Staycations, our new business, help and feedback appreciated

[sidekickdmr]

alfie2244 said:

and hopefully getting each guest to come back at least 3 times..mmmmm

eta please don't think I am being picky.....I want it to work for you so we can come and stay.

ps some won't stay in a lodge where dogs have stayed and impossible to clean 100%

Edited by alfie2244 on Tuesday 12th April 13:54

Your not being picky and you make a good point but I really don’t want to get into the dog discussion for a third time in one thread, but There will be at least one dog free place, this is the best I can do to TRY and please as many customers as possible and give people the option of coming no matter what their preference.

I certainly don’t want to be completely dog free, that’s not an option.

Tuna said:

Been there, done that. Bought a place with outline planning permission, showed the planners what we expected to do, "yes, that looks fine" they said.

So we put in plans. "Not a hope in hell" was the official response (I'm paraphrasing). It took five years to get permission sorted.

Not that I'm bitter

Seriously though, don't underestimate the time taken to get everything lined up and ready to 'go'. It's one of those processes where you have to keep everything positive and moving forward, which requires a certain amount of stamina when things aren't immediately happening. You'll have an explosion in the number of people who need (or want) to be involved - from utility companies to neighbours and they all need to be kept on side so you can get from paperwork to choosing curtains.

Yes I do understand the planners word is as good as a chocolate fire guard, but we are in this for the long haul, and are in no major rush and want to do things right, neighbour relations are very much top of my priorities too.

I know its going to be anything but easy......

Edited by sidekickdmr on Tuesday 12th April 14:08

[sidekickdmr]

Efbe said:

SKD, I am also planning to build a site like this, albeit right up the top of the country, and with a very different theme, so not competition

Having carried out quite a bit of market research in this area, I would be wary of the dog thing.

Dogs are great, and there is a niche market of people wanting to take dogs away with them. But the family market is by far the biggest. If you want to contact me I can give you more specific information than I would like to openly give out, but essentially dogs at a site put nervous mum off, and families make up the lions portion of weekend and summer bookings where your main profits are.
Having said that, niche is not a bad thing.

Sounds great, would be good to learn a little more about what your plans are, compare notes as such, sounds like you know your stuff.

However at this time we are still aiming towards the Adults only, romantic break type getaways, which removes the "nervous mum" element completely.

Out site has a stream, ponds, lakes and steep drops at a couple of points, so doesn’t really lend itself to kid-friendly.

I also like the idea of being a bit more grown up and as you say, niche

[sidekickdmr]

Yes it would have to be all or nothing, and we are certainly aiming for nothing. The no kids, romantic, Mr & Mrs Smith style is our USP, no good if there are sticky fingerptints on the walls or lego under a rug

And The Moose, I cant see why that would be a problem, I'd be happy to sign for/be around for delivery and collection. I wasnt aware this was a "thing", is this something people with a liking for leather catsuits do?

[sidekickdmr]

Will take a look into companies that can provide that service, from having a quick google there seem to be a few, thanks for the idea/suggestion

Re the access road, we have already highlighted this to our solicitor and they are looking into it in more detail, however the guy that owns the land lives nowhere near so hopefully wouldn’t be a problem, but certainly something to look into more.

[sidekickdmr]

Johnniem said:

It may have been said before but be aware of the requirements of the (old) Disability Discrimination Act, now The Equality Act. It is very specific about 'inclusiveness' where access is concerned. Tree house? How will people in wheelchairs get up there? Tent? Fine, cabin? Fine, treehouse? Ramp?

By the way, the plans sound fantastic. Good on ya fella!

Its a Valid concern, and as you say, something for me to look into.

However, there must be a way around it, there are lots and lots of tree houses etc around without ramps etc.

We go away and stay in the cottages within the grounds of Bovey castle hotel each year, there is no hope in hell of getting to any of these cottages in a wheelchair, its hard enough walk/climb up the hill/steps to them.

[sidekickdmr]

threadlock said:

Forgive me if this is a silly question that only a non-doggy person like me would ask, but why would you need to make a big deal about dogs staying at your place? If you made your dog-friendly approach one of your big USPs I'd instantly be suspicious of the place stinking, but I don't think I'd even think to ask about it if you didn't stress it in your marketing. Certainly I've never thought to ask a place before.

If your accommodation is going to be as clean as you say it is, can't you just quietly mention the dog-friendly bit in the small print somewhere so that people like me aren't even put on alert about the risk?

Totally understand if your experience finding dog-friendly accommodation in the past makes you want to shout about it, however, if you feel there's a big niche market for people with dogs.

Best of luck with the project. Genuinely hope it's successful for you.

Thanks very much for the well wishes, means a lot that people believe in us/the idea :-)

We won't be shouting about it, it seems to have featured heavily on this thread but in real life it will just be an added bonus for some people. We can always advertise on dog fb groups and websites without having to list it in the heading paragraph.

INWB said:

You went with my suggestion????? I am SOO SO chuffed. That has made my day. Do I get a free stay?

Would you mind a PM as I could do with a favour myself.

I did, and I gave you a specific shout out for your help and advice a page or so back, thanks very much again for your help

PM on the way!

[sidekickdmr]

Thanks for the input Craikey, and thanks for the kind words.

Unfortunately due to the lie of the land parking at the cabins is impossible, however it will be a short stroll. Having cars on the land would also completely change the feel and dynamic, it would be like putting a car park in the middle of the stone henge.

The good news is there are 2 great places to eat and drink in strolling distance, and lots of amazing walks and cycle routes too.

Comfy sofa and a log burner is a dead cert too.

Re the babba Craikey, thats the point of grandparents/friends isnt it? You will be begging for a weekend "off" after no time

[sidekickdmr]

I didn’t bother replying to the comments as I know in reality it wont be an issue.

I do see your point about me being a bit negative and I apologise, I'll try and take concerns onboard more in the future.

I appreciate its very hard to picture how it will work and be set out when you haven’t seen the place, but I’m fairly confident that any guests will understand/like the setup when they see it, weather that’s a map and pictures or in the flesh.

Im aiming at the people that are wanting a weekend tucked away in amazing accommodation, with great walks and stunning scenery, I don’t think these people will mind a 2 min stroll to their car.

As I said before, I will be delivering bags to the cabins on check in and check out and I'll make sure there is a off road trolley/buggy to use at any time, if you so wish

[sidekickdmr]

We've exchanged on the sale of our house now

It's all starting to seem rather real

[sidekickdmr]

Ken Sington said:

Only just seen this thread, so you are a bit down the road. However, we now have some experience of doing something similar and the one thing over and above all that has hit us hard since we opened last year is cleaning, and cleaning to a high standard, especially as I see mention of mutts. Worth having a very careful think about the materials and fittings etc that you use with cleaning in mind. PM me if you want a chat.

Hey Ken, Ill drop you a PM, would be great to see what you do/did.

Re: The cleaning, yes this is something we are going to have to really concentrate on and it will be hard work.

Luckily we are both very minimal and clean people, a Little OCD with no "stuff" and we will ensure we spec the flooring etc so it’s easily deep cleaned.

[sidekickdmr]

Well it finally happened, we are in!

Moved in at the weekend, and already have the ball rolling, got architects and planning consultants doing site visits in the next few weeks, pathways and infrastructure is being planned.

Exciting times ahead, that’s the first (and biggest financial wise) step towards our future business taken

[sidekickdmr]

Time for a exciting update.....


Some of the plans are almost finalised, here is what we have planned for the treehouse, any feedback appreciated

[sidekickdmr]

alfie2244 said:

Spiral going to be the only means of access?

No, there will be a back enterance too, will open into the hallway, this could be used for baggage etc

[sidekickdmr]

CAPP0 said:

That looks fantastic! Ah'm in

Thanks, See you late summer/winter 2017

Smiler. said:

Looks good.

Be interesting to see what requirements building control stipulate for the inclusion of a log burner.

Not an uncommon occurrence per se but an all wooden elevated structure holiday let. What would be the fire fighting plan?


Also, unrelated to the above but are you on mains drainage or septic tank?

To be honest, I have no clue, but I do know that my treehouse builder has done lots with log burners, so it is possible....

It will be on a septic with soakaway, no mains drains in the area.

[sidekickdmr]

FrankAbagnale said:

Agreed - I am in for a winter booking in 2017!

[sidekickdmr]

desolate said:

At the Risk of appearing rude can you give a approximate figure for such a thing of beauty?

excluding groundworks and servicing.

Too much!;)

PM me if you want my builders details and I'll pass them on

[sidekickdmr]

Shakermaker said:

As per the other thread, I love this plan and wish you the very best.

You ought not to have any trouble with bookings either.

Once you're up and running, it is the simple touches that add value to guests, recommendations of walks, local pubs and restaurants, shops etc, which cost very little to you but enhance their experience, given the often lack of knowledge of the area they no doubt want to make the most of.

My wife's aunt is now a full on pro at getting bedsheets changed multiple times per week, which is probably my least favourite of the household jobs.

You'll want a decent quality washing machine if you want to save on the cost of having the laundry done offsite, and somewhere for it all to dry nicely, plus a love for ironing sheets, duvets, pillowcases etc.

Thanks very much, hopefully you are right

Yes, local produce and local attractions etc are something we are really going to pride ourselves on, we are lucky to have a great pub and tearoom/restaurant walking distance, and lots of walks and rides to do, then there are the local towns and things like off roading and clay shooting i can suggest/book for people.

I’m also going to build a very close relationship with my local butcher, greengrocer and fishmonger, and offer some fantastic "hampers" that I can deliver to the doors of the pods when requested.

[sidekickdmr]

Thanks Tonsko, and good luck to you too!

Yes we have looked at the wooden hot tubs, they look great and do match with our "style", the only issue with them is the 2+ hour warm up times, by which time the moment may have passed.



Well the planning application is in, meeting with the planning case officer at ours for a site visit this week.

Can I please get a collective fingercrossing?

Edited by sidekickdmr on Tuesday 21st February 16:04

[sidekickdmr]

Just got off the phone to our planning officer and she has told us that planning is being approved!!!!!!!!!



Can't belive we actually pulled it off, but somehow we have, and time to start getting the ball rolling and builders booked in

The planning is for the hobbit home by the stream and pond, and the treehouse in the woods with views of the valley and sea.

[sidekickdmr]

Thankyou4calling said:

Are there any further updates?

I'm ready to take advantage of the PH mates rates.

Heya

Yes, all systems go here, I’ve had video production companies flying drones around, interior designers doing their thing, website being built and most importantly, the treehouse build starts in the next week or two, can’t wait to see it take shape!

It’s a quick build, Hoping to launch for Valentine’s Day!

We are aiming to do a big website and social media launch at the beginning of December, and we will have the booking software live at this time to take prebookings!

For people willing to take the leap of faith and pre book, will get a discount, plus the PH discount of course