
10th July 2025
By Robyn Crowther
4 mins read
Custom Web Design for Holiday Cottages: How to Stand Out from the Competition

Why Bespoke Web Design Gives Holiday Let Businesses a Competitive Edge
If you're a holiday cottage owner or property manager, you know how competitive the short-term rental market has become. With so many listings online, from Airbnb to Booking.com, it’s easy for even the most beautiful properties to get lost in the crowd. So, how do you make your cottage stand out?
A custom-built website tailored specifically for your property can be one of your most powerful marketing tools. It gives you full control over your brand, drives more direct bookings, and creates a seamless experience for your guests before they even arrive.
Let’s explore how custom web design for holiday cottages can help you rise above the competition and grow your business sustainably.

Why a Custom Website Matters in 2025
More travellers are booking holidays directly through property websites, but only when those sites offer a smooth, trustworthy experience. A templated site might get you online quickly, but it often lacks the flexibility, performance, and personality needed to compete in today’s digital landscape.
Custom web design gives you freedom. It allows your website to reflect the charm of your cottage, the uniqueness of your location, and the personality behind your brand. It also enables developers to optimise the structure, speed, and SEO performance from the ground up, so you're not just online, you're visible and competitive.

First Impressions Lead to Bookings
When someone lands on your site, they’re not just browsing, they’re dreaming about their next break. Your website should help them picture exactly what it’s like to stay in your cottage.
This starts with thoughtful design: large, high-quality photos, warm branding, and easy navigation that encourages visitors to explore more. A cluttered or outdated layout can easily turn potential guests away, especially on mobile, where more than half of holiday searches now take place.
A custom site ensures every detail, from your typography to your image galleries, is crafted with your audience in mind. It’s not just about making things look pretty; it’s about creating trust, desire, and clarity.

Booking Should Be Simple
The booking process is where many cottage owners lose potential guests. If your website doesn’t offer clear availability, transparent pricing, and a seamless way to book, you risk losing out to competitors who do.
Custom web design allows for direct booking integration, whether you use a system like SuperControl or another platform. This means guests can check availability in real-time, see seasonal pricing, and complete their booking without being redirected to a third-party site.
This not only makes things easier for your guests but also increases your chance of converting lookers into bookers. Plus, by encouraging direct bookings, you avoid high commission fees charged by online travel agents.

Build a Brand, Not Just a Website
Many holiday cottages have beautiful interiors and fantastic locations, but their websites don’t reflect that same quality. Your website should feel like an extension of your cottage: inviting, well-kept, and filled with character.
That’s where branding comes in. With a custom website, you can choose colours, fonts, and layouts that match your property’s personality, whether that’s modern luxury, countryside charm, or coastal calm. It’s also an opportunity to share your story: why you started the business, what guests love most, and what makes your place special.
When your site feels personal, people are more likely to remember it and book again.
Improve Your Visibility with Better SEO
Custom design doesn’t just look good, it performs better in search engines too. A site that’s fast, mobile-friendly, and built with clean code is more likely to rank well on Google.
This means more potential guests will find you when they search for terms like “dog-friendly cottage in Pembrokeshire” or “romantic cottage with sea views in Devon.” With a custom site, you can create targeted landing pages, local area guides, and blog content to support your SEO strategy and bring in relevant traffic all year round.

Local Touches Make a Big Difference
One of the biggest advantages of having your own website is the ability to add value for your guests. This could be a guide to your favourite local walks, recommendations for nearby restaurants, or tips on the best time of year to visit.
These small touches not only help with SEO but also position you as a trustworthy, helpful host, something that’s harder to do on platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com.

Ready to Take the Next Step?
If your current website isn’t performing as well as it should, or if you’re relying too heavily on third-party platforms, now is the perfect time to invest in a custom web design built specifically for holiday cottages.
At gloversure, we specialise in designing and developing websites for the travel and tourism sector. We’ve helped property owners across the UK create fast, beautiful, and highly effective websites that showcase their cottages and drive direct bookings.
Whether you’re looking to refresh your brand, integrate your booking system, or grow your visibility online, we can help.
Get in touch today to start the journey to a better website and more bookings.