Must-have features for your Boca Grande vacation home

When it comes to designing the perfect vacation home, understanding the must-have and essential features is key to both comfort and investment success, especially if you’re opening your property as a rental. In Boca Grande, the best vacation homes blend luxury with practical amenities. Explore the vital elements that ensure your retreat is both inviting and profitable.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

The location of a vacation home is a crucial consideration for several reasons. First, it should be in a place you personally love and enjoy. Second, it should also receive enough traffic from tourists to enhance its rental potential and occupancy rate. When the time comes, a well-located vacation home is also easier to sell– often at a higher price– due to its attractive setting and demand.

In Boca Grande, here are some factors to consider:

• Proximity to the water: As much as possible, you’ll want your vacation property to be near a body of water. That could be on the west side of town (beachfront) or the opposite side (canalfront). The type of waterfront your vacation home has access to will shape its other highlights, such as activities and privacy.

  

• Proximity to establishments and services: Secluded vacation homes sure can be lovely–especially in touristy communities like Boca Grande– but access to shops, restaurants, and other local services is also ideal.

• Views: Vacation properties with stunning views tend to be more attractive and can command higher rental rates. You can eventually design specific parts of the home that maximize these vistas, from cozy reading nooks overlooking the water to an outdoor cafe setup where you and your guests can enjoy their favorite drinks while admiring the sunset.

• Privacy: If your vacation home is located too close to other houses or busy tourist spots, it may be challenging for you and your guests to find some peace and quiet. On the other hand, being too isolated can make people feel lonely and maybe even a bit unsafe. Try to find a location that strikes a balance.

LIVABLE AND FUNCTIONAL SPACES

Whether it’s for your personal enjoyment or guest use, a vacation home should have practical and well-designed spaces. Prioritizing these areas transform the property into a desirable retreat, increasing its rental potential and overall experience.

Outdoor living areas

Boca Grande is blessed with beautiful weather for most of the year, so having ample outdoor space for relaxation and entertainment is essential. If your vacation home has existing decks, patios, and balconies, you can turn these areas into bar hangouts, lounges, or space for activities such as yoga, meditation, and sun tanning. You can apply the same upgrades to gardens and yards, so long as you have the space to accommodate them.

• An outdoor kitchen: An outdoor kitchen is a must for those who love grilling under the Florida sun. Furthermore, it’s the perfect accompaniment to an al fresco dining area. In addition to the essential appliances, furnish the area with comfortable and weather-resistant patio furniture. You can light up the area at night with string lights and lanterns.

  

  PHOTO BY SKY SCAPE PIX

  Consider adding a dedicated area for cleaning fresh seafood, especially if you enjoy fishing or would like your vacation home to appeal to anglers. Last but not the least, don’t forget to equip the outdoor kitchen with the appropriate dinnerware and drinkware.

• An outdoor shower: Many of the activities in Boca Grande are centered around the water, so it only makes sense for vacation homes to have an outdoor shower or two. It provides a convenient way to rinse off sand, saltwater, and chlorine after a day at the beach, boat, or pool, keeping the interiors of the home neat and tidy. Outdoor showers are particularly useful for vacationers with children, making post-beach cleanup easier and more efficient.

  The shower can be designed with privacy in mind, using materials that blend seamlessly with the outdoor environment. Adding features like hot and cold water options and ample space for changing makes the shower more functional and enjoyable.

A mudroom

Also known as “second entrances,” mudrooms are useful in helping maintain the cleanliness of a house’s interior living spaces. It acts as a transition area, where people can shed their outdoor clothing, shoes, and other related gear before entering the home.

Mudrooms used to be more common in the 1980s, but if cleanliness and orderliness are two priorities high up on your list, adding such an area will help you achieve peace of mind. You can carve out a space near the kitchen or the garage to fulfill this function. Make sure the mudroom has some bench seating, hooks, and cubbies.

Your vacation home’s mudroom can also serve as a storage and utility room. There, you can place the property’s washer and dryer, gardening implements, luggage, as well as beach equipment such as chairs and umbrellas.

Well-equipped bathrooms

Whether your vacation home has one bathroom or ten, make sure that each of these rooms are well-furnished and fitted with the essentials, such as a shower area, a tub if the space allows for it, and a clean and functional toilet. Next, make sure that the vacation home’s bathrooms have the following:

• Toiletries, grooming items, and other hygiene products: Always make sure that the bathrooms have soaps, shampoos, toilet paper, and other personal care items for you and your guests’ benefit. You can also offer extras such as shower caps, makeup remover wipes, and sanitary napkins for emergencies.

• Surface space and storage: Clear some space on bathroom counters and cabinets so guests– including you– can unload their personal effects during the rest of their stay.

• Towels: As you may well know, towels can take up a huge chunk of your luggage. Eliminate the need of packing one by ensuring the bathrooms of your vacation home have their fair stack of fluffy and clean towels. Though this may add to your cleaning responsibilities after the visit, they’re a convenient feature to have in any vacation property.

• First aid kit: A lot can happen during a vacation, regardless if it’s a short weekend trip or a two-month stay in Boca Grande. Alleviate worries by keeping a first aid kit or two in the vacation home’s main bathrooms.

  These kits should be stocked with different sizes of band aids, disinfectants, gauzes, absorbent compress dressings, emergency blankets, and wipe packets, among other things. You can also go one step further by packing essential medicine into the first aid kit, such as decongestants, antihistamines, and analgesics.

  Whatever you pack into your vacation home’s first aid kits, make sure to check them regularly and replace expired products.

• Accessible features: Make the bathrooms of your vacation property easier to use for all guests by adding grab bars, non-slip flooring, and bathroom stools or benches.

Entertainment options

Whether it’s a home theater, a game room, or a den, ensure that there’s always something enjoyable to do in your vacation home.

• Board and card games: Keep a stack of your favorite board and card games in the vacation home to provide additional fun and entertainment, especially among friends and families with older members. You can keep an inventory of games in the property to make sure everything is accounted for.

• TVs with online streaming access: Sometimes, you just want to curl up on a sofa and watch a movie or TV show. And these days, cable TV won’t do. Whoever’s staying in your vacation home in Boca Grande will appreciate it if the TVs in the property are connected to streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. The latter can be especially helpful for guests who are staying with younger children.

• Outdoor activities and sports facilities: You can provide equipment for activities and sports depending on the size and location of your vacation home. For instance, vacation homes in Boca Grande that are near the beach will do well to have kayaks, paddle boards, and a beach volleyball set-up. Properties with larger yards can also be fitted with a basketball hoop or tennis court to satisfy more active guests.

  Other options include having a ping-pong table, a darts board, or a billiards table to encourage some friendly competition in the party. You can also add a small play area for children to make your vacation home even more kid-friendly.

  Additionally, Boca Grande is renowned as the “Tarpon Capital of the World,” making it a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts. Consider offering or facilitating access to fishing gear and charters as part of your vacation home amenities. Local charter services provide customized fishing adventures in the rich waters around the island, catering to both novice and experienced anglers. This could be a perfect way to enhance the appeal of your property by connecting guests with unforgettable sea experiences directly from your doorstep.

Comfortable bedrooms

You and your guests need private spaces where you can recharge and unwind, especially after a long day of adventuring in Boca Grande. Apart from enhancing your personal enjoyment, cozy bedrooms help encourage positive reviews and repeat bookings should you decide to open the property as a seasonal rental.

• High-quality mattresses and beddings: No, you don’t need 4,000-thread count sheets made of Egyptian cotton to guarantee a restful sleep. That said, don’t skimp on mattresses and beddings. Go for supportive mattresses and soft, breathable linens– both enhance comfort and relaxation especially in Boca Grande, where summers can be hot and humid.

• Adequate storage: Provide space for guests to unpack and organize their belongings. Make sure there are enough hangers in each bedroom, as well as disposable laundry bags to store dirty clothing and other items.

• Access to power outlets: Ensure everyone can easily charge their personal devices and other electronics. Nowadays, it’s standard for many hotels and other accommodations to have power outlets located close to the bed or bedside tables. This is something you may want to consider.

• Climate control: In order for bedrooms to maintain comfortable temperatures, install air conditioning and heating systems or place electric fans in each room. If guests are welcome– and even encouraged– to open bedroom windows in order to cool the space on especially warm nights, ensure that the beds have mosquito nets to protect the guests from bites.

Special features

Enhancing a vacation home with special features can elevate the guest experience from ordinary to exceptional, regardless of who’s staying in your property. Here are several thoughtful additions and unique amenities that can turn your property into a memorable retreat, offering comfort and excitement that sets it apart from the rest.

• High-speed Internet access: In today’s digital age, high-speed internet is a must-have for any vacation home. Reliable and fast internet access allows guests to stay connected, whether they need to check emails, stream their favorite shows, or manage remote work. It’s also essential for maintaining communication with friends and family, and it enhances the overall convenience of the stay. Ensure your network is robust and secure to provide a seamless experience for all users.

• Smart home technology: Integrating smart home technology can elevate the modern appeal of your vacation property. Voice-activated assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Home can help guests with tasks such as controlling lighting, playing music, or setting reminders. Smart thermostats allow for easy temperature adjustments, ensuring a comfortable environment regardless of the weather outside. These tech upgrades not only enhance convenience but also appeal to tech-savvy guests looking for a contemporary stay.

• Bicycles (and other modes of transportation): Boca Grande is but a small coastal community that you can easily navigate on foot or on two wheels. You can encourage guests to explore the area by offering easy modes of transport, such as bicycles, scooters, and golf carts. Some luxury vacation homes in Boca Grande even go above and beyond by including complimentary boat use.

  

• Pet-friendly amenities: If you’re amenable to having a pet-friendly vacation home, don’t forget to include amenities that will make pets comfortable. These may include pet beds and blankets, food and water bowls, and a designated area for pet toys. A fenced yard or dog-friendly outdoor space can give pets a safe and enjoyable place to play. Additionally, offer local pet-friendly information, such as nearby parks or pet-friendly beaches, to help guests plan their outings. By ensuring that pets are well-catered for, you make your vacation home more appealing to a broader range of travelers.

  ** If you’re opening your vacation home to guests with pets, create a clear and well-defined pet policy that outlines size limitations, rules, additional fees, and other reminders.

• Beach supplies: For vacation homes in Boca Grande that are situated near the beach, it would be a wise idea to store beach supplies within the property for guest use. These supplies include beach towels and mats, umbrellas, coolers for drinks, bags and baskets, foldable chairs, inflatables, as well as beach toys for children. Tailor the beach supplies in your property based on your personal needs or your target market.

• Welcome kit: A last but touching offer is to include a welcome kit for each stay. If you’re bringing friends and family to the vacation home, you can personalize these kits based on their preferences (i.e. favorite snacks, candies, and colors).

  For seasonal vacation rentals, welcome kits can include brochures of Boca Grande, your personal recommendations on where to eat and shop, and some other useful information that can make each guest’s trip fun and memorable. If you have the budget to spare, you can even commission branded items such as caps, keychains, and other small keepsakes, helping increase repeat bookings.

• Chef-prepared meals: For luxury vacation homes in Boca Grande, offering chef-prepared meals can provide an unparalleled level of convenience and indulgence. Arranging for a private chef to prepare meals during a guest’s stay can transform the dining experience into a gourmet adventure. This service can include everything from daily breakfasts to full-course dinners, customized to the guests’ preferences and dietary needs.Whether it’s a special occasion or a casual family meal, chef-prepared meals add a touch of luxury and personalization that enhances the overall stay.

Other must-haves

Complete your vacation home with the following essentials:

• Kitchenware and basic supplies: Ensure the kitchen is indeed usable and fully equipped by providing cooking utensils, cookware, cutlery, and essential cooking items such as salt, cooking oil, pepper, spices, and condiments.

• Fire extinguishers: Place them in easily accessible spots, especially in the kitchen and main living areas.

• Flashlights and fresh batteries: While power outages are rare in Boca Grande, no one ever regretted having flashlights and new batteries. You just never know when you need them!

• Important contact information: In your welcome packet or guide, make sure to include a sheet complete with all the important contact information in Boca Grande, from the fire services department to the nearest clinics and service providers. Don’t forget to include your own contact information so guests can reach you should they need clarifications and assistance with check-in.

Creating a vacation home with thoughtful, luxurious amenities ensures an unforgettable experience for guests, whether they’re complete strangers or loved ones you’re hosting in Boca Grande. Prioritizing comfort, convenience, and unique features can transform any property into a highly desirable destination, guaranteeing satisfaction and repeat visits from happy travelers.

EXPLORE VACATION HOMES IN BOCA GRANDE

Have you fallen in love with Boca Grande? Invest in a vacation home so you have a place you can always return to. And when you’re away, open the property as a seasonal vacation rental to earn passive income on the side.

Bernard “BJ” Jones can tell you more about this exciting investment opportunity. Connect with BJ today at 941.661.9993 or send him an email to learn about Boca Grande’s vacation homes market.