Winter in the lakes can be a beautiful time – crisp blue skies, snow capped mountains and frost.
So, holiday lodges in particular need some TLC at this time of year, to ensure that any guests arriving are comfortable and warm. A wooden structure doesn’t hold heat as well as a brick or stone structure, so here’s our quick checklist to ensure your lodge is up to scratch.
Lake District Lodge Holidays Winter Checklist:
1. External Decking area
This is the first thing guests see, so have a step back and see what needs power-washing, cleaning down or general tidying up of leaves, debris, clearing leaves from gutters etc. It’s important to keep the outdoor furniture spick and span too, as people will still want to use it, perhaps ensure there is a cover for protection from the elements or a storage box to keep cushions etc dry. Also, ensure windows, entrance doors are clean and sweep the steps ready for Winter guests.
Ramblers’ Rest Lodge, Limefitt Park nr Windermere Ref. 1068905
2. The Hot Tub
This will still be used by guests in autumn or winter, (some say its the best time for a hot tub!) but having it checked over by a hot tub maintenance company is a good idea. If your lodge is located on a site that closes for a month or so in January/February, obviously the hot tub must be emptied and cleaned prior to the site closure. We can help with this through our contractors.
3. System Checks
During the colder, Winter period especially, one of our most frequent complaints from guests is that the lodge was cold on arrival or the heating wasn’t working. We understand that appliances may break, however yearly maintenance of your systems should help to prevent a breakdown and result in happier guests.
By law you are required to have your gas appliances checked every 10-12 months, if these aren’t up to date, then it can be illegal to let the property.
Consider checking your appliances in the quieter months such as the beginning of the year so they are ready for the year ahead and also do another check in Autumn in advance for when these appliances will be used most.
4. A Warm Welcome
Consider leaving the heating on in advance for when the guests are due to arrive. You can do this remotely via a home heating kit such as Hive and adjust accordingly for the guests estimated arrival time. A nice warm welcome is the perfect way to start a holiday, especially on a cold, Winters evening! To stop pipes from freezing, why not consider keeping it on a timer too, so the lodge stays warm even when empty, and of course this reduces the risk of leaking pipes or a burst plus prevents damp forming in the lodge.
Beck of Beyond, Hawkshead Ref. 1042891
5. Compliance
You must ensure your public liability insurance, fire risk assessments and all electrical and gas safety compliances are up to date, this is very important. Make yourself a note in your diary each year when this is due. Contact the team if you require advice and assistance with this.
6. General Maintenance
With Winter months generally being quieter, take time to consider what maintenance work needs doing following a busy holiday season, perhaps some paint touch-ups are needed or a full repaint, even re-decorating a room. Consider too an upgrade of appliances, furniture and soft furnishings is required if worn or tired.
7. A Deep Clean
A thorough deep clean is essential at least once or twice a year, especially for kitchen appliances such as oven, fridge and freezer, windows, and paintwork. Make a note for a good time to book this in. Guests will be expecting a high quality of cleanliness all year round.
Also Bedding, linen, towels and cushions
These items take a lot of washing and care during a year so keep an eye on it and think about upgrading – there is something very pleasing about fresh crisp linen, nice cushions and soft towels and we know our guests love it!
High Rigg Shepherd’s Sunset
8. Welcome Pack and Supplies
Many of our lodges supply guests with a welcome pack, i.e some tea/coffee, bread, milk, juice, biscuits or a cake and even some wine will make visitors feel welcome on a dark winter’s evening. Also ensure you leave instructions for appliances, how to work the heating and WIFI code, along with other information about the lodge and its surroundings. Read our blog on welcome packs
9. Ensure Your Photography Is Up To Date:
Images sell properties! If anything has changed, please let us know and we can arrange for some new photos to be taken, so guests know what they are booking and your property looks refreshed and welcoming. If you have a new sofa or throws ready for Winter we can update your lodge listing for this also.
The Badgers Shack
10. Dark Nights
Please check with us that we have the correct arrival times and travel directions to your lodge. As guests will be arriving in the dark throughout Winter, it’s helpful if all the information we have is up to date to make things easy for your visitors if they don’t know your property or the area well. We do recommend they bring a torch too.
Tips:
We suggest having an inventory of what is in your property, and reviewing this once a year, so guests have everything they could possibly need (a good way of reducing complaints). Also ensure you are keeping up with trends, such as music streaming systems and the latest in coffee machines.
We hope our Winter checklist helps you get your lodge Winter ready. Request your FREE owner pack here or call us on 01539 761514 to get in touch. You can also drop us an email at newowners@lakedistrictlodgeholidays.co.uk.
** This blog has been adapted based on original content written by Jane Watson Dec 2021
As a holiday letting owner you are responsible for compliance with health & safety laws, regulations and guidance, and for having suitable insurances in place (not Sykes Holiday Cottages or its brands (Sykes)). From time to time, Sykes shares information with you on the topic of health and safety and insurance. When it does so, it is not providing you with advice (legal, financial, tax or otherwise); please seek your own as you see fit. In addition, it is not making any representations or warranties about the information being complete or free from errors or inaccuracies. Sykes shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising under or in connection with your reliance on it.
