How We Made £25,000 in 11 Weeks on Airbnb!
When we first listed our Georgian flat, I never expected it to take off quite like it did. Within 11 weeks, we’d made £25,000 in bookings — and consistently received 10/10 reviews. We were even invited to join Booking.com’s Preferred Plus Partner programme, which only around 5% of listings achieve.
Airbnb Host Tips – here’s a snapshot from our Lodgify Dashboard showing our revenue!
Here are the things that I think worked particularly well for us — the decisions that made the space more inviting, memorable, and enjoyable for guests! I hope you will find it helpful.
Many of THE Home Decor products IN OUR AIRBNB are on our ShopMy
Lottie xx
1. Created a Third Bedroom from a Living Room Nook
We created a third bedroom out of a nook in the living room. This was a total game-changer. The flat originally had two bedrooms, but there was this large alcove off the living space that always felt a bit awkward — too big to ignore, too small to be useful. One day I looked at it and thought, could this be a third bedroom?
We were fortunate that the nook had a decent-sized window for light and ventilation, which made it completely workable as a bedroom. We added doors, lined the walls with shiplap panelling, and built a cabin-style bed to fit the space. It instantly gave that “coastal hideaway” feel — the kind of cute, clever detail guests tend to remember and photograph. That one change transformed the listing from a “lovely two-bed” into a “spacious three-bed,” and it instantly shifted us into a higher nightly rate bracket. Families and small groups love it.
Adding an extra bed is a simple way to boost your nightly rate. Even if you can’t create a whole new room, a sofa bed or a pull-out chair in a hall or bedroom gives your space extra flexibility — and makes it more appealing to families or groups.
2. Timeless pieces and quality finishes
I really believe décor can make or break a short-term rental. You don’t need designer furniture, but guests can feel when things have been chosen with care. We went for proper beds with upholstered headboards, crisp white linen, and natural textures — linen throws, wool blankets, and cotton cushion covers — so everything feels both tactile and calm. Natural fabrics not only look and feel better, but they’re also easier to hot wash between guests, which keeps everything fresh without compromising on quality.
I didn’t go for the cheapest stoneware crockery — but I did buy some mid-range lovely plain white dinner plates, side plates and pasta bowls. They are easy to replace if something gets broken. I elevated this with beautiful mugs, cereal bowls and a gorgeous teapot. Big wooden breadboards and very nice serveware add a sense of quality and warmth too.
The furniture is solid and timeless, mixed with a few vintage finds that give the flat character and a sense of place. It fits our English coastal design style and makes the space feel collected and unique.
Those details bring everything together — creating a space that feels both elevated and effortless, which is exactly what people remember (and rebook for).
Stick to mid-range white dinnerware for everyday use, but splash a bit more on mugs, salad bowls, and chunky breadboards — it’s the simplest way to make the space feel curated and effortlessly stylish!
3. Made a tiny patio into an extra ‘room’
Our patio is tiny, but it gets lovely morning light, so we made the most of it. We managed to fit four foldable chairs around a bistro table and added a large white parasol, which instantly gave it a luxury, boutique feel. Outdoor lanterns and pots of flowers finished the look and made the space feel inviting.
Now, guests sit out there with a coffee or a glass of wine, and it photographs beautifully. Even though it’s small, it gives the impression of “indoor-outdoor living” and that sense of calm and space people are really looking for on holiday. It’s now one of the most commented-on features in our reviews.
4. Swapped the bath for a luxurious walk-in shower
The old bathroom was dominated by a tub that no one really used, so we replaced it with a generous walk-in shower featuring a large shower head. The room now feels luxurious, with marble tiles, antique brass fixtures, and a substantial vanity top that gives guests plenty of space for their own toiletries.
Guests rarely comment on the missing bath, but they do notice the sense of calm and indulgence the space provides. A shower this spacious also makes turnaround days easier for us, so it’s a win for both guests and hosts.
5. Added a dedicated work nook to the hallway
The hallway is unusually large, so we created a built-in desk between two large cupboards, with plenty of shelf space and a stylish work lamp. The space is quiet and private, making it ideal for guests working from home or taking Zoom calls, but it’s also perfect for kids to sit and craft, draw, or do homework.
It’s become one of the most appreciated features, particularly for families and professionals who need flexibility. A corner like this, thoughtfully designed, makes the flat feel more versatile and carefully considered — another subtle luxury that guests notice and remember.
Providing a work area where guests can work from home (or from holiday!) attracts longer bookings!
£25,000 AND 10/10 REVIEWS in 11 Weeks!
None of these changes were massive renovations — just little tweaks that made the flat feel welcoming, comfortable, and carefully considered. From turning a nook into a third bedroom and making the most of the tiny patio, to choosing pieces that feel thoughtful and creating a bathroom and work space people actually enjoy using, it’s all the small touches together that make the flat feel like somewhere you genuinely want to stay.
In 11 weeks, the flat was nearly fully booked with a revenue of £25,328 plus our reviews were consistently 10/10, and we were invited onto Booking.com’s Preferred Plus Partner programme — attention to detail really does pay off!
If you’re setting up your own Airbnb, thinking about the little intentional touches — the things that make a space feel loved, considered, and unmistakably special — makes a real difference.
Many of our Home Decor products are on our ShopMy
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see you next week xx
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