Every spring and autumn both our properties go through a big Property Refresh - a complete look at everything from paintwork to the spa plant room, so that when you arrive for your stay you can expect everything to be high-quality, perfectly presented and inviting.
Of course we clean and do detailed checks in-between each stay, but with over 400 guests staying with us each year we need to do a bigger and more thorough refresh twice a year to ensure we're presenting the standards we value.
It's that time of year now, so we thought we'd share the details of what's involved in freshening up the holiday homes you'll be enjoying soon!
Painting & Touch-Ups
Twice a year we go over the paintwork in both houses, touching up marks and wear, often repainting entirely to keep that fresh and new look before the next season begins. We use quality scrubbable paint in areas like the kitchen and games room, so it's easy for us to keep things perfectly clean in-between stays - scuffs and marks come off easily so you never need to worry about letting the kids have fun!
Kitchen Equipment
We check all the kitchen equipment and gear, testing electronics and looking for missing items, cutlery and crockery. We have a stockpile of spare kitchen items so we can swap something out fast if needed, without waiting for a new order, and when we see an item starting to show wear we'll replace it so everything looks clean and new.
We have a big store of items like lightbulbs, and these are checked in-between every stay and replaced when needed.
Bedrooms & Linens
Of course, in-between stays we check and refresh linens and pillows, checking duvets and ensuring everything is inviting and fresh for you on your holiday. But during our big refreshes twice a year we go into more detail, checking mattresses, bed frames, looking for wear and tear and checking advice on how long things like mattresses last before they should be replaced. We always want to make sure you're sleeping on a bed in excellent condition, instead of just getting by.
Cleaning & Furniture
Although we are cleaning and checking furniture in-between each stay, during our twice yearly refreshes we get more detailed. We move things around and check behind and under furniture for damage or wear, plus testing springs and checking how up to date fabrics are in terms of things like fire-safety. If something needs replaced, we bring in a new version, so you always have that feeling of stepping into a new home on your holiday.
Outside & Around the House
Patios are power-washed regularly to keep them looking their best and ensure they are grippy to walk and run on, and exterior windows are cleaned on a regular schedule too. Air con units and shower heads are checked, with a full de-scale carried out every quarter. Smaller jobs, like repainting the BBQ hut, are part of our twice yearly refreshes, keeping the outside spaces looking as cared-for as the inside.
The Spa Plant Room
Behind the spa area is what we call the plant room, and it's very much its own small ecosystem. It needs the right dose of chemicals, regular checks and adjustments to heat levels, clean filters, UV filters, water tests and careful management of the water supply. It's checked very regularly to make sure the spa is always ready and working exactly as it should be, and during the twice yearly refresh we ensure we look for plant room equipment that needs replaced or upgraded, to keep things as up to date and high quality as possible.
Safety Checks
Fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are checked constantly, not just during the twice yearly refresh. Lights, doors and general safety measures around the properties are all part of the regular check too, so nothing gets left until the next scheduled visit. During our twice yearly checks we double-check dates on things like fire alarms and note when something might be approaching its recommended replacement date, so everything is always arranged in advance.
'It takes a village', as they say, to accomplish all of this twice a year - or in our case just the whole family! All of this happens so that when you arrive the only thing you need to think about is enjoying your stay. If you've got any questions about how we look after the houses, or you're planning your own visit to one of our large holiday homes in Somerset, get in touch - we'd love to help.