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/