You have a house, you have the space and you need to do something with it to help paying the mortgage.
Bed and breakfast versus self catering …
A personal view. I been there, I done it. Both. So if I had to do it all over again which one will I choose?
I rented out my first house in Marloth Park. It consisted of the main house and a separate squaredavel / or granny flat. I had people looking after the place and paid them for cleaning and receiving guests. It worked out quite well.
I also had a house which I divided into 2 units. I lived in one unit and the other one was transformed into a separate bed and breakfast place. (I thought if you are not rich, or don’t have a lot of money available you have to be creative)
In the end the BnB thing worked better for me. I could keep an eye on everything, make sure that the place was clean and I could welcome my guests personally.
I have a few tips though.
It really helps if you have a room or place with a separate entrance. It must be private. You don’t have to put in the most expensive furniture or beds. Just make sure that it is clean and comfortable. (Vacuum clean or steam clean your mattresses regularly) Don’t worry if your place cannot compete with five star guest houses or hotels. There are good honest people out there who can’t pay for all the luxuries and just want a nice, clean, comfortable place to stay in for one or more nights.
From a peronal point of view; the most important thing that I want when renting a room or place, is to have my own bathroom and toilet. That is why the main bedroom in many houses can easily be transformed into an ideal bed and breakfast spot. You can lock the door to the rest of the house, provided that there is a sliding or outside door that your guests can use. Don’t lock them in for the night (joke)
A little pergola or stoepie in front of the room for your guests to sit or eat outside add to atmosphere and the quality of their stay. If you dont have a built in braai provide a kettle braai.
It make sense to install a tiny kitchenette in your guest unit. Even if they don’t cook there, they might need a fridge for cooldrinks and milk. And to make coffee.
Discription of the sketch:
1 Small gasstove, like the camping Bushbaby or Alpha stove
2 Shelf and storage space
3 Basin
4 Space for a bar fridge
Equip you kitchen with the following: 4 each cups, plates, bowls, glasses and wine glasses. A kettle and microwave oven, and bar fridge (remember a plug) 4 knives, steak knives (also good to peal vegetables or cut fruit, forks, spoons and teaspoons. A stainless steel bowl, for meat. Salad bowl. Pan, pot. Tin opener, spatula, braai utensils. Tray, dishcloth, sponge, dishwasher soap. Pretty much the basic things that you may use everyday. Many people are surprised with what little you actually need when on holiday. (Or go camping!)
On a tray or in the cupboard: Small bottle of coffee or small sachets of coffee, tea (rooibos and ordinary). Sugar, sweetner. I usually put a litre of milk in the fridge for my guests. Rusks and biscuits.
If you want to include breakfast in your deal, you can pack a tray with bread rolls, sconce, butter / margarine cheese, cold meats, jam, yogurts and fruit salad and take it over to your guest’s unit in the morning. I found however that most guests are up and about early in the morning. They rather grabbed a rusk and coffee and head for their destination where they could eat a nice brunch. No time to waste when on holidays.
For the batbroom: Clean towels, soap, airfreshner.
A tiny gift to pit on your guests pillows, like chocolate, fudge or small liquore can add a nice touch. Bubbly if it is a honeymoon couple. A biltong, nuts, chips and cheese bouquet or basket if your guests book for more than one night. Depends on what you charge per night. Don’t spend your whole profit on gifts.
Welcome your guests, then back off. Don’t crowd them. They are not visiting you. Your BNB will only be home base for them for a short while. Or a place to sleep while they day visit Kruger Park. After that they will probably forget they ever met you. Until next year, when they need accommodation again!
If you want to clean, wash the dishes or make the bed during their stay, ask them if and when it will suit them. Some people don’t want strangers in their private space.
The nice thing about a BnB like this is that you can decide about the price. You can also decide on the availability of your place. If you want people there all the time, you have to have about 3 sets of sheets, comforters or duvets. If you don’t want guests for a certain weekend or time, you simply tell them that the space is not available.
Follow this link to find a basic list of what you my need in a self catering place:
https://marlothparkpatrons.home.blog/your-self-catering-place-basic-list/
Marloth Park Patrons 