This has been a really fun year for Paul and I as we continue to build our business on Cape Cod. This year we created a new “dream home” to offer our high-end rental clients. We designed the home from scratch, taking the best of the ideas that we have seen and used in building and renovating. We chose to go a little smaller in size than the last house we did because we believe that you don’t need a huge house in order to provide comfort, charm, function, and energy efficiency while still providing luxury and beauty. We knew that the kitchen, dining, and living areas needed to be completely open with lots of windows to flood in light and warmth. We knew that two master bedrooms with en-suite baths and two guest baths along with an additional “kids” bedroom would satisfy most of our customers.
Having owned a home with an in-ground pool on the lower Cape, we knew that this amenity was something that we wanted to offer the discerning vacationer. We also added a hot tub and circular fire pit/conversation area and outdoor shower. Beautiful outdoor living spaces are very desirable. After a long winter, people want to be OUTSIDE!
Over the winter, we have been purchasing everything from furniture to plates, draperies to outdoor dining sets, and everything in between that we know people want in a vacation rental. After many years of managing summer rentals, we know what works and more importantly, we know what doesn’t work. No detail is too small. We tried to be thoughtful about choosing the design and functionality of every item that we put into the house, from the most fail-proof wine opener to what towels are absorbent, but dry fast on busy changeover Saturdays! I thought you might be interested in some of our choices.
Outdoor furniture: Aluminum is lightweight and rustproof. Chairs that are stackable are a must for winter storage. Mesh fabric seats are ideal for quick drying after the rain. Polywood Adirondack style chairs are great for the firepit area and Polywood tables are heavy enough for windy decks. They are also mold and rot-resistant.
Indoor furniture: Slipcovered, Sunbrella fabric for fade resistance and easy washing. Slipcovers give that relaxed, cottage chic look, but are so important for being able to remove and wash when sunblock and suntan oil attack along with accidental spills.
Grills and firepits: Direct gas feeds save a lot of aggravation for renters when the propane tank runs out.
Blinds: “Top-down, bottom-up” accordion blinds work best for controlling light and maintaining privacy while still enjoying spectacular views outdoors. Blackout blinds darken a bedroom, but that is just what renters want for sleeping in on vacation.
For more tips on decorating, refreshing, or readying your home for rent, give me a call. I’d be happy to share my experience and expertise with you. Katie Thurston 508-801-2991 or katiehthurston@gmail.com