We have spent the last week in the cottage putting a few finishing touches in place – new carpets in the bedrooms, a new wood-burning stove in the lounge, and some additional pictures and mirrors in the rooms.

We also had appointments with some of the well-known holiday agencies to investigate other marketing options. The feedback was excellent – if we decide to go down that route we would be listed in the ‘top-end’ brochures, and graded as a 4 four-star property, which is as high as a traditional cottage could achieve.

Since we have only been open for business for a couple of weeks, and the bookings are coming in, we’re going to stay independent for now. We feel it maintains a more personal service, and allows us to keep the prices lower by avoiding the commission charged by the agencies.

Still it’s good to get the feedback that we’ve got it right!