If you’ve ever been curious about what it’s like to own a holiday rental, both the ups and the downs, this is the series for you. I’m going behind the scenes to talk to the owners of some of my favourite self-catering stays to understand their journey and the steps that led them to acquiring some pretty spectacular properties.

Today, I’m talking to Jay Avery, who alongside his partner, Lisa, owns The Old Sunday School and Bar-K, two luxury holiday homes within easy reach of the Cornish coast. If you like to go on holiday with your four-legged friends, Jay and Lisa’s properties have been described as the most dog-friendliest ever. Pack your pooch’s case at once! Let’s find out more.

Hi Jay, can you tell us a little bit about your reasons for investing in holiday properties, please?

I love working with people on holiday and planning holidays. Holidaying guests are often in their happy place and it feels like you get to connect to their true selves when taking life’s distractions away. I also enjoy recommending all the beautiful places that Cornwall and Devon have to offer our guests and help tailor their holiday experience.

Why Cornwall and what makes The Old Sunday School and Bar-K so special?

Your timing is good as we’ve recently been reading through all of our reviews, feedback surveys and guest book comments.

The Old Sunday School has had a lot of comments about dog-friendly touches like personalised towels, dog treats and blankets, the view, welcome hamper, log burner, the hosts (hahaha) and the layout. The open-plan living arrangement with glassed mezzanine area seems to work well in connecting the living and sleeping areas. The location works well for guests - as well as being quite central, guests can experience the moors, beaches, woodland and rivers, all in half an hour or so drive.

Bar-K also gets a lot of love from dog owners and the enclosed large garden is a big deal along with inside and outside hot dog showers. The hot tub, sauna, games room, cinema room and log burner also gets a lot of love as does the tech. Like The Old Sunday School, Bar-K has a Sonos sound system and TVs with the full SKY package and Netflix. Small touches go a long way; it’s the finer detail that seems to impress guests, where they can see how much time and effort has gone into thinking out property features.

What would you say are the highs and lows of being a holiday property owner?

Highs - definitely reading reviews or hearing first hand of special memories being made. I’ve been known to get emotional reading guest book comments!

Lows - there thankfully and touch wood hasn’t been many, but managing holiday properties during the pandemic was hard, especially having to learn new rules and regulations on the fly and turn guests away due to safety and legislation around periods of lockdowns.

What are your tips for anyone thinking of investing in a holiday rental?

Get your numbers right and don’t underestimate how much time things take if you’re going to do things yourself. If you take hosting seriously, you’ll spend a lot of time communicating with guests, cleaning, carrying out maintenance, marketing, accounting, dealing with suppliers, complying with regs, etc. If you’re not doing all of the aforementioned yourself, surround yourself with reliable and capable people who understand and are happy to work by your standards.

Do you have any funny guest stories?

I’m not sure whether this is appropriate but the bedroom in The Old Sunday School overlooks the living area and is separated by a glass partition. Upon entering after a guest stay, we noticed some very unusual circular imprints on the glass around 6 inches high with dots in the middle. Upon closer inspection it was clear that the lady had left us a very artistic real life impression of her very large boobs!

For potential guests, what are the top three things that they should see and do in and around Cornwall/Devon?

I’d say the coast, the moors and the rivers. If I had to pick one of each I’d say Whitsand Bay, Dartmoor National Park’s Bellever Forest, and The River Walkham near Grenofen Woods.

And your top three places to eat and drink?

The Cornish Arms in Tavistock gets the most rave reviews from guests, followed by The Tamar Inn in Calstock and The Who’d of Thought It Inn in Saint Dominick.

Is another rental on the cards and if so where?

Oooo crikey, we need to slow down for now but maybe in a few years down the line. We quite fancy getting a coastal retreat perhaps in south-east Cornwall, maybe in Downderry or Seaton. But anywhere close to the Atlantic rollers would do me nicely.

When you go on holiday, are you able to switch off or does it feel like you’re checking out the competition?

Haha good question, we’re always looking for ways to improve what we do and have been known to borrow the odd idea or two whilst holidaying. Engaging with other hosts face-to-face and online has also been a big help in finding what does and doesn’t work.

What do you most like to find in a welcome basket when you go away?

Scones with cream and jam!

Finally, I love your Instagram accounts (@the_old_sunday_school and @bar_k_cornwall) but is there anyone else you would recommend that people follow for travel inspiration or life in Cornwall?

Other than @dogfriendlydestinations, I’d suggest following Meg and Maisie from @spaniel.adventures, @igcornwall and @cornishcoastlines.

Thank you so much to Jay for answering my questions. Find out more about The Old Sunday School and Bar-K.

Property patter: meet Jay from The Old Sunday School & Bar-K