Hi - amazing place, so much potential I immediately thought! I assume it was the Lake House, not "island" listing?
We don't have properties like this in Australia really, so I probably don't have much to say around water access etc, but I can make a few observations about the inside.
1. Some photos are very esoteric/weird. I didn't see the point and as a guest, doesn't help me figure out what I'm getting. Like of walls, furniture etc. I get that they are featuring some interesting decor/features so make them part of a larger photo, not the subject of the photo itself. I think you need more photos of the spaces offered itself. If you don't want to pay for a professional photographer, then airbnb has some good tips on how to take photos and of what. Always start with photos of full rooms, 12 photos of lounge room is too many. Can't you get a good couple of photos from different angles that are more comprehensive. Also Was there an outdoor area by the way or deck? Also photos of how the guests enter? Wheres the photos of the campfire area, docks , carports etc? Does the boat come with the property? Saw it in the photo. If your photos don't accurately reflect the space, it will be harder to get bookings and when guests rate you, they have to rate based upon photo accuracy.
2. Cover photo - i think i would go with one that shows the house from the lake, you can edit/chop out neighburing properties. The first 5 photos in order are also important because thats what shows on the screen, so maps/aerial views are not what guests want to see first, they want to see what's on offer.
3. Bedrooms, why not put a futon or so against the window in bedroom 4? why a floor mattress? that's not comfortable. And comfort above all is else is highly rated, other hosts have told me that
Bedroom 3, why not more beds, not a sofa bed? It's a beautiful large space and those window views are gorgeous. Maybe a daybed against the window to sit and read a book? Bedroom 2 is clearly a kids room - so amp that up. Make it a selling point. Decorate it with a kid in mind. That bunk bed is soo cool. I assume all the vintage toys are ok to be played with. You don't care if they break?
4. Who is your target market? I want to read who this is suited for? Families? Friends on vacation? Working holiday? I would mention that in your opening paragraph. No need to mention its short term rental suitable unless thats something specific to the region?
5. Finally, the vibe! To stand out from competitors, what's your differentiator? The house has some vintage style/historical looking furniture, is this representative of the region? Normal for a lake cottage? A few more descriptors in your listing would help, as its not new luxury per say. eg A lovely lake cottage decorated in vintage with all modern conveniences etc etc Does your property have a name? And this is just a personal thing, but I don't like bare walls. Saw quite a few, made it feel quite stark. You do have some interesting wall art, don't feature it though, just make it part of the bigger room shot.
6. a property on acreage as an airbnb does require lots of maintenance work as guests expect everything in tip top shape, mowed, trees cutback, docks maintained etc.
BTW, did you provide firewood? That wasn't clear
Finally enjoy being an airbnb host - you've got a great property. A few tweaks will make it more welcoming!
Hope this helps!
Kind regs
MAry
