Small details that turn a home that has been closed for several weeks into a welcoming place.
Start with the atmosphere
A closed house rarely smells pleasant.
Before anything else:
- air the property;
- open the shutters;
- let natural light in.
Then:
A few sprigs of lavender from the garden, a freshly picked bouquet, or simply a subtle and pleasant scent can immediately transform the atmosphere.Think of the bedrooms as a guesthouse
Are the beds made?
Perfect.
But you can go a little further:
- a towel neatly placed on the bed;
- a small bottle of water;
- a few dried flowers;
- quality bathroom products.
Pay special attention to the bathroom
Guests will always notice:
- mirrors;
- taps;
- limescale marks;
- toilets.
A few minutes can make a real difference.
A shining tap often gives a stronger impression of cleanliness than one might expect.Anticipate small unexpected needs
A small first-aid kit.
Some basic medication.
A torch.
The Wi-Fi password.
A neighbour’s phone number.
These are often the details that make a stay comfortable.
Think ahead for the first meal
After several hours on the road, not everyone feels like going shopping.
A homemade soup in the freezer.
A traditional tourte des Pyrénées.
Some local jam.
A few welcome products.
The gesture is often more important than the value of the gift.
Don’t forget the outdoor areas
This is the first impression.
- swept terrace;
- clean outdoor furniture;
- watered flowers;
- cushions in place.
The “home from home” feeling
The British have a lovely expression:
Home from home.
The idea is simple :
To make guests feel immediately at home.
And that is probably the greatest compliment a house can receive.
