Owning a second home, whether for a holiday getaway, or to let friends and family stay in, is a chance to embrace a different type of environment than your main home.
With the number of people buying a second property for a coastal retreat on the weekends having soared by 50% in the last 20 years, we’ve decided to put together a guide on what items are essential for your home-away-from-home so you make the most of your getaway.
Fire pit
If you love spending time in your back garden, a fire pit is an absolute must. Fire pits create a warm and comforting al fresco feel to late summer nights that keep you warm when the temperature drops. You can gather round with friends and family to tell funny stories, have a drink or play games. They’re also perfect if you want some alone time to sit and read a book. We also recommend having a blanket nearby to feel extra cosy.
BBQ
No one wants to cook whilst they are on holiday, but does grilling some sausages and burgers count as cooking? Everyone loves a BBQ in the summer, and having one at your home-away-from-home will be a nice comfort for yourself, or for your family and friends who may stay at the accommodation.
Turn your lounge into a games room
Time spent in a second home is even better with friends and family. A lounge space can be a focal point in your property where people naturally want to hang out. Implementing a games room where you could play a round of pool, enjoy snacks, binge-watch your favourite shows or play board games is a great way to give this room a fun feel and help you switch off from the stresses of everyday life.
Entertainment essentials
When escaping from the rigours of everyday life, the one thing you want to be is entertained. That’s why it’s important to make sure your second home is stacked with all the things you enjoy, whether that’s a TV with a sound system, a games console, books or anything else that you use to help you unwind and relax.
Kitchen and bathroom essentials
When taking a break the last thing you want to do is cook your food, or think about cleaning, but your home-away-from-home is rather like your main house, it will need looking after too. That’s why it’s always best to have cleaning products ready in your second home so you don’t have to trudge around the shops when you get there.
Ensure your second home has bin bags, a vacuum cleaner, washing up liquid or dishwasher tablets, bleach, oven spray, kitchen counter spray, bathroom products and everything else you need to make sure your house stays clean.
We’d also recommend storing food and other foods with a long shelf life in the property so you don’t have to go straight to the supermarket when you arrive.
Welcome hampers and other essentials when renting to friends
If the holiday home is to be let or used by friends it is a nice touch to ensure you have left amenities such as welcome hampers, dressing gowns, cleaning supplies and water to make your guests feel at home when they arrive.
What to consider when styling your second home?
Your second property is most likely a home away from home. This means the style choices you make should reflect you and your personality.
Think about the elements from your first home that you love and also consider what you would add or change.
For more tips, read our guide to styling your second home.
Insuring your second home
Whether it’s your main residence or second home, you’ll want insurance that reflects your needs. Adrian Flux can offer you a choice of holiday home insurance and unoccupied home insurance policies to suit you, helping you avoid hours of searching.
For our best rates, call 0800 369 8590 or book a callback at a time that works for you.