Coast: March 2009

Do you dream of running a costal self-catering cottage? Well, with the help of our guide and the expertise of one couple who have already done it, now you can...

Juliet Kinsman, editor-in-chief of the Mr & Mrs Smith hotel guides, says the right location is vital “when choosing a location, put yourself in your guest’s shoes. You wouldn’t want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do,” she advises. “The coast is the number one attraction, but people also like to be within reach of pretty towns with nice shops and good walks. If you’re aiming for a high quality experience for couples, avoid family attractions but look for things like a great gastro pub within walking distance.”

These days, however, the internet is the main method of reaching potential guests. For Boutique Retreats, two forms of online marketing were vital: its own website and signing up with well-known agencies Mr & Mrs Smith and Alastair Sawday’s Special Escapes. Joss and Philippa spent months perfecting their site, commissioning professional photography and design, and ensuring that it has the right feel.  "The website is people’s first experience of us and it was absolutely key," Joss says. "It’s what got us reviews I the national media. Everything sprang from it". Simplicity of use and plenty of gorgeous images are the key to a good website, Juliet says. "Don’t be seduced by flash nonsense; just convey your info clearly," she adds.  "If you are doing it yourself, learn about search engine optimisation so that you appear high on the lists when people search the internet. And, though I’m bound to say this, I do think that you should sign up with a good agency. They’ll get you the right clientele who will pay top dollar for your property.”