posted March 27, 2007 03:23 AM         

Canoe or rowboat:
If the cottage is on a fairly large lake, I would think anyone interested in boating would arrange to rent a speedboat. However, if you can afford to provide a small craft, I would go with a rowboat versus a canoe. I think a rowboat is a lot less intimidating to people who don't live on water!

Grill:
A basic charcoal grill. Lots of people love to cook hamburgers and hot dogs after a day on the lake.

TV and cable channels:
A TV is appreciated since the news and weather report are regularly watched by folks, but cable isn't necessary. I know of many moms & dads who don't want cable in their rental homes so the kids spend more time with the family.

Internet:
How close are you to a Starbucks? I can see how internet connection would be important to someone on summer vacation who wants to check in at the office via e-mails ... but if you are close to a Wi-Fi commercial spot, you could promote that instead of hooking it up yourself.

Kitchen facilities:
A microwave is a must (and a decent-quality one, too! A tiny, barely-heating microwave ruined our dinner while on vacation just last week). A skillet, two saucepans with lids, and one stockpot with lid, plus a pizza tray for the oven. Plates, glasses, and silverware for serving eight. A coffeemaker is almost required for a lot of people! An icemaker in the fridge would be much appreciated.

How exciting to fix up a 1953 cottage. I'll bet it's lovely!

posted March 28, 2007 11:04 AM         

Having a small child, we'd also look for a place with child friendly features.

Cabinet locks in the kitchen and bathrooms available. Fairly inexpensive but make a big difference.

A crib or at least room to place a crib/playpen.

A simple but sturdy gate to block any stairs. Also inexpensive and one less thing to lug around.

A simple, inexpensive high chair for the kitchen/dining area would be a big plus.

A space of any kind by the front or back doors to clean off, hang coats/outerwear and remove our shoes so we don't track dirt inside. Who wants to spend their vacation cleaning more than they have to?

In the event that things do get dirty, basic cleaning supplies/appliances would be appreciated including a vaccum, broom, mop, bucket and a w/d if possible. A carpet spot cleaner if you have carpeting might save you a headache later, too. You just never know when a mess will happen.

Also, if you're planning on making it available to renters with pets it'd be nice to provide water/food dishes and possibly a simple litter box kit. Those little bags to collect poop would also be nice if it's in a place that requires that ... or even if it doesn't.

For kids and/or pets you'd need to make sure that your decor, upholstery and carpeting is really up to the task, too.

You could make your life simpler and go for the "no kids/no pets" policy like many places do. Otherwise, you could attract a lot of other folks who'd love to rent in your area but have trouble finding suitable accomdations for their particular family needs.