Hi @Lizzie.
Like @Alexandra316, we are constantly refreshing and doing paint touch ups. I also kept the same neutral colour throughout which makes grabbing a pot and touch up very easy.
Currently northern Australia is very quiet, tourist wise. So I have kept my calendar closed for Xmas and new year travelling to family events. Also decided to keep it closed until the end of January for family time. Like @Jessica-and-Henry0, finding a balance between hosting and maintaining your lifestyle, is really important? Which is why I keep my overall calendar closed, and only open it a few months at a time. It keeps me sane when work is busy, or family/ friends commitments are high.
We are not so locked in that Airbnb controls our lives. We are having family friends use the Airbnb space free of charge, and family will visit during our peak season. It is what it is, and I love my family.
I love that the grandkids can come and go, across their school holidays; make as much noise swimming and laughing and to be able to spread out and use the Airbnb space ourselves. In fact, Garry used the space yesterday, for some quiet time, also setting up his bicycle in the air conditioner watching the cricket..... to start preparing for his “just under 1000km” cycle ride Adelaide to Melbourne with his brother.... they’ll be carrying food, clothing, everything in their panniers!
The Monsoon has not yet arrived for the NT, so maintaining the garden and lawns has really been a full time job. I’ve been transplanting cuttings of tropical plants everywhere, to start filling in gaps where we have removed palm trees. Fingers crossed, the costs will be less this year with changes. We’ve updated a bed last year, and haven’t looked back. We spent a small fortune in draining and resurfacing the swimming pool just over a year ago, so shared and common space changes, will be smaller, such as maybe new umbrellas and bbq. Maintaining the air conditioners is a priority with the ongoing heat. They need regular cleaning....
So it’s mainly about maintenance and the getting of knowledge, at this time of year. Getting out the high pressure water hose and keeping the pavers & concrete algae/ moss free. Mowing lawns every 5-7 days and keeping up the watering when the rain storms aren’t rolling through....That can be a full time job through till May!
It’s also about visiting some of the local areas that are too full of visitors, during the high season. Keeping up the local knowledge of cafes etc is important. Updating brochures and guest folder information.
🙂
Cathie