Gee Clare, I don't know that the way you are going is the answer!! I have done a lot of travelling and the secret to great accommodation is a good nights sleep. The best bed I ever slept on was a Holland America Line ship called the Noordam when we did a 21 night Mediteranean cruise in 2011, and I felt I wanted a bed just like that.
When we decided to host I made the bed the 'hero' of the cottage! I spent thousands on an over-length queen size electric bed with matching bed linen, electric massage function and the best mattress I could find....It is an absolutely outstanding bed, and every review I get tells me it is the best, or one of the best beds the guest has ever slept on......
Needless to say we have straight five star reviews. Clare, make your bed your hero....... not some old cast off without a base...make it special, it will be worth it!!! Cheers ......Rob