|
So we have spent some time and effort equipping the home to
suit a combination of different parties with differing needs. For
example we realised that different groups want to watch separate films (eg
kids and parents, grandparents and parents, men and women etc) so we have
installed 6 TVs, 4 DVD players and 3 video players in different rooms.
We added an iPOD player (built into the desk lamp), Digital TV in the
sitting room (300 channels) and FREE US and CANADA telephone service based
upon suggestions by our guests in 2007.
We recently added a Playstation 2 because a number
of our guests suggested it would be a good idea (games and DVDs can be
rented at the Blockbuster over the road from Southern Dunes - you just
need a credit card to open an account). We also recently added a
soft tip dartboard (no metal spikes! but adult supervision is needed) and
a games table (table football/soccer, push hockey etc).
We have bought
ample cutlery and crockery (so you don't need to fish out a knife from the
dishwasher to butter some toast) and have installed a blender (eg for
fruit smoothies), a toaster oven (for kids to cook pizza, bagels etc)
which makes life so much easier! The kitchen has a large cooker, a
microwave, ice maker in the fridge freezer and all the pots and pans you
need to cook a 4 course meal meal for 12.
As it does rain sometimes! (or everyone wants a quiet day
between park days) we have added some adult and children games and have
built of an extensive library (around 200) of books for guests of all
ages, plus a bunch of magazines to read by the pool.
We also worked out that it would be good to have separate
eating areas to suit different groups or times (eg one family likes an
early start - the other likes a lie-in) so we have a dining room seating
6-8, seating for 4-6 in the nearby breakfast nook, 8-10 in the family room
and 4-8 outside so kids and adults can eat at separate tables, families
can eat together or everyone can eat at the same time/place (by moving a
few chairs and a table).
Sleeping is important as well (especially with small kids!)
so we have added two quality king size beds and made sure the other beds
are comfortable with quality sheets, covers and pillows.
As we have travelled with small children a lot, we wanted
to make sure that this was easy for guests as well and were often
disappointed at the children's facilities at some of the homes we stayed
in. So, in our home, we provide a high chair, collapsible crib and
stroller (all new) free of charge. Plus we have an extra high chair
that can be attached to a normal chair and a booster seat (for use at the
table or in a car). We also found that some homes stung us for $200
for two weeks for these items so we include them in the rental FREE OF
CHARGE! If a party needs more cribs or strollers we can arrange them for a
small fee. Another guest suggested we should add stair gates and we
have purchased 2 that fit easily on the stairs or in a doorway.
We try and travel light nowadays and wanted to make sure we
could wash and dry clothes during our stay so have added a washing
machines, dryer and iron plus ironing board.
The pool area is one that gets a lot of use by us so we
have made sure there is adequate sitting and sunbathing equipment around.
We also like to eat outside occasionally so we have shady area with a
table and chairs and a set of plastic cups and plates we can use round the
pool.
Finally, we ask every guest that stays with us for any improvements they
can think of so we are continually updating the home - this has meant us
adding everything from a Playstation 2, iPod player, High Speed Internet
access to finding a place where a
family could rent a piano or get a massage! |
