Suggested wording for listing - we’ll be next door

[Carrie186]

Hello! 

looking for suggested wording for our listing or correspondence with guest from others who have a similar setup as ours. 

we have two small cottages side-by-side on our property. We rent one of them out, the other we use.  While we’ve been renting our cottage since 2018  this will be the first summer that we will be next-door.  When we bought the property several years ago,  it needed work especially the one we use. All that work is done and we’re ready to enjoy summer and welcome guests. 

i’m wondering what others  say in their listing who have a similar situation. We want our guest to enjoy their time and do not plan to interact with them. We will of course be friendly and cordial but also understand what it’s like when you go on vacation. you want to be left alone or you like to pretend the rental is yours . I don’t want them to think we are watching then the entire time. (We wouldn’t! ) I want to enjoy my time there too and I don’t want people to feel uncomfortable but also want to be transparent any suggestions? 

thank you so much! 

carrie 

[Jenny838]

We live on the property. Here is what we have posted under the “Interaction with Guests” section of our listing:

We live on the property and try our best to greet every guest upon arrival. We are always available for questions, local advice, or a quick chat, but will be mostly hands off during your stay.

We want our guests to know we are close-by if they have any questions or issues, and I believe this limits some of the problem guests as well. Every guest is greeted upon arrival so we can explain a few things and make sure they can get in the door. If we see our guests coming or going we always smile and say hello or wave, but do not usually approach them unless they initiate a conversation. 

[Ann72]

@Carrie186  I have a similar set-up, though I don't live there full-time.  I have self check-in so don't even have to greet them upon arrival.  My guests are just as you describe, enjoying a private getaway in a place they'd like to consider their own during their stay.  In nicer weather I've invited guests over for cocktails on the terrace.  But for the most part they are there for their own vacations, they've made their own plans and want to come and go as they please.  I tell some guests and sometimes don't bother to mention it.  I definitely mention it if I think there's something a little off about the guest, though!  

[Emilia42]

@Carrie186 

I would say something like "We live on the property. [perhaps describe who "we" is] You may see us out in the yard or going to and from our cars. We can be readily available if you need anything or have any questions but we are always respectful of your privacy and there is a chance we may never cross paths." Be truthful in what guests can expect. 

I give my guests complete privacy and pretend like they aren't even there (except that I check in with them via messaging) unless of course I am being flagged down. It is very important to me, also, that guests don't feel like they are being watched. 

[Carrie186]

Thank you all so much! This is very helpful. 
occasionally in the past we’ve interacted with guest  but as many of you have mentioned we usually keep it brief and only interact when they approach us. was just struggling with the wording your suggestions were very helpful. 

thanks! 

[Sarah977]

@Carrie186  "Please note: This is an host-occupied property. We stay in a completely separate cabin and respect our guests' privacy but are always available should you need assistance."