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Live From The Hive 🐝 episodes
- Ep #16 - What It Takes to Transform Land or Property Into a Thriving Business with Sonia Aucott
Join host Katie Bessant as she sits down with Sonia Aucott of Aucott Interior Design to explore how farms, vineyards, country estates, and rural businesses can successfully diversify into hospitality.
In this episode, we unpack:
🌿 The key questions to ask before starting a hospitality project on your land
🏡 How to decide between cottages, glamping, event barns, or other accommodation types
📋 Why planning, operations, and guest experience all need to be mapped out early
✨ The design touches that create that all-important “wow factor” for your guests
♿ Why accessibility is becoming a must-have (and how it boosts ROI)
📸 How branding, photography, and partnerships can help you stand out and attract bookings
🌟 Find out more about Sonia's upcoming event here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rural-diversification-heritage-hospitality-and-land-use-reimagined-tickets-1552165281139?aff=oddtdtcreator 🌟
🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝
Website: https://theholidayhive.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive
🌟CONNECT WITH SONIA 🌟
Website: https://www.aucottinteriordesign.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aucottinteriordesign/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aucottinteriordesign/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniaaucott/
27 min - Ep #15 - Why You Should Ditch Your Agent and Run Your Holiday Cottage Yourself with Katie Bessant
Join me as I chat through the pros and cons of running your holiday cottage yourself and some top tips on your first steps to going it alone! In this episode, we dive into the benefits of taking control of your holiday rental business, and I share my top 5 tips for setting up and taking your own bookings.🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝 Website: https://theholidayhive.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHiveIf you've got any questions about marketing your property, please email them over to [email protected]
15 min - Ep #14 - Taking Control: A Host’s Guide to Direct Booking Success with Leo Walton from Truvi
Join host Katie Bessant as she sits down with Leo Walton, co-founder of Truvi (formerly Superhog), for a straight-talking, insight-packed episode every holiday let owner needs to hear!
In this episode, we dive into:
💡 Why direct bookings matter more than ever and how to start taking them confidently
🔐 How to protect your property and guests without relying on OTAs
⚙️ The tools and tech that make direct booking simple (even if you're not tech-savvy)
🚫 The common fears that hold hosts back and how to overcome them for good
Whether you're just starting out or ready to take control of your short-term rental business, this episode is packed with practical tips and perspective-shifting advice to help you build a more profitable, resilient hosting strategy.
🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝
Website: https://theholidayhive.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive
🌟CONNECT WITH LEO 🌟
Website: https://truvi.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leo_f_walton/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-walton-aa59bb25/
40 min - Ep #13 - Sustainable Holiday Letting at Scale: Renate’s Story of 9 Cottages in Scotland with Renate Powell
Join host Katie Bessant as she chats with Renate, the inspiring owner of Bonawe House Holiday Cottages on the stunning west coast of Scotland.
In this episode, we dive into:
🏔 Renate’s journey from the Netherlands to running 9 holiday cottages in rural Scotland
🔧 How she transformed and modernised a dated property with energy-efficient upgrades
♻️ Smart sustainability tips that benefit guests and the environment
🧺 What it’s really like managing all the laundry and maintenance herself
💥 Her most jaw-dropping guest experience
💡 Her no-nonsense advice on spending wisely as a property owner
This is a must-listen for anyone running a holiday let! Packed with practical insights, a lot of honesty, and a touch of mountain air!
🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝
Website: https://theholidayhive.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive
🌟CONNECT WITH RENATE 🌟
Website: https://bonawehouse.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonawehousecottages/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bonawehouse
27 min - Ep #12 - Why You’re Not Getting Booked on Airbnb - and What to Do About It with Kay Gibbs
Join host Katie Bessant as she sits down with Kay Gibbs, expert holiday let coach, for a value-packed conversation every Airbnb host needs to hear!
In this episode, we dive into:
💡 Kay’s top 5 tips for boosting your Airbnb bookings
📸 The game-changing impact of great photography on your listing
🙅♀️ The most common mistakes hosts make (and how to avoid them)
⛔️ The truth behind those persistent Airbnb myths and legends
Whether you're just starting out on the platform or looking to level up your hosting game, this episode is full of actionable insights you won’t want to miss!
🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝
Website: https://theholidayhive.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive
🌟CONNECT WITH KAY 🌟
Website: https://www.kaygibbs.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaygibbs_holidayletcoach/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaygibbsmentor
39 min - Ep #11 - From Victorian Cottage to Coastal Haven: Joanne's Journey to a Dream Holiday Let
Join host Katie Bessant as she interviews Joanne from Our Place in Portland – a story of transformation, resilience, and coastal charm.
During the episode we chat about:
🔨 From Wreck to Retreat – How Joanne and her husband lovingly restored a crumbling Victorian cottage into a beautiful holiday let on the Jurassic Coast.
📱 Marketing That Works – How Joanne uses Instagram, Facebook, and her own website to attract bookings (including one that came directly from a single post!).
♻️ Eco Touches with Impact – The simple yet effective sustainable choices that helped them win a Level 6 sustainability award in Dorset.
🏠 Booking Strategy – Why they list on Airbnb and Booking.com, but focus on driving direct bookings for better guest relationships and more control.
💬 Real Talk on Resilience – Joanne opens up about being diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after launching and how she and her husband kept the business going strong.
😳 Guest Horror Story – A fridge full of fish, a mysterious smell, and what they learned from a booking gone wrong.
🧠 Advice for Aspiring Hosts – Joanne’s top tips for those looking to start or refine their holiday let journey.
🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝
Website: https://theholidayhive.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive
🌟CONNECT WITH JOANNE 🌟
Website: https://www.ourplaceinportland.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/our_place_in_portland/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourplaceinportland/
23 min - Ep #10 - Booked by Design: Styling, Systems & Smart Marketing for Holiday Homes
Join host Katie Bessant as she interviews Sharon & Dee, The Holiday Home Girls.During the episode we chat about:🎨 Styling for Guests, Not Yourself – Why styling your holiday home with the guest in mind (not personal taste) is crucial for bookings and creating a memorable experience.📸 Photography & First Impressions – The role of professional photos in making your property stand out online and attract clicks.🧩 Systems That Save Time – How having the right systems in place can streamline operations and reduce stress for holiday home owners and managers.📣 Marketing That Converts – Tips on using social media, direct booking websites, and email marketing to drive direct bookings and build a loyal guest base.🌱 Lessons from the Field – Real stories, including guest horror tales, eco-friendly styling tips, and what most owners get wrong when setting up their property.🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝 Website: https://theholidayhive.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive🌟CONNECT WITH SHARON & DEE 🌟 Website: https://www.theholidayhomegirls.com.au/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhomegirls/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHolidayHomeGirls/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-holiday-home-girls/To contact Katie, email [email protected]
28 min - Ep #9 - Behind the Scenes at Seaflowers: Building a Standout Guest Experience with Suzy Greenwood
Join host Katie Bessant as she interviews Suzy Greenwood from Seaflowers, Devon.
During the episode we chat about:- How Suzy renovated her family's B&B into a luxury guest house- The renovation process and how she curated unique, themed rooms- Marketing strategies to generate bookings, including press opportunities- The daily challenges of managing a rental and the importance of a support network.- Suzy's future plans for Seaflowers🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝Website: https://theholidayhive.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive🌟CONNECT WITH SUZY 🌟Website: https://seaflowers.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seaflowersdevonFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/seaflowersguesthousedevonTo contact Katie, email [email protected]22 min - Ep #8 - Hen House Success: Why I Move Out Every Weekend to Host Strangers with Charlotte Hughes (The Scarlet Hen)
Join host Katie Bessant as she interviews Charlotte Hughes from The Scarlet Hen.
During the episode we chat about:- How The Scarlet Hen started- Why Charlotte has chosen to let her own home out to hen parties
- The challenges Charlotte has overcome to get the property up and running as a holiday let
- The secret to getting bookings 18+ months in advance
- How social media generates Charlotte bookings
- Plus so much more!🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝Website: https://theholidayhive.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive🌟CONNECT WITH CHARLOTTE 🌟
Website: https://www.scarlet-hen.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/norfolk_house_scarlet_hen/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scarlethenatnorfolkhouseTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.scarlet.henTo contact Katie, email [email protected]39 min - Ep #7 - 5 Top Tips to Generating More Bookings For Your Holiday Rental with Katie Bessant
During this episode, I share my five top tips for generating more bookings for your holiday rental and what marketing you should be investing in.
During the episode I chat about:
- Why you need to know in detail, who your target guest is
- The importance of professional photography and staging to promote your property
- How to use social media to generate more bookings
- The power of email when trying to boost your bookings
- The importance of a direct booking website and the role it plays when increasing your profits
- Plus an exciting announcement!
🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝
Website: https://theholidayhive.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive
Want to learn more about The Host Marketing Academy? Find out more here.
25 min
About Live From The Hive 🐝
From the publisher's feed
A show sharing all of the highs and lows about being a holiday cottage owner, as well as marketing top tips and tricks.