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How a Sydney Family Turned Their Holiday Home into a into a successful Holiday Rental and a Wedding Venue.
In this blog post, I interviewed Brendan Torazzi, the host of a very popular property located in the south coast of New South Wales. Brendan shares with us the inspiration behind his decision to start hosting guests and facilitating his property as a wedding venue, as well as some of the challenges and unique features of his property.
In this blog post, I interviewed Brendan Torazzi, the host of a very popular property located in the south coast of New South Wales. Brendan shares with us the inspiration behind his decision to start hosting guests and facilitating his property as a wedding venue, as well as some of the challenges and unique features of his property.
How It All Started
Brendan and his wife bought the property as a holiday home in 2015. They have three boys and the vision was to give them space to run around as they live on a small block in the city. They also had a lot of experience doing furnished rentals since 1999 (before Airbnb was born) so they figured they would rent it out to others to enjoy when they weren't down there.
the turning point
About 6 months in, someone asked if they could have a wedding there. Brendan's property manager advised him that a development application (DA) would be required. When they enquired with Council, they discovered it already had a DA for 52 weddings events each year (the selling agent had overlooked this fact). This was the turning point for Brendan and his wife. They started an Instagram account and a couple of seasons in, Seacliff House was heavily booked.
The Challenges of Hosting Guests in a Rural/Coastal Setting
One of the biggest challenges of hosting guests in a rural/coastal setting is keeping the property looking beautiful. Seacliff House is located on over 500 acres of land, and Brendan and his wife have to do a lot of work to maintain the property. They have a team of good suppliers who help them with cleaning, groundskeeping, and handyman work, but it still takes a lot of time and effort.
Another challenge of hosting guests in a rural/coastal setting is the lack of readily available workforces. If something breaks down, it can be difficult to find someone to fix it right away. Brendan and his wife have learned to be self-sufficient and to build relationships with local businesses and tradespeople.
The Unique Features of Seacliff House
Seacliff House is a beautiful property with a lot of unique features. The most striking feature is the sense of space and privacy. The property has over 500 acres of dairy country views and endless views of the Pacific Ocean. This makes the space feel special and creates treasured memories for guests.
The farmhouse was finished in November 2020. Architecturally designed, every room has amazing views with their own ensuites. Three meters high ceilings downstairs with a huge 8.5m atrium in the central living area. You are not going to want to leave.
Oversupply or Undersupply of Holiday Homes in the South Coast Market?
Brendan says that it depends on what you are looking for and what your budget is. For example, there may only be a small handful of upper end properties and plenty of lower end ones. However, he does say that the South Coast is growing in popularity because it feels cleaner, fresher, and less crowded than the north of Sydney.
“Consider making your place pet friendly - lots of families want to holiday with their pets”
Two Big Tips for Homeowners Who Want to Host Their Holiday Home
Brendan's two big tips for homeowners who are intending to host their holiday home are:
1. Create a space that you would want to stay in and gives people a reason to talk about and want to return to.
2. If you decide to rent your holiday home remember your guests probably want to holiday in peak times when you might like to use the property, so you do need to be flexible.
A bonus tip that Brendan would give is to consider making your place pet friendly - lots of families want to holiday with their pets.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hosting guests and facilitating Seacliff House as a wedding venue has been a rewarding experience for the family. It has allowed them to share the beauty of our property with others and create treasured memories for their guests. While there are challenges to hosting guests in rural/coastal settings, the unique features of the property make it stand out from other high-end homes. For homeowners looking to host their holiday home, creating a space that guests will love and being flexible with bookings are key.
I hope you enjoyed this blog post about my interview with Brendan Torazzi, the host of Seacliff House. If you are thinking about hosting your own holiday home, I encourage you to take Brendan's tips into consideration.
Seacliff House is located at 139 Princes Hwy, Gerringong NSW 2534. For bookings, you may contact 1800 442 388 or check their website here. Connect on their socials here:
Facebook: SeacliffHouseGerringong
Instagram: @seacliffhouse
The Growing Australia's Holiday Rental Business!
Australia's holiday rental business has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by the convenience and diversity of properties available to tourists.
Australia's holiday rental business has been rapidly growing in recent years, with more and more tourists opting for the comfort and convenience of renting a holiday home rather than staying in a hotel. The rise of online platforms such as Airbnb and Stayz has made it easier for homeowners to list their properties for short-term rental, and for travelers to find the perfect holiday home for their stay.
The holiday rental business in Australia is a significant contributor to the country's tourism industry, which is one of the largest industries in the country. According to a report by Deloitte Access Economics, the holiday rental market in Australia was worth $4.4 billion in 2018 and is expected to grow to $5.3 billion by 2020.
One of the reasons for the popularity of holiday rentals is the diversity of properties available. From beachside villas and luxury apartments to rural cottages and mountain chalets, there is a holiday home to suit every taste and budget. Many holiday homes also offer additional amenities such as private pools, BBQ facilities, and access to nearby attractions.
Another factor that makes holiday rentals attractive to tourists is the ability to have a more authentic experience. Staying in a holiday home allows visitors to live like a local and experience the local culture, cuisine, and way of life. Many holiday homes are located in residential areas, which provide an opportunity to interact with locals and get a taste of the community.
The growth of the holiday rental market has also brought economic benefits to homeowners and local communities. Homeowners can earn extra income by renting out their properties, while local businesses such as cafes, restaurants, and shops benefit from increased tourism. The holiday rental industry has also created jobs in areas such as cleaning, maintenance, and property management.
In conclusion, Australia's holiday rental business has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by the convenience and diversity of properties available to tourists.
5 Secrets of Becoming the Most Sought-After Holiday Rental Property
Becoming the most sought-after vacation rental requires a combination of investment in your property, exceptional customer service, competitive pricing, effective marketing, and listening to guest feedback. By following these secrets, you can attract more bookings, increase your revenue, and establish yourself as a top vacation rental in your area.
Holiday rentals have become an increasingly popular choice for travelers in recent years, as they offer a more personalized and unique experience compared to traditional hotels. With the rise of holiday rental platforms such as Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com, it's more important than ever to make your property stand out and become the most sought-after holiday rental in your area. Here are some secrets to help you achieve this goal.
Invest in your property's appearance and amenities
The first thing that guests will notice about your holiday rental is its appearance. Make sure your property is well-maintained, clean, and stylishly decorated. Guests are also looking for amenities such as a fully equipped kitchen, comfortable beds, high-speed internet, and air conditioning.
Consider adding extra amenities such as a hot tub, pool, or outdoor kitchen to your property to make it stand out from the competition. If you can offer something that other holiday rentals in your area don't have, you'll be more likely to attract bookings.
Provide exceptional customer service
One of the most important things you can do to become the most sought-after holiday rental is to provide exceptional customer service. Respond promptly to guest inquiries and be available to answer any questions or concerns they may have during their stay.
Consider providing a welcome basket with local treats and a personalized note to make guests feel special. You can also offer concierge services such as arranging airport transfers, booking tours, or recommending local restaurants and activities.
Make sure your guests feel valued and appreciated, and they'll be more likely to leave positive reviews and recommend your property to others.
Price your property competitively
Pricing your property competitively is key to attracting bookings and becoming the most sought-after holiday rental. Do your research and find out what similar properties in your area are charging, and adjust your rates accordingly.
Consider offering discounts for longer stays or for guests who book early. You can also adjust your pricing seasonally to take advantage of peak travel times and events in your area.
Market your property effectively
To become the most sought-after holiday rental, you need to market your property effectively. Make sure your property is listed on all the major holiday rental platforms, and optimize your listing with high-quality professionally taken photos and a detailed description.
Consider creating a website for your holiday rental to showcase your property and provide guests with all the information they need to make a booking. Use social media to promote your property and engage with potential guests.
Collect and act on guest feedback
Finally, to become the most sought-after holiday rental, you need to collect and act on guest feedback. Ask guests to leave reviews after their stay, and use this feedback to improve your property and provide an even better experience for future guests.
Address any issues or concerns that guests bring up in their feedback, and make changes to your property or your customer service to ensure that every guest has an exceptional experience.
Becoming the most sought-after holiday rental requires a combination of investment in your property, exceptional customer service, competitive pricing, effective marketing, and listening to guest feedback. By following these secrets, you can attract more bookings, increase your revenue, and establish yourself as a top holiday rental in your area.
Airbnb For Your Next Holiday!
One of the great things about booking an Airbnb property is the unique experience it offers. You can choose to stay in a home rich with history or a modern space with a sleek design. You can stay in the city's heart or a secluded rural area. Whatever your preferences, Airbnb has a property that will suit your needs.
Are you planning your next holiday and looking for the perfect place to stay? Look no further than Airbnb! With its vast array of properties, from cozy cabins to luxurious villas, Airbnb has something for everyone.
One of the great things about booking an Airbnb property is the unique experience it offers. You can choose to stay in a home rich with history or a modern space with a sleek design. You can stay in the city's heart or a secluded rural area. Whatever your preferences, Airbnb has a property that will suit your needs.
One of the benefits of booking an Airbnb property is that you get to live like a local. You can experience the culture and lifestyle of the area you’re visiting in a way that you wouldn’t be able to if you stayed in a traditional hotel. Many Airbnb hosts are happy to provide tips on where to go and what to do in the area, giving you an insider’s perspective that you wouldn’t get otherwise.
Another advantage of booking an Airbnb property is the cost savings. Often, Airbnb properties are more affordable than traditional hotels, especially for larger groups or families. You can find a spacious home with multiple bedrooms, a full kitchen, and plenty of space to relax, all for a fraction of the cost of a hotel.
Airbnb properties also offer greater flexibility when it comes to meal options. With a full kitchen at your disposal, you can prepare your own meals, saving money and allowing you to try out local ingredients and recipes. Or, if you prefer, you can dine out at local restaurants and cafes, enjoying the local cuisine and atmosphere.
Booking an Airbnb property is also easy and convenient. With the Airbnb app or website, you can browse properties, read reviews from past guests, and book your stay all in one place. And, with 24/7 customer support, you can rest assured that if you have any issues during your stay, you’ll be able to get help right away.
In summary, if you’re looking for a unique and affordable holiday experience, booking an Airbnb property is the way to go. With its vast array of properties, local insights, cost savings, and convenience, Airbnb is the perfect choice for your next trip.