by: Sarah Maple

Where to start with marketing a cottage to its full potential? First of all location, which can vary from wind-swept cliff top houses, chocolate box thatched cottages, moorland properties with wild ponies and sheep as the only neighbours, chic town houses and apartments, mellow old farmhouses and manor houses tucked away in tranquil countryside, the variety of country cottages is endless. Visitors love them all and will come back time and again - but only if reassured they will all be furnished and equipped to the highest possible standard.

When meeting a new property owner I go through the house from top to bottom, discussing the owner's plans, if any, for improving, refurbishing or converting the property, throwing in my own suggestions as we go as to how to maximise the marketability of the house.

We all know first impressions are vital for guests when they arrive, but so often it's the small things that are missed by owners. We get used to seeing things that are slightly out of place and over time they don't register anymore, my job is to go in with a fresh pair of eyes and pick up on anything that may stand out to a visitor.

The popularity of a property and level of income that can be achieved is based not just on the size of it and numbers it can accommodate, but also on what the property is, where it is, and how well decorated, furnished and equipped it is.

Some key things to consider:

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