Regardless of whether your home is a small terraced house in Leeds, a countryside cottage in the Yorkshire Dales, or a seaside vacation home in Whitby, making the right preparations will definitely help your guests to be able to relax and feel comfortable, secure, and “at home”.
Since Yorkshire weather is pretty unique and the housing stock is lovely but sometimes older, a bit of preparation really can go a long way. Here are the things to do one by one when preparing your home in Yorkshire for guests, and at the same time, ensuring your property is secure.
1. Offer a Warm and Cosy Interior
Everyone knows that Yorkshire weather is very changeable and even in spring or summer, you can never be sure. The heating system should be up to the mark. So, you may need to bleed the radiator, testing boilers and check if the thermostats are functioning correctly.
If your home features a scullery fireplace or a log burner and they belong to the traditional Yorkshire style, they should be regularly cleaned and serviced. Besides that, children can be given blankets, and extra duvets should be kept ready instantly. No matter if the temperature is rising outside, the air in the Yorkshire countryside would be quite cool after sunset.
Comfort is also having the provision of clean and fresh bedding and towels at your disposal. A fresh linen bed and two neatly folded towels placed either on the bed or in the guest room will surely impress your guests and make them feel like they are staying at a hotel.
- Thoroughly Clean Main Areas
A thorough session of scrubbing down is essential when guests are expected. Water hardness is the most common problem faced in Yorkshire. Give special attention to:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens appliances
- Rugs/Carpets
- Windows
If your house is an old style house like the majority of houses in Yorkshire, you should inspect the beams, fireplace and corners for cobwebs. One of the fastest ways to make guests feel comfortable is to have a clean, well-kept and nicely scented home.
3. Be Essentials Ready
Considering the perception of guests, try to think about what they would require during their stay. Keep a check on these most essential things:
- Toiletries – shampoo, soap, toothpaste.
- Tea/coffee and biscuits
- Fresh milk and bread
- Bottled water
- Spare phone chargers or plug adapters
In Yorkshire, it’s almost a tradition to serve a good cup of tea. A tea tray complete with Yorkshire Tea and some local treats is a great way to express your care and local knowledge. Leaving the essentials is a nice gesture if your place is in a countryside area, as the local shops might be miles away.
4. Create a Guest Space That is Welcoming
First of all, ensure that the room is secluded and cozy. If you are anticipating visitors, then to give them a homey feeling, you could perhaps offer a few simple amenities:
- A bedside lamp
- WiFi details written clearly
- A small mirror
- A store room or hangers
- A local area guide
Living near well-known places like the North York Moors, York city centre, or the coastal towns such as Scarborough means that you can include pamphlets or can provide your personal recommendations for activities as a nice gesture.
5. Conducting Safety Checks Is A Must Situation
Simple safety checks that you can do at home without help will be
- Check the functionality of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Securely fasten the stair handrails
- Make sure outdoor walkways are nicely lit and without any obstacles
- Fix any loose tiles or floorboards
Additionally, if a homeowner is especially attached to their garden, as is often the case with many Yorkshire properties, then they should not forget to take care of it too. That means activities of a gardener, such as trimming the hedge, cutting the grass, and inspecting the fence for any holes or breakage.
In the case of homeowners who, for example, rent out their property in Yorkshire occasionally or have a second home, it is however essential to review your cover policies. Installing an appropriate landlord insurance policy will make you feel relaxed as it also covers damages to property, liability issues, and other unplanned events. Even when you are simply hosting friends or family, it is always wise and a great idea to have a property insurance policy to ensure that you are stress-free.
6. Prepare Yorkshire for the Rural Life
Yorkshire’s walking trails are quite famous, and it also features beautiful countryside and beach escapes. If, in case your visitors went for a walk and got mud all over themselves, maybe you should think about giving them:
- A rack for muddy boots
- Extra towels for wet jackets or dogs
- An outdoor clothes drying rack
- Local maps or walking guides
Small practical things as a doormat and umbrella stand, will not only make life easier for your visitors but at the same time, they will help to keep dirt and mud from being spread all over the house by shoes.
7. Refresh Decor and Finishing Touches
Some changes in decoration bring a lot of change. Put fresh flowers, light scented candles, or place local artwork. Traditional Yorkshire dwellings naturally correspond to neutral, cozy interiors, especially the ones that have stone walls or exposed timber.
The main aspect definitely is the lighting, as it can be quite dark in Yorkshire during the winter and having various light sources, for example, table lamps and warm light bulbs, will undoubtedly help the creation of a warm and inviting atmosphere.
8. Test the Utilities
It is highly likely that some of the old houses in Yorkshire still retain the traditional plumbing system. The day before your visitors come, you might want to quickly check the drains for any blockages, taps for leaks, or water pressure to see if it is low.
The moments when you fix small problems at the very opening will spare you the situation of having such things when your visitors are around. If your home is in a rural area and you depend on a septic tank, make sure it is in good working order and if necessary, give the guests any instructions.
9. Plan Parking and Accessibility
There are usually not many options for parking, particularly in smaller towns such as York and Harrogate. Hence, in case you really have to, kindly obtain the parking permits beforehand and also, make sure the visitors are informed about the parking options before coming.
In case you are bringing elderly members of your family, then it would be better if you check that the entrances are accessible and there are no obstacles that might prevent the use of wheelchairs, etc.
10. Think About Long-Term Property Care
People over to your place can be a great way of letting people experience your wonderful home but more natural guests mean more wear and tear. Simply keep an eye on the maintenance schedule, remember to get the roof done if it is necessary and clean the gutters, especially after the harsh Yorkshire weather.
Suppose you are letting your holiday home or have tenant properties in the area; modifying your home protection schemes like Landlord insurance, might be a way to relax in the knowledge you are covered for things such as structural damage, accidental damage, and liability risks.
Conclusion
Yorkshire house preparing for family and friends visiting you should not be something that complicates your life. Making sure the place is warm, clean, safe, and adding local touches thoughtfully will guarantee a great and memorable stay of your guests.
Moreover, taking proper care of the house through maintenance and taking out the right cover, e.g., Landlord insurance, where necessary, will help you protect your investment. With proper arrangements, your Yorkshire home can be a haven, both welcoming and secure, ready for any occasion, whatever the season may be.
