5 bed house with a heated outdoor fibreglass pool.

[Bahahaus0]

Hello all! 

I just joined this wonderful community. Wish I had done this sooner. 

I will be starting another listing shortly that I’m renovating. it has four beds and two full baths. Also there’s a large room with a cast iron wood burning stove that can be developed into a kitchenette next to the pool with concrete floor so swimmers can come in with wet feet. The pool and ground floor room area  are enclosed by a separate fenced garden / yard and deck and provide excellent privacy plus shade of mature trees as well as suny deck. The ground floor bathroom connects to this room as well as the living area of the 4 bed portion. The 4 bed section has a bathroom on the 2nd floor and kitchen dining living room plus a large front yard. 

my question is, should I list it as one unit with 5 beds 2 baths and a pool or divide it into 2 listings: one for pool lovers with a large room with 4 futons and adjoining  sitting area with a full baths and the other for a large family of up to 8 using the 4 bed 1 bath area and no pool. 

looking forward to your thoughts. 

[Elisa]

Hi @Bahahaus0 😊, 

Thank you for asking this question here!

How many listings do you have at the moment?

I'm tagging a few experienced hosts here to see what advice they can offer you: @Tara0, @Oksana127, @Patricia2526, @Marie8425, @Till-and-Jutta0 and @Hayley185.

Thank you in advance, everyone!

Warm regards 🌻

[Bahahaus0]

Thanks Elisa!

[Marie8425]

@Bahahaus0 

My concern is if both book you are talking two large groups of people. 

Head Count is not an instant money maker.  Large groups feel crowded aren't appreciating your offering tend to create more minor damages that add up.

Rather than I can sleep many if I do this, create a business plan.

What type of market visits your area?

How does your property enhance the markets priority?  Like I am in an area where families vacation because of this or that, so  I would focus on an I looking at two couples with kids or families vacationing with grandparents?  How do I encourage that market and satisfy to the point that increased demand which equals increase in prices.

Keep in mind your property is where they are staying for a vacation most times your property isn't the vacation it is a means to enjoy someone's plan for a week.

[Patricia2526]

Hi  @Bahahaus0  Thanks @Elisa 

If your area has strong demand for large group stays, one listing might be best. It will attract large groups looking for a full-property rental.

[Oksana127 · Accepted solution]

Welcome!  It sounds like you’ve got a really unique and versatile property in the works! Based on what you shared, you actually have two strong options, and each has its own advantages. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

Option 1: List as One Large Unit (5 beds, 2 baths, pool)

Pros:

Appeals to larger groups (multi-generational families, group getaways) who want both space and privacy.

Highlights the pool as a key selling point, especially since it connects well to both the large room and the house.

Easier management with one booking calendar.

Stronger perceived value with two separate living zones plus outdoor amenities.

Potential concern: Some guests might feel it’s “divided” if the large room with the stove/kitchenette feels separate from the main 4-bed home. But if you market it as a “retreat with flexible spaces” or a “private guest suite by the pool,” that could actually become a strength.

Option 2: Two Separate Listings

A) The Poolside Suite (Large room + futons + bath + kitchenette + pool access)-Description for Poolside Suite:
This private poolside suite offers direct access to a fenced garden with a sunny deck and mature trees. The spacious room features a cast iron wood-burning stove, flexible sleeping arrangements, and a full bathroom. Ideal for couples or small families seeking a quiet retreat, the suite includes a kitchenette option and a concrete floor, perfect for relaxed days by the pool.

Great for couples, small families, or pool lovers who want privacy and direct pool access.

More affordable price point.

B) The Main House (4 beds, 1 bath, kitchen, dining, front yard) - Description for Main House:
The main house offers four bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a spacious dining and living area. Perfect for families, the home features a large front yard and a second-floor bathroom, providing a practical and comfortable base for your stay. The ground floor bathroom connects directly to the living space for added convenience.

Targets larger families who might not care as much about having a pool.

Offers a quieter stay without the poolside hustle.

Pros:

Flexibility: You could attract both smaller and larger groups.

Double your booking opportunities in different seasons (pool lovers in summer, larger family groups year-round).

Potential to cross-sell: "Need more space? Rent both units together!"

Potential concern: You’ll have to manage two calendars and avoid awkward overlapping bookings, especially with the shared fenced garden area.

---

My Suggestion:

Since the pool and outdoor area provide a lot of privacy, and the additional room sounds like it could function independently (especially with that future kitchenette), two listings could make sense. But I’d also suggest offering a combo option:

“Book the entire property for up to 12 guests with exclusive pool use and private gardens.”

This gives you flexibility to target different audiences without losing the ability to offer the full package. For the split listings, you could still include a note like:
"Need more space? Both properties can be rented together for extended family stays. Contact us for availability."

[Bahahaus0]

Thank you Oksana! Very useful points to ponder. I like the option of trying the whole property for large groups first. If it is booking well, great. If the bookings are low, especially in winter, I might consider offering it as two separate listings. 

Take care all of you. 

Bahahaus