Bourton-on-the-Water, often referred to as the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” is an idyllic village famed for its charming low bridges, serene river, and picturesque scenery.
Located in the heart of the Cotswolds, it’s a popular destination for tourists seeking a quintessential English countryside experience.
Investing in a holiday let in this enchanting village can be a fulfilling venture. Read the Manor Cottages guide to holiday letting in the Cotswolds and why you should consider Bourton-on-the-Water.
About the Cotswolds and Its Visitors
The Cotswolds is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) spanning nearly 800 square miles across several counties, including Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire. It’s characterized by rolling hills, charming villages, historic towns, and iconic honey-colored stone buildings.
Who Visits the Cotswolds?
- Families: The Cotswolds offers a wealth of family-friendly activities, from visiting animal parks and model villages to exploring historic castles.
- Couples: Romantic getaways are popular, with cozy pubs, scenic walks, and beautiful gardens providing the perfect backdrop.
- History Enthusiasts: The region’s rich history and heritage sites, including ruins and medieval churches, attract history buffs.
- Nature Lovers: With its stunning landscapes, the Cotswolds is a haven for hikers, cyclists, ramblers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- International Tourists: Attracted by the quintessential English countryside experience, the Cotswolds draws visitors from around the globe, especially America and China.
Considerations for Owning a Holiday Let in Bourton-on-the-Water
- Compliance: Ensure your holiday let adheres to local regulations and legal requirements. This includes safety standards, insurance, and possibly planning permissions for any alterations or renovations.
- Property Management: Decide whether to self-manage or choose Manor Cottages to provide managed services. While managing it yourself can reduce costs, at Manor Cottages, we’ll look after the marketing bookings, maintenance, and guest services, providing a hassle-free experience.
- Seasonality: The Cotswolds is a year-round destination, but peak seasons, such as summer months, school holidays, and Christmas, attract the most visitors. Working with a holiday let agency like ourselves at Manor Cottages can ensure you have the best strategy for year-round income.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial to keep your holiday property in top condition. This includes routine checks, deep cleaning, gardening and repairs.
- Guest Experience: Offering personal touches like a welcome pack, clear communication, and quick resolutions can assist with positive reviews and repeat bookings.
Best Locations in the Cotswolds for a Holiday Let
- Bourton-on-the-Water: Known for its charming streets, beautiful bridges, and the River Windrush, it’s a top tourist spot. Properties here are in high demand due to the village’s appeal and amenities. Along with boutiques, pubs and a model village, there’s so much to do in Bourton-on-the-Water.
- Chipping Campden: Famous for its historic buildings and beautiful High Street, Chipping Campden attracts tourists looking for a more vibrant Cotswolds experience.
- Stow-on-the-Wold: As one of the highest towns in the Cotswolds, it offers stunning views and a vibrant market square, making it a popular choice for visitors.
- Broadway: Often called the “Jewel of the Cotswolds,” Broadway is renowned for its wide High Street lined with horse chestnut trees and stunning architecture.
- Cirencester: Known as the “Capital of the Cotswolds,” Cirencester combines historic charm with modern amenities, making it attractive to a wide range of visitors.
Tourist Demographics and Visitor Statistics
Visitor Numbers:
- Bourton-on-the-Water attracts over 300,000 visitors annually, with peak visitor numbers during the summer months.
- The village is one of the most visited in the Cotswolds, drawing both domestic and international tourists.
Tourist Demographics:
- Families: Approximately 40% of visitors are families looking for a quintessential English countryside experience.
- Couples: Around 35% of visitors are couples seeking romantic getaways.
- International Tourists: About 20% of visitors are from overseas, primarily from the USA, Germany, and China.
- Day Trippers: Roughly 5% of visitors are day trippers from nearby cities and towns, including London.
Financial Benefits of Owning a Holiday Let
- Secondary Income: The Cotswolds is a popular tourist destination, ensuring a steady stream of visitors. Spring and Summer can bring in substantial rental income, making holiday letting a great investment.
- Tax Benefits: Holiday let owners can benefit from various tax advantages. Furnished Holiday Lets (FHL) can offer benefits such as capital allowances on furniture and equipment, and certain reliefs not available to traditional buy-to-let properties.
- Flexibility: Unlike long-term letting, a holiday let allows you to use the property yourself. Whether for a weekend getaway or an extended holiday, you and your family can enjoy your investment.
Overview
Owning a holiday let in Bourton-on-the-Water offers substantial financial benefits due to high occupancy rates and property appreciation. The village’s charm and popularity among a diverse range of tourists make it a prime location for a successful holiday letting business.
What’s more, Manor Cottages are opening a new office in Bourton-on-the-Water, supporting both guests and owners throughout village and Cotswolds alike.
Holiday Let with Manor Cottages
With over 30 years’ experience, Manor Cottages are proud to take care of some of the Cotswold’s most beautiful, characterful and unique self-catering properties. Download your free owner pack and get in touch to start your holiday let journey with our local team.