p>\u2018Bringing the outside in\u2019 is a top tip used by many interior designers, so why not open up your space to create a seamless indoor-outdoor experience.<\/p>\n<p>Letting in natural light not only provides a welcoming atmosphere for guests but also provides breathtaking views. Skylights, floor-to-ceiling windows or bi-folding doors are a great way to add extra decadence.<\/p>\n<p>But don\u2019t forget about your outdoor space; the exterior is just as important as the interior. However big or small the area is, you can still add 5 star luxury.<\/p>\n<h3>Here are some suggestions of what to include in your beautifully presented outdoor space:<\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_3389\" style=\"width: 650px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/cottage\/Cornwall-Mawnan-Smith\/Mill-House-Boskensoe-Barns-965738.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3389\" class=\"wp-image-3389 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/02\/Hot-tub-with-Champagne.jpg\" alt=\"hot tub with lounging chairs, towels and champagne in a garden.\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-3389\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/cottage\/Cornwall-Mawnan-Smith\/Mill-House-Boskensoe-Barns-965738.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mill House, Boskensoe Barns<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>Firepit or chimenea<\/li>\n<li>Water feature<\/li>\n<li>Lush foliage and vegetation<\/li>\n<li>High quality garden furniture<\/li>\n<li>Outdoor lighting<\/li>\n<li>A heated outdoor pool or hot tub<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>To qualify as a 5 star luxury cottage your exterior inventory must have:<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>A garden that is outstandingly presented<\/li>\n<li>Garden furniture of good quality with enough chairs for the number of guests<\/li>\n<li>A barbeque<\/li>\n<li>Parking should be pot-hole and weed-free close to the property<\/li>\n<li>External steps that lead to an entrance must have a railing and outside lighting<\/li>\n<li>Paths should be kept clear of debris for wheelchairs, prams and assistance dogs<\/li>\n<li>Dog friendly properties should have somewhere safe for dogs to run and a spending area (where they can relieve themselves)<\/li>\n<li>Well maintained outbuildings, signs of neglect are not permissible<\/li>\n<li>Dustbins stored out of sight<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Providing a beautiful outdoor space is a great way to impress guests and offer that 5 star experience.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><a name=\"location\"><\/a>Choosing the right location<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_5103\" style=\"width: 650px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/cottage\/Devon-Beckaford-Fm\/Beckaford-View-1127691.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5103\" class=\"wp-image-5103 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/04\/Beckaford-View-Manaton.jpg\" alt=\"View over Dartmoor with a holiday cottage in the foreground at Beckaford View, Manaton.\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/04\/Beckaford-View-Manaton.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/04\/Beckaford-View-Manaton-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-5103\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/cottage\/Devon-Beckaford-Fm\/Beckaford-View-1127691.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Beckaford View, Manaton<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<p>It comes as no surprise that 5 star luxury cottages are usually found in breath-taking locations. Boasting luxury properties with panoramic sea views or picturesque countryside landscapes.<\/p>\n<p>Guests paying a premium will expect your holiday cottage to be within proximity of local transport links and tourist attractions. And choosing a sought-after area close to nature is a must.<\/p>\n<p>For more top tips on buying a holiday home in the West Country, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/buying-a-holiday-let-devon\/\">read our blog.<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><a name=\"extra\"><\/a>Added extra features<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/cottage\/Cornwall-Mawnan-Smith\/The-Stable-Boskensoe-Barns-966635.html?_hsearch=220523628bab9262165&amp;_price=566&amp;_display=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-3390 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/02\/Luxury-toiletries.jpg\" alt=\"luxury toiletries in a bathroom.\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Creating a 5 star holiday experience means providing complimentary items that will bring a sense of prestige to your holiday cottage.<\/p>\n<p>Installing a hot tub can not only add luxury appeal but it can boost your rental income too. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/south-west-holiday-let-market-insights\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Market Insights Report<\/a> found that Cottage owners can earn <strong>37% more revenue<\/strong> with this added extra feature.<\/p>\n<p>We would recommend providing complimentary items to accompany the hot tub, including slippers and fluffy robes.<\/p>\n<p>Other added extras that can provide a unique selling point and offer 5 star luxury, include a gym, games room, cinema room or sauna. All these facilities provide year-round appeal and add value to your holiday cottage.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s important not to overlook the smaller details; providing luxury toiletries in the bathroom(s) adds to the 5 star experience too.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><a name=\"touches\"><\/a>Finishing touches<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_4716\" style=\"width: 650px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/cottage\/Devon-Park-Fm\/Little-Silver-Pheasant-1079728.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4716\" class=\"wp-image-4716 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/09\/Welcome-pack.jpg\" alt=\"A welcome pack supplied at the Little Silver Shepherd's Huts\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-4716\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/cottage\/Devon-Park-Fm\/Little-Silver-Pheasant-1079728.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Little Silver Pheasant, High Bickington<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<p>When creating a 5 star luxury cottage the small details matter. Creating a good lasting impression is key to running a successful holiday let business. Guests who are paying a premium price expect the finishing touches.<\/p>\n<h3>Here are some suggestions of finishing touches that help deliver a 5 star experience:<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Bottle of Champagne<\/li>\n<li>Fresh bouquet of flowers<\/li>\n<li>A luxury hamper upon arrival<\/li>\n<li>Personal, handwritten note<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Little luxuries make guests feel extra special and welcomed in your 5 star luxury cottage.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><a name=\"grading\"><\/a>Helpful Holidays&#8217; 5 star grading criteria<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_5138\" style=\"width: 650px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/cottage\/Devon-Collihole-Fm\/Butterwell-Cottage-at-Collihole-1136364.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5138\" class=\"wp-image-5138 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/04\/Butterwell-Cottage-at-Collihole-Chagford.jpg\" alt=\"Country garden with outdoor eating area next to Butterwell Cottage at Collihole, Chagford\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/04\/Butterwell-Cottage-at-Collihole-Chagford.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/04\/Butterwell-Cottage-at-Collihole-Chagford-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-5138\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/cottage\/Devon-Collihole-Fm\/Butterwell-Cottage-at-Collihole-1136364.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Butterwell Cottage at Collihole, Chagford<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<p>Here at Helpful Holidays, we are always striving to provide the best possible experience for our guests and owners. With that in mind, our website shows a tick rating which provides potential bookers with the standard of each property.<\/p>\n<p>To obtain a 5 tick rating, your property must be luxuriously presented to an exceptional standard throughout.<\/p>\n<p>It must offer high levels of comfort, a welcome pack that provides essential items and thoughtful touches. It should be clean, extremely well-maintained, and consistently achieving excellent customer feedback in all areas.<\/p>\n<p>For full details of what is expected of a 5 star luxury cottage, including the full inventory, please email our team at <a href=\"mailto:help@helpfulholidays.co.uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">help@helpfulholidays.co.uk<\/a> for a copy of our property standards guidelines.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><a name=\"casestudy\"><\/a>Coach House Cottage case study | A 5 star luxury cottage<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_3396\" style=\"width: 650px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/cottage\/Devon-Strete-Gate\/Coach-House-Cottage-976169.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3396\" class=\"wp-image-3396 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/02\/coachhouse120161230-122738-1024x683-1.jpg\" alt=\"Recently refurbished 5 star holiday cottage - view of the living area and kitchen.\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-3396\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/cottage\/Devon-Strete-Gate\/Coach-House-Cottage-976169.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Coach House Cottage, Strete<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<p>At Helpful Holidays, we know that finding the right holiday home to enjoy with family, friends, or someone special is key to having a lovely break away.<\/p>\n<p>So, we inspected the refurbished\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/cottage\/Devon-Strete-Gate\/Coach-House-Cottage-976169.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Coach House Cottage<\/a> to see why it was awarded our coveted five stars.<\/p>\n<p>Coach House Cottage has undergone huge transformation, masterminded by Devon designer Josephine Burlingham, founder of <a href=\"http:\/\/www.countryandcoastalinteriors.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Country and Coastal Interiors<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>We caught up with Josephine to find out how she created this 5 star luxury cottage.<\/p>\n<h3>So where did you begin with the refurbishment, Josephine?<\/h3>\n<p>I was given a brief by the owners and trusted with the budget to do as they saw fit. I looked at the layout of the space and the pieces they already owned. The original sofa and comfy armchair were reupholstered with my own fabric, Spotted Egg, rather than replaced.<\/p>\n<p>A tiny bedroom became a new bathroom; dark slate flooring was replaced with light limestone with cosy underfloor heating. The old kitchen was removed, and the stud wall was taken down to create a large, welcoming open-plan kitchen\/dining\/living room.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s a comfy armchair by the fire now where you can sit with a drink and chat to the cook in the kitchen. It offers a cosier and friendlier atmosphere.<\/p>\n<p>I chose to create lovely, sweeping curves in the kitchen and light panelling around the room to give structure and a hint of colour. Panelling is very practical in a holiday cottage for cleaning off any scuffs!<\/p>\n<h3>How did you style this 5 star luxury cottage?<\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_3395\" style=\"width: 650px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/cottage\/Devon-Strete-Gate\/Coach-House-Cottage-976169.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3395\" class=\"wp-image-3395 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/02\/coachhouse220161230-122821-1024x683-1.jpg\" alt=\"Coach House Cottage - beautiful interior design in the bedroom.\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-3395\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/cottage\/Devon-Strete-Gate\/Coach-House-Cottage-976169.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Coach House Cottage, Strete<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<p>I hunted through local antique centres and online vintage shops, rather than buying new. I always try to employ as many local trades as possible, as they are usually better value and much better quality.<\/p>\n<p>The style nods to the location, you will find an old seascape, seabird paintings, seashells in the bottom of a vase and local postcards around the property.<\/p>\n<p>I like to emphasise the details and charm of the house. Coach House Cottage has an \u2018upside down\u2019 living layout and wonderful wide-open views over the long beach at Strete.<\/p>\n<p>Lastly, when on holiday, you want to feel special and luxurious\u2026 but not so perfect that you don\u2019t feel you can kick your shoes off and curl up on the sofa! Coach House Cottage is all that and more. It was a delight to refurbish this cottage.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Let your cottage with Helpful Holidays<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_3418\" style=\"width: 650px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/cottage\/Devon-Talaton\/Barley-House-975998.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3418\" class=\"wp-image-3418 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/02\/Barley-House.jpg\" alt=\"Barley House exterior - converted barn.\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-3418\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/cottage\/Devon-Talaton\/Barley-House-975998.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Barley House, Talaton<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<p>If you would like to know more about creating a 5 star luxury cottage or how to\u00a0maximise your holiday let income, <strong>complete the form below<\/strong>. Our team will be in touch to answer any questions, and you&#8217;ll receive a copy of our <strong>FREE Owner Guide<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<div style=\"margin-top: -25px; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/sykescottages.jotform.com\/jsform\/250763125518961\"><\/script><\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Looking for more advice on running a holiday let? Here are a few blogs that may be useful to you:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/holiday-let-changeover\/\">Holiday let changeover and cleaning checklist<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/installing-a-swimming-pool-in-a-holiday-home\/\">Installing a swimming pool in a holiday home<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/create-a-guest-information-folder-holiday-home\/\">How to create a guest information folder for your holiday home<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>According to Sykes Cottages&#8217; 2025 Staycation Index, the market for holidays in the UK remains strong. 63% of Brits will take a UK break this year, and 34% are planning to make it their main holiday in 2025. Many of these holiday makers opt for a 5 star luxury cottage for an extra lavish experience. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":118,"featured_media":3392,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-309","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-owner-advice","location-south-west-england"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/309","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/118"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=309"}],"version-history":[{"count":37,"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/309\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5505,"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/309\/revisions\/5505"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3392"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=309"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=309"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=309"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}