A couple from Piddletrenthide are looking to help 'create memories' as their successful holiday let renovation continues to flourish.
Following their move to Dorset during the pandemic, husband-and-wife Emma and Andrew Fielding, aged 53 and 58, were inspired to pursue holiday letting full time to help contribute to their retirement pot.
After seeing potential in the building adjacent to their own home in the village of Piddletrenthide – a 200-year-old former coach house - they decided to transform it into a holiday home.
Mrs Fielding said: “We’ve loved letting The Coach House out to travellers since starting three years ago and we’re always striving to help our guests create amazing holiday memories.
"For us, it has allowed us to do something we absolutely adore to help save for retirement."
The building required an extensive renovation after falling into a state of disrepair, so the couple stripped out the property, adding fireplaces, a bespoke kitchen, and a brand-new bathroom using tiles they’d shipped over from Spain.
After five months of renovations, the two-bedroom property opened to holidaymakers back in 2021.
Mrs Fielding added: “We’re really proud of the renovation we undertook to not only give The Coach House a new lease of life but to also shine a light on its history and legacy.
"Due to the high-end finish and convenient location between Lyme Regis and Durdle Door, we often get repeat bookings too, which is fantastic."
The couple enjoyed a successful year in 2023, generating an average annual income of £30,500.
In late 2023, holiday let was awarded a Sykes Gem, an awards programme led by Sykes Holiday Cottages which celebrates the best properties in the UK’s holiday let sector.
The property beat off tough competition to take home the trophy for Best in the South of England.
Mrs Fielding continued: “My advice to anyone thinking of setting up a holiday let is to think about the experience from a customer’s point of view.
"For example, what are they coming away for and how can you make it as comfortable as possible for them? It’s always these little touches that help you stand out from the crowd.”
The property is available to rent via Sykes Holiday Cottages, with the coming months of June to July already fully booked.
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