Complete guide to preparing your self-catering holiday home for guests in Cornwall
Date November 2025
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Owning a self-catering holiday let in Cornwall is rewarding, but it also comes with responsibilities. Guests expect clean, comfortable, well-equipped holiday homes—especially in this region, where competition among short-term rentals is strong. Preparing your holiday cottage properly helps increase bookings, improve reviews, attract returning guests, and elevate your property’s overall performance.
This comprehensive guide provides Cornwall holiday-let owners with everything you need to prepare your property for guests, including answers to common questions owners often ask.
Many of the essentials are covered by Mounts Bay Holidays as part of our service and we are here to help guide you through the process if you are setting up for the first time.
1. Create a smooth arrival experience
A guest’s arrival sets the tone for their entire stay, so it’s essential to make their first impression a positive and memorable one.
Your holiday let should feel warm, welcoming, and ready to step into. This means ensuring the property is thoroughly cleaned, beds are freshly made, and all equipment is in working order before arrival time. Consider switching on a few lamps or leaving the heating running in cooler months so guests walk into a cosy, inviting space. At Mounts Bay Holidays, we can provide the changeover for you but if you have your own housekeeper or housekeeping service you will need to let them know how you expect your property to be presented.
We ensure each and every guest has clear communication when they make a booking and before they arrive. We provide detailed arrival instructions, parking guidance, and key safe codes in advance so guests feel confident about their check-in.
Adding a welcome pack is a simple but highly effective touch. Guests visiting Cornwall love local treats such as Cornish tea, biscuits, fudge, and a bottle of wine. If you aren’t using our service you can create the welcome tray yourself.
2. Stock a fully equipped self-catering kitchen
One of the biggest selling points of a self-catering holiday let is the freedom for guests to cook and dine at their leisure, especially in Cornwall where fresh seafood and local produce are abundant.
Your kitchen should be stocked with everything guests need to prepare meals comfortably. This includes essential appliances like a kettle, toaster, microwave, oven, hob, and fridge-freezer, as well as practical tools such as sharp knives, chopping boards, pots and pans, utensils, and baking trays. Providing a sufficient quantity of crockery and glasses for your maximum occupancy—plus a few extras—helps prevent inconvenience during a stay.
A good supply of cleaning materials such as washing-up liquid, dishwasher tablets, tea towels, bin bags, and cloths makes the space easier to maintain. Although not essential, simple pantry items like salt, pepper, and cooking oil are highly appreciated and help elevate the guest experience.
3. Make bedrooms hotel-standard comfortable
High-quality bedrooms are one of the main factors influencing guest satisfaction, as a good night’s sleep is crucial during a holiday.
Choose comfortable beds with supportive mattresses, mattress protectors and pillow protectors are essential for hygiene and longevity. Providing both medium and firm pillows allows guests to choose what suits them best. All our beds are dressed with crisp, white cotton bedding to give a clean and luxurious appearance.
Guests visiting Cornwall often rise early to explore the coast, but blackout blinds or curtains can be a thoughtful addition, especially in summer when the mornings are bright. Including bedside tables, reading lights, and adequate storage also helps create a calm and practical sleeping environment.
4. Provide thoughtful bathroom essentials
Well-presented bathrooms can significantly enhance your guests’ experience, and even small details make a big impact.
Our cleaners ensure your bathrooms are spotless, with gleaming surfaces, and polished taps giving a hotel-style feel. We also provide mini toiletries such as soap and shower gel. There is a good supply of toilet rolls—at least one spare per bathroom. If you have your own cleaning company you will need to ensure they meet the standards.
Good ventilation and moisture control are essential to prevent dampness, especially in coastal properties. If any damp is reported we expect our owners to deal with the problem immediately.
5. Add thoughtful touches
Guests choose Cornwall for its charm, so adding touches that celebrate the region can really enhance their stay.
Displaying local artwork, providing books about Cornwall’s history and wildlife, or offering maps of the South West Coast Path can create a deeper sense of place. Families appreciate extras like board games, beach toys, buckets and spades, or crabbing nets—simple additions that help create lasting memories.
These thoughtful gestures help your holiday let feel unique and connected to the local area, giving guests something truly special to remember.
6. Focus on thoughtful interior design to stand out
Interior design plays a major role in making your holiday let feel special. A beautifully styled interior can elevate your property, improve reviews, and help it stand out from other holiday homes in Cornwall.
Consider using the services of a professional interior designer, especially if you are starting from scratch or refreshing a tired space. Alternatively, get inspiration from interior design magazines, Pinterest, Instagram, and boutique coastal hotels. The key is to design with purpose and create a cohesive, stylish environment that feels modern yet comfortable.
Cornwall itself provides excellent inspiration. Think soft coastal colour palettes, natural textures, seascape artwork, and decorative details that reflect the surrounding landscape. Aim for at least one focal point in your living room or bedrooms—this could be a statement headboard, a feature wall, a piece of artwork, or a unique piece of furniture. Guests love unique touches, and these details often end up in their photographs and social media posts.
If your property is in a rural or countryside location, consider adding a hot tub if space and budget allow. Hot tubs offer a luxury experience that significantly boosts year-round bookings, particularly in autumn and winter.
In terms of modern essentials, make sure the property includes a SMART TV and excellent WiFi. Today’s guests expect to stream Netflix, use apps, browse online, and work remotely if needed.
Thoughtful interior design doesn’t have to be expensive—it comes down to creating a memorable, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing space that guests will want to return to.
7. Ensure your property meets safety standards
Safety is a crucial part of running a holiday let, and ensuring your property meets all requirements protects both your guests and your business.
You must have an annual gas/oil safety certificate and service, regular electrical safety inspections must be carried out by qualified professionals, if you have an open or log fire the chimney must be inspected and swept annually. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors must be installed and tested frequently, and fire extinguishers or fire blankets should be placed in accessible, clearly marked areas, and serviced annually.
The property should also have a clear fire escape plan, with instructions included in your guest information folder. Appliances such as kettles, lamps and hairdryers will need PAT testing annually to ensure they are safe for guests to use. These steps provide peace of mind and demonstrate your commitment to guest wellbeing.
8. Make outdoor spaces guest-ready
Your outdoor areas are an extension of your holiday home and should be treated with the same level of care and attention.
If your property has a garden, patio, terrace, or balcony, ensure it is well-maintained with tidy planting, clean furniture, and safe pathways. Regularly cutting the grass, trimming hedges, and clearing debris helps keep the exterior looking attractive.
Cornwall’s coastal weather can be strong, so outdoor furniture should be durable and secured when necessary. Offering storage space for surfboards, wetsuits, or bikes is a huge bonus, especially for families and active guests.
9. Keep your holiday let well-maintained
Routine maintenance is key to keeping your holiday home in top condition and preventing small issues from becoming major problems.
Check your property regularly for signs of wear and tear, and replace any broken or tired-looking items quickly. Refreshing paintwork annually keeps the home looking clean and modern, and maintaining appliances ensures they remain safe and efficient.
Before peak season, take time to inspect plumbing, heating, outdoor lighting, and fixtures throughout the home. Investing in ongoing maintenance not only protects your property but also helps maintain strong guest reviews.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your self-catering holiday home to a high standard not only ensures happy guests but also leads to stronger reviews, more repeat bookings, and a more successful letting experience. The more care and attention you put into your holiday home, the better it will perform year after year.
If you’d like personalised guidance, support with property management, or a local team in Cornwall to help you care for your holiday home, we’re always here to help.
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