Owner Case Study: Little Holdings, Forest of Dean

Owner Case Study: Little Holdings, Forest of Dean

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Little Holdings, Forest of Dean - Holiday home owner case study

Little Holdings
Ross-on-Wye, Forest of Dean

Sleeps: 2
First letting through The Travel Chapter: 2017

In 2013, a major operation led Paul Houlden and wife Lesley to rethink their whole lifestyle. Seeking something less physically demanding for Paul, they decided to put the cottage attached to the house on their 3-acre small holding onto the holiday market to earn some revenue in their semi-retirement. 

The couple have been running Little Holdings as a holiday let since spring 2017. The cottage is in the Wye Valley, on the borders between the Forest of Dean, Herefordshire, and Monmouthshire, where they have lived for almost 50 years. The area is perfect for visitors seeking a quiet holiday, with easy access to beautiful countryside. 

Forest of Dean

“It is seen as a rural hideaway, a place to escape to.”

Little Holdings is close to the Wye Valley Walk, a long-distance hiking trail, and to the river that gives the path its name. For those who prefer to get about on two wheels, there is easy access to the Forest of Dean Cycle Trail that takes visitors into the quieter parts of the forest on old mining railway tracks and forest roads. 

As Lesley says, “Herefordshire is renowned for its scenery, and a slower pace of life. There are castles, stately homes, Hereford city with its famous cathedral and the towns of Ross, Ledbury and Leominster, offering niche shops, and restaurants.” The local pub is also within easy walking distance. 

Little Holdings itself is a detached traditional stone barn, decorated and furnished in a contemporary style. Sleeping two people, its niche is as a quiet getaway for couples. Lesley also mentions the importance of being dog friendly, with so many couples keen to bring their four-legged companions on their getaways.   

Little Holdings, Forest of Dean - Holiday home owner case study

The property’s location on the Houlden’s small holding pretty much guarantees peace and quiet. There is a private courtyard with table and sun loungers together with the property’s most popular feature – and one increasingly sought-after by visitors – a hot tub. Inside, the property is stylish but cosy. There’s a well-equipped contemporary kitchen, a king-size bedroom and a bathroom featuring a power-shower cubicle. 

“With an outdoor hot tub, protected by an electric awning and as many ‘mod cons’ as we can fit in, along with fibre to the house ensuring superb broadband, and the varied local attractions, we seem to hit the spot.”

With Little Holdings being adjacent to their home, dealing quickly with any issues that might arise during their guests stay is made all the easier. It also makes access for cleaning and maintenance on changeover days much more convenient. This is key, as Lesley identifies the need to keep on top of repairs and renewals as one of the biggest challenges of running a holiday let.

While all the features of Little Holdings are central to the property’s appeal, intangible factors also play a big part. For example, the welcome offered by Paul and Lesley is mentioned in many of the guest reviews. Small touches, like the bottle of prosecco and box of chocolates that await visitors on arrival, don’t cost very much but go a long way to making a big impression. 

Little Holdings, Forest of Dean - Holiday home owner case study

And if reviews are anything to go by, the couple also seem to have got the balance between being on hand to deal with any issues that might arise, and leaving visitors to get on with their stay in peace, just right. 

 “We’re on hand for guests if required but otherwise we leave people alone.” 

It’s no surprise then that Lesley and Paul say that the most rewarding part of owning a holiday let is when, “happy couples leave good comment cards.” Of course, Lesley adds, “Mondays BACS payments are also very nice!” 

The commitment that comes with owning a holiday let should not be overlooked though, they say. With high occupancy, their own holidays have to be carefully planned as the couple are adamant they want to service the letting themselves, “always checking when handing over the key that everything is in order.”

Little Holdings, Forest of Dean - Holiday home owner case study

The Houldens sum up their experience with The Travel Chapter so far in one word: “faultless." One of their main concerns when letting out their property was the type of guests that would be attracted. Happily, any fears have proven unfounded. Lesley says that, “Apart from a couple, all of our clients have been great. That is thanks to The Travel Chapter, their website and staff.”

“Payments on time, great reps and a very friendly and knowledgeable telephone sales team.”

So what does the future hold? The couple say simply, “each client is a new experience and each extra year is a bonus.” They are investigating the cost of adding shepherds’ huts to the property but apart from that, “We are just enjoying life.”

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