Holiday & weekend home: What makes a good holiday home?

Whether a holiday home or a holiday apartment is really suitable for you is determined – if the property is not bought for pure investment purposes – above all by whether you like the place you have chosen and whether it makes your heart beat faster every time you visit it.

Apart from this, factors like the condition of the house or the location of the property are highly relevant. Also, you need to be aware that while you are away, your home should be maintained by a service company. This will safeguard you if you cannot be present once you rent out your property and also help you guarantee that the tenants leave the property in a good condition.

In terms of the location of your holiday home, there are many freedoms on offer. However, holiday homes by the beach, lake, sea or other popular holiday destinations, as well as popular cities, are always a better bet than anything that is very secluded.

But at the end of the day, if you’re buying the holiday home for your own use too, you need to feel comfortable and want to spend time in the place again and again. Because only then is it worth buying the house.

Are you looking for the right house? Then check out our guide! Here you will find definitions, meanings and lots of information: House types from A-Z

Area and equipment: furniture, rooms, space & comfort

In order to be able to use a holiday home reasonably and also rent it out well, a few requirements should be met. The house should have wet rooms and a kitchen. The kitchen should at best be fully equipped with all the essentials that are needed. That means concretely: pans, pots, dishes and cutlery should be provided by you.

There should also be bedding available. Speaking of bedrooms: People often ask how many bedrooms a holiday home should have to be appealing. There is no direct answer to this question, because it all depends on which group of customers you want to address. Also relevant is the minimum number of rooms you would need for a visit.

Having some sort of living room with a screen or even a sound system, adds to the value of the holiday home, as little extras like this will motivate potential renters to invest the extra euro to spend their holiday in your home.

Source: Holiday home (Lukinski.de)

Advantages & disadvantages of a holiday home: costs, guests and more

A house of one’s own, in which one spends one’s holidays, sounds very tempting at first. However, you should not forget the disadvantages and the effort that is associated with such an investment. For this reason, we have collected the advantages and disadvantages for you to make the decision a little easier.

Pros: Capital investment and cheap holidays

A holiday home has always been a dream of yours and you are finally able to fulfill this dream? Then we would like to present you here a few more advantages that favor the purchase. For example, if you like to invest your money, but like to see what you have, a holiday home is suitable. However, this is associated with extra effort.

• Tangible investment
• Reduction of holiday costs
• Source of income
• Dream Fulfillment

Disadvantages: Service providers and unwanted guests

Now here come all the points that push the holiday home out of the list of top investments. Maintenance costs. The payment for the service provider who takes care of the property when you are not there, the fact that you can’t really choose your guests, all these points lead to the bitter taste that holiday homes bring with them:

• Maintenance costs
• Service costs
• Unknown guests
• Often not profitable

Holiday home: At what point is the investment worthwhile?

Let’s say you’ve been thinking about buying a holiday home, but you’re not planning to rent it out because the extra costs just seem too high? Then we have bad news, because the investment is only really worth it when you rent out your holiday home.

Otherwise, you would have to speculate that the property value of your home will increase massively in the long run without having to invest much in the home.

Couples, families and seniors: for whom are holiday homes suitable?

The more people who go on holiday, the more expensive the relaxing trips become, so if you’ve found a place with your family that you like to revisit every year, a permanent holiday home there could be an option for you.

However, you should also be aware that you won’t be going on holiday with all your children forever. There comes a point in a child’s life when he or she prefers to go on holiday with friends. Or even your own children? Then the question is whether the goal is still the same.

Alternatively, the residence originally planned as a holiday home could be transformed into a home for retirement. However, this change could also entail the need for renovation measures to adapt the house to the new needs.

Property: selection and features for the perfect holiday home

You want to build a holiday home, but have neither a plan nor a plot of land on which the dream house should become a reality? We have compiled a few factors for you, which you should consider when choosing your plot. Of course, depending on your preferred location.

By the sea: sun and beach

A holiday home, preferably directly on the beach with a view of the ocean, is what many dream of. But when choosing a plot of land by the sea, there are a few things to consider, because the sandy ground, the sea air and strong winds can cloud the house happiness.

Building on sand is difficult and requires some preparation by the construction company, because a foundation should be created that does not sink away so quickly on the slippery ground.

The exterior walls of your home shouldn’t be too fragile either. Aside from stronger winds chasing unchecked across the ocean, the abrasion from salty ocean air should not be underestimated. The closer the property is to the ocean, the more exposed the house is to the forces of nature that the beach brings with it.

Tip. We also have an extra post about beach houses for you, check it out!

At the lake: cool refreshment with lake view and swimming in the morning

The lake is probably the most pleasant of the three when it comes to special conditions. Pebble may not be the best surface, but usually the ‘beaches’ around the lake don’t stretch very far. But lake environments in particular are often very touristy areas, and the living in the regions is accordingly higher than in other regions.

In the mountains: impressive heights & hiking trails

Completely different problems can come up in the mountains. Depending on your destination, there are different factors to consider. In general, however, you can expect low temperatures and snow masses, especially at high altitudes. Your house should therefore offer a stable roof and above all be well insulated, so that neither you nor your guests have to freeze.

What types of houses are suitable as holiday homes?

As well as the holiday home, we’ve taken a closer look at a few other types of homes for you in our magazine. The beauty of a holiday home is that it can be anything you want it to be, should you choose a new build.

For this reason, we would like to introduce you to three types of houses that are particularly suitable for a Holidays Escape. Don’t let this limit you though, if you have an idea or a notion, it’s best to contact an architectural or engineering firm in the area who specialise in dealing with the circumstances of your favourite area. They can often give you detailed advice and possibly even a quote.

Bungalow: Living without stairs?

This house form offers you ground level living in an area that you determine. The advantages of this are that it is barrier-free, which benefits children and older people. In addition, the bungalow offers the possibility of merging indoor and outdoor space. Especially for a holiday home this circumstance is nice, because accesses to the beach or lake can be used directly.

Detached house: Families and children are welcome!

Depending on the planned size, the form of the detached house is also suitable. Strictly speaking, the bungalow is even a type of detached house, just like the villa and the semi-detached house. Nevertheless, we wanted to take the opportunity to draw your attention to our article on the single-family house, which contains even more useful information on this type of house.

Villa: space, comfort and prestige with garden

Go big or go home! Are you someone who doesn’t want to do without maximum luxury even on holiday? Then a villa is the perfect solution for you. A holiday villa promises luxurious furnishings and plenty of living space. Best of all, of course, equipped with a private pool, in case, for example, the sea temperature does not quite meet your expectations. With a villa, hardly any wish remains unfulfilled.

Holiday home furnishing: Ideas and interior brands for your dream home

Especially the furnishing of a holiday home should be well thought out, because after all, you not only want to relax here yourself, but also offer the paying guests a real feel-good experience. For this purpose and of course also for your everyday living environment, we have looked around at the most popular and exclusive brands, so that you will definitely find the right furniture for your living dreams.

So, check out our interior brands guide for some inspiration. You will be introduced to numerous brands such as the following:

• Boca do Lobo
• Hermès
• Armani
• Minotti and more…

Also exciting: Trendy interior styles for your perfect interior inspire you in this article: Interior Styles XXL

What is a country house? plot, garden and architectural style

A country house is a residential building on an estate. The large property in a rural environment usually has a spacious garden. A country house does not only convince by its size and the free space but also by its rustic, romantic charm. But nowadays you can find the country house style more and more often in the city.

This country house style is determined by massive buildings with generous proportions. The house entrances are usually strikingly designed, but the long balconies, terraces, dormers and pavilions are also eye-catchers. Folding shutters, doors, windows and railings made of real wood ensure the perfect harmony of the house. Sometimes the property also includes a conservatory or a carport.

Wood, rattan, stone and ceramics, country houses are mainly used natural materials. The floors are tiled in warm colours. A country house becomes cosy and warm with a tiled stove – the warmth radiates throughout the entire living space of the house.

Would you like to learn more about country houses? Then take a look at our Pinterest page! Here you will find the most beautiful pins on the topic of house types and also our pinboard on the topic of country houses.

Are you looking for the right house? Then take a look at our guide to house types from A-Z!

Room layout: large kitchen, dining room & more – including attic storey

Since you can choose any floor plan for country houses, it comes here to different room layouts. We will now introduce you to one popular variant:

The living room of the country house is usually furnished with large sofas and furniture in a historical style. Other textiles such as throws, tablecloths and cushions complete the picture of the living room. Next to the living room you will usually find a bedroom in the style of a log cabin.

The kitchen in the country house is anything but isolated: the kitchen is considered the second living room. Numerous chairs offer enough space to get together and communicate. Thus, everyone can participate in the preparation of the meal. For dinner, you can then move to the dining room with your loved ones. Generous wooden dining tables provide enough space for the whole family. There is also an attic with wooden floors.

Tip. You are thinking about building or buying a house, but you don’t know what to choose? Then take a look at our article on the subject of buying or building a house, here you will find reports on the experiences of builders from whom you too can learn and benefit!

Advantages and disadvantages: Is a country home right for you?

If you want to get a country house, you should be aware of the pros and cons of it. If you are not yet 100% convinced by a country house, then a small house in the city in the country house style might be just right for you.

Advantages: a lot of space & area, quiet location and individual house

The quiet location in the middle of nature offers you many advantages. Plenty of space allows you to own a spacious plot of land and living space, which you can design individually. Unlike in the city, you are not bound to a certain floor plan and can create your house according to your own ideas and needs. Natural materials, antique furniture and beautiful decorative elements make a country house.

The cosy interior with high living quality is joined by a green area according to your ideas. Lawns, flower beds and useful plants can be placed in your garden or on the terrace.

• Quiet location, close to nature
• Plenty of space, spacious garden and living area
• Cosy interior
• High quality of living
• Garden / Green spaces

Cons: poor infrastructure, long commutes & regular maintenance.

However, the quiet, remote location of the country house can also have negative aspects. Far away from the city, you will usually have to travel long distances to shops, schools, doctors or work. Due to the poor infrastructure, it would be advisable to have your own car. With the Internet connection, it can often come to problems with the connection due to the distant location.

Watch out when building a country house if it is a new construction! This is because you may incur higher costs for the laying of utility lines for electricity, water and gas. In addition to the construction costs, there are also maintenance costs for the country house over the years. In addition to the interior, the exterior also requires regular care: the garden must be maintained, fences and paths must be repaired and existing animals must be fed and cared for.

• Poor infrastructure, often somewhat remote
• Partly poor internet connection
• Risk of new construction: higher costs due to laying of supply lines
• Maintenance costs

Suitable for families, nature lovers and individualists

Country houses are an absolute eye-catcher in the tender green of nature and have a unique charm. But for whom is such a country house suitable? While large families with animals benefit especially from the large area and the spacious space, nature lovers the unspoiled nature and life away from the city is important. The individual style of the house also makes owning a country house palatable for some.

Families with children: own playground and space for pets

Large families benefit here especially through the generous space. Both living and outdoor areas offer plenty of space for children, pets and farm animals. Away from noisy streets and all kinds of exhaust fumes, you can live a relaxed life in the middle of nature. However, longer distances to school and kindergarten must be taken into account.

Relaxation seekers and nature lovers: relaxation away from the city

The quiet, secluded location is just right for people who like to spend time in nature. Relaxation and recreation – in this house you will find distance from the stressful city life and your everyday work.

Individualists: personal style from floor plan to decoration

Each country house is recreated in its own individual style. Therefore, the country house is the perfect solution for individualists. According to your own taste, you can design and build a house that suits your personal style and needs. You can also find your own taste in decoration.

Source: Country House (Lukinski.de)

Building styles country house: English, French, Bavarian & Co!

Country houses come in a variety of styles: From a Bavarian country house with an open-plan ground floor, to a Nordic idyll, to an English cottage. Each type of construction is determined by special features that reflect different tastes.

Bavarian country house: Open floor house with terrace and balcony

The Bavarian country house is just one example of the different country house styles. In this type of house, the floor plan has an open ground floor and usually several floors. Ornate wood with patterns meets white plaster. Generous outdoor areas are created via the wind-protected terrace and the open balconies. The country house garden can be embellished with wooden elements and flowers that optimise the picture.

English country house: Dreamy little cottage in the countryside

An English cottage is the dream of many! Dark natural colours such as brown, ochre and terracotta enter into a symbiosis with light pastel shades, creating a unique look.

The house without a cellar has a generous architecture with light-flooded rooms and large window fronts. Wood and natural stone, dark furniture on light backgrounds and colourful patterns such as flowers or checks make up the interior design of an English cottage.

An English cottage naturally also includes a real English country house garden! Old walls, large hedges and many colorful shrubs and flowers – this is how we know the outdoor area of an English cottage. You can relax here in a small sitting area or in a tea pavilion between fragrant roses. For hobby gardeners, we recommend a small glass greenhouse for growing your own fruit and vegetables!

French country house: light-flooded rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows

Unrendered natural stone or brick walls, wrought iron fences and railings, stone or brick walls – this is how we imagine the idyll of a French country house. Bright and flooded with light, this room has floor-to-ceiling windows with shutters, which, with their subtle tones, harmonise perfectly with the rest of the house. Open beams and ceiling beams give the French country house a very special charm. Mediterranean and maritime elements enter into a unique symbiosis here and create an incomparable image. In this house with open, elegant architecture you can spend cosy, nostalgic hours.

The perfect country house garden is waiting for you on your doorstep: Baroque, stone or country gardens with water features or stone figures invite you to spend a relaxing day in the green. You can decorate your own garden dream with colourful flowers, hedges or bushes in geometric shapes.

Italian country house: charming wooden interior with herb garden

What makes the charm of an Italian country house? Wood from pine, pine and walnut for the exterior and interior furnishings give the house a Mediterranean flair. Other important materials are rattan, wicker and hyacinth fibers.

Tiled or wood-clad walls, unplastered natural stone, ceiling beams and shutters for darkening – this is how you create your own Italian country house. With the help of built-in columns and warm colours, you can create an authentic Mediterranean paradise.

A typical Mediterranean country house garden includes a large terrace or garden. Natural stone and terracotta are used here for the walls, for example. You can plant Italian herbs or a small citrus tree, which will fill your garden with a fresh scent. The Tuscany atmosphere is made perfect by a pond, fountain or water feature.

American country house: large veranda meets Cape Cod style

There is no particular floor plan attributed to the American country house. Different floor plans and styles can be used here in the construction. For example, the house can be modeled after the Cape Cod style, the L-shape or the Craftsmen.

Spacious rooms and a wide covered porch – these are the first things that come to mind when you think of an American country house. The house with the typical wooden construction consists of a boarding of brightly painted narrow, horizontally aligned boards. The roof is usually covered with small-format shingles.

Scandinavian country house: idyllic house with self-cultivation of fruit and vegetables

A Scandinavian country house embodies the idyll of the north. Natural, warm and quiet, this is how your home appears in the Scandinavian country house style. The wood gives the house its typical cosy charm. Organic shapes provide a clear design. Simple, elegant and functional – the dream home from Scandinavia is perfect for lovers of natural beauty.

Furnish the wild country garden with white garden furniture, homemade decor completes the decor of the garden. Herbs, fruit and vegetables for your dinner at home – fresh food from your own garden. Eye-catcher and your favourite place in the garden will surely be the typical Swedish red garden house and the Finnish outdoor sauna.

Building a country house: costs & planning with prefabricated house

Due to the individuality, the construction of a country house also incurs higher costs than normal detached houses. Due to the remote location, the builder may also incur high development costs, as the connection to the public grid must first be established.

When building a house, the builder can choose between a prefabricated house and a solid house. Building a country house in the form of a prefabricated house promises you lower construction costs and a shorter time to move in. Despite this, there is still enough room for individualization and the typical rustic-romantic flair. A prefabricated house is usually built with natural, sustainable materials.

In addition to the costs arising from the construction itself, you should also never lose sight of additional costs such as insurance costs and maintenance costs. Especially white facade and wood on the exterior requires regular renovation and maintenance.

Our tip: It is best to seek the advice of an expert in planning before starting the building project and thus create your own country house according to your own ideas.

Vintage, Used Look, Shabby Chic: Find your interior style

You can design your furnishings as well as your house individually. Whether vintage style, shabby chic or used look, find your own style!

Furniture and accessories that look used or used have a particularly authentic effect here. Other characteristics are faded, peeling colors and rough surfaces.

Antiques and older furniture give the house a very special charm. Highlights such as terracotta dishes, old vases, rustic carpets and large mirrors complete the interior. You can set colourful accents very well with carpets and cushions.

You can find more inspiration on the subject of furnishings and interiors in our Interior Brands Guide!

Tip. Furnish in country house style or Scandinavian style

You want to furnish your country house in a classic country house style, or bring the reduced, charming Scandinavian interior style into your own home? We have summarized the trendiest and most popular interior styles for you and show you how you can also implement the style of a certain interior direction in your home. Boredom adie, decorate your country home in country style or Scandinavian now and feel a little bit like you’re on holiday every day!

• Furnish country style
• Scandinavian furnishings

Apartment: Features and What is actually an apartment?

Looking for your first own apartment? How about an apartment? But what exactly is defined as an apartment? An apartment is a small flat with only one or at most one and a half rooms. The modern small apartment usually has high-quality furnishings. The word apartment is also used as a synonym for a holiday home.

Apartments are also available as fully furnished apartments. This type of apartment is mostly used for properties that are advertised for interim rent. An ideal solution for people who only need an apartment for a fixed period of time. Furniture and equipment can be taken over by the owner or landlord for a fixed price in the rent.

Are you looking for the right apartment? Here you’ll find definitions, meanings and lots of information on penthouses, granny flats, apartments & co.: Apartment types from A-Z

Room layout: bedroom and living room in one

Typically, the apartment apartment consists of 1-1.5 rooms. Most often, the apartment has a maximum living space of 50 square meters. However, more luxurious, expensive properties can also have a living area of up to 100 square meters.

There are different sub-types of apartments. The single apartment, for example, is a traditional one-bedroom apartment where the living room and bedroom are in the same room. Whether in a separate room or as a built-in kitchenette in the bedroom or living area, you can also set up a great kitchen for cooking in a small apartment. The bathroom is located in a separate room.

Similar to the Single Apartment is the Studio Apartment. Sleeping and living area are also located in one room. The kitchen can be installed in the form of a compact kitchenette in the living room. In many studio apartments, however, a kitchen is used by several residents as a common kitchen. You will also find a bathtub or shower in a separate room.

Source: Apartment (Lukinski.de)

Pros and cons: Is an apartment right for you?

Apartments offer both advantages and disadvantages to their users and owners. We show you the positive and negative aspects of this type of apartment. Find out what you need to consider in an apartment and whether an apartment would be the right choice for you.

Advantages: Low costs and furnished apartment for temporary living

The biggest advantage are the low housing costs, the service charges are in a manageable range. You are only looking for a temporary apartment? In big cities furnished apartments are often offered, the ideal solution for students who need to spend a few months in another city. Few square meters don’t have to be a disadvantage! Even smaller rooms can be furnished nicely and stylishly, but you don’t have to buy so much furniture to make your apartment look complete.

• Favourable rental or purchase price
• Manageable costs
• Temporary accommodation (if necessary also furnished)
• Only one room needs to be furnished
• Lends itself well to the intermediate rent

Disadvantages: Only suitable for those living alone & no private garden

The most obvious disadvantage of an apartment is the size. The small apartment offers only enough space for one person and is therefore not suitable for couples or families. Despite the small size, apartments are very popular, which is why there is a high demand. This may mean that you have to look for a long time before you can get an appointment and finally find an apartment for you. For many young people, an apartment is their first home. A particular challenge here is taking responsibility for your own apartment and your new independent life. Since most apartments do not have a garden, balcony or terrace, this is probably a minus point for all those who like to have their own little spot in the fresh air.

• Little space
• Only suitable for one person
• High demand
• No balcony, garden or terrace

Who is an apartment suitable for: Apartment for singles, students & seniors

Due to their small size, apartments are especially suitable for people without a partner. A small apartment is also perfect for low-income earners such as pensioners or students who would like to have accommodation in the big city. A type of apartment that is suitable from young to old.

Singles: (first) own four walls – a small home away from home

In big cities, one-room apartments are significantly larger than 2-room or multi-room apartments. For young singles who are working or studying and therefore hardly spend any time at home, a one-bedroom apartment would therefore be ideal. The money saved can be used for leisure activities, or saved for a more expensive property in the future.

Students: Perfect alternative to WG room & student dormitory

Especially for students, who usually only receive income through a part-time job, through support from parents or through Bafög, it is particularly important to find a cheap place to live. If you don’t want to move into a shared room with others and can’t find a place in a student hall of residence, a small apartment is just the thing for you. An apartment of your own offers young students, but also trainees, a greater degree of privacy. However, you have to bear much more responsibility and act much more independently.

Seniors: Back to the big city – small apartment in the heart of the city

Many seniors who previously lived in the suburbs are moving back to the big city at an advanced age. In most cases, the reason for this is the better infrastructure. Having shops, specialists and pharmacies close to one’s own apartment is a real criterion for many. However, it must be ensured that the apartment is barrier-free. In the best case, an apartment on the ground floor is chosen. For seniors without a partner, a one-room apartment is ideal.

Apartments are particularly often found in apartment buildings. The size can vary greatly, from three or four to 50 residential units. A good example of this is a project in Berlin designed by the renowned Berlin architectural firm Graft, the Charlie Living Quarter.

Buy or rent? Your options with an apartment

You have decided to buy an apartment, but you don’t know yet if you should buy or rent it? Most of the residents of an apartment rent it only because they use it as a temporary solution. Students and trainees, for example, rent the apartment only to move close to the university or training center and return home after these years. Another point for young professionals is that they later want to buy an apartment together with their partner or start a family.

Mostly only modernised apartments with luxurious furnishings are purchased. These are predominantly located in popular city districts and are among the more expensive properties. However, these are a good investment, as the rental yield is often higher than for condominiums, which are larger in area.

On the subject of buying property, we also have an article for you with helpful videos from experts on topics such as the process of buying, taxes and capital investment.

Furnishing: Bright furniture, functional equipment & Co.

Even small apartments can be made beautiful and inviting with the right furniture and decorations. Light-coloured furniture and walls make your living space look bigger. But it’s best to draw a plan of the limited space beforehand and go for functional furniture such as sofa beds or height-adjustable tables. For interiors of all styles, check out our Interior Brands Guide. Luxurious furniture brands such as Bretz or the home collection of popular fashion houses such as Tiffany & Co. Home are presented here.

Tip. All trendy interior styles at a glance can be found here: Furnishing styles XXL