Meet Ruki - The Investor
Ever met someone who just radiates positivity and determination? That’s Ruki, an investor with a heart of gold and a keen eye for potential. When she first reached out to me, I knew we were about to embark on something special. Let me take you on a little journey through her latest project: the transformation of Jasmine Cottage in the charming village of Skipsea.
Why Skipsea?
So, why did Ruki choose Skipsea, you ask? Well, imagine a place where time slows down just enough for you to catch your breath. With its serene beaches, historical sites, and that wonderful “everyone knows everyone” vibe, Skipsea was the perfect backdrop for Ruki’s vision of a peaceful coastal retreat. It’s the kind of place where you can’t help but relax—and that’s exactly what Ruki wanted to offer her guests.
Falling in Love with Jasmine Cottage
Now, Jasmine Cottage wasn’t love at first sight for most people, but Ruki saw something others didn’t. Sure, it needed a lot of work (okay, a tonne of work), but she was captivated by its quaint architecture and the untapped potential it held. She didn’t just see an old building; she saw a future cosy haven where guests would feel right at home.
The Hurdles Along the Way
Let’s be real—every good story has its fair share of obstacles, and Jasmine Cottage was no exception. Ruki faced some pretty big challenges, starting with financial constraints that made funding the project a real uphill battle.
And if that wasn’t enough, managing the renovation from miles away in Huddersfield added an extra layer of complexity. But Ruki is nothing if not resourceful—she even rolled up her sleeves and got stuck into the DIY side of things to keep costs down.
What Ruki Would Do Differently
Hindsight is 20/20, right? Looking back, Ruki realises that a bit more financial planning and possibly seeking additional funding options upfront would have eased some of the pressure. And while she’s no stranger to hard work, hiring a local project manager might have saved her a few of those long, exhausting drives between Huddersfield and Skipsea. But hey, you live and learn!
The Joy of Bringing Jasmine Cottage to Life
Despite the challenges, the process of transforming Jasmine Cottage was nothing short of rewarding for Ruki. Watching it evolve from a tired old building into a warm and welcoming retreat was incredibly satisfying. And the best part? Seeing her personal touches all around the cottage, knowing that each detail was carefully thought out, made all the hard work worthwhile. The positive feedback she’s received so far? Just the cherry on top!
How We Worked Together
When the heavy lifting was done and Jasmine Cottage was ready for its final flourish, Ruki reached out to me to help with the furnishings and decor. Now, usually, I’d recommend getting a designer involved right from the start to make sure every element is perfectly in sync with your vision. But with Jasmine Cottage already refurbished, our focus was on working with what we had to create a look that was not only beautiful but also true to the cottage’s character and the charm of Skipsea.
Design Day Magic
Ruki and I had a whirlwind ‘design day’ that kicked off with a pre-meeting to discuss the project, the location, Ruki's vision and crucially, the target market. Armed with photos and a solid plan, we were ready to hit the ground running. I worked with Ruki to create a room-by-room decoration schedule as our number one priority. The walls had already been prepped with a crisp white base which Ruki had thought would let the character features sing. I wanted to ensure the property felt warm and homely and so we agreed to add soft colour throughout to bring each space to life.
Fancy a peek at Jasmine Cottage’s decor schedule? Just give me a shout!
The Furniture Hunt
Next up was the furniture. With time and budget both in short supply, we focused on selecting the key pieces—sofas, dining tables, and beds—that would form the backbone of the cottage’s style. Once the meeting was over, and Ruki understood the design direction, she would then be able to take on the task of finding solid wood furniture on a budget. Ever the savvy shopper, Ruki excelled at this, upcycling her finds with a little help from our colour palette.
We selected Fusion mineral paints for the furniture.
The Finishing Touches
No transformation is complete without those final flourishes that turn a house into a home. Ruki and I spent a day shopping for lighting and accessories, followed by a half-day at the cottage, styling it to perfection. The result? A space that’s not only photo-ready but also ready to welcome its first guests with open arms.
And speaking of photos, Ruki made the smart decision to invest in an experienced interior photographer, and trust me—it was worth every penny. The photos truly capture the charm and character of Jasmine Cottage, showcasing the hard work and love that went into every detail.
The Big Reveal
So, what’s the verdict? Within hours of listing, Jasmine Cottage had already secured two bookings for the same month! It’s safe to say that Ruki’s hard work and dedication paid off in spades, as well as her foresight to work with professionals to get the property ready for market.
But don’t just take my word for it. Here’s what Ruki had to say about the experience:
“This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support and expertise of Louise Wynne from WildKind Interiors. Louise, I trusted you with the interior, and you went above and beyond to make everything happen so quickly. Your dedication and vision have truly made a difference, and I am immensely grateful for your help.”
Want to see the magic for yourself? Check out Jasmine Cottage on Airbnb, and who knows—you might just be tempted to book your next getaway there!
Ready to Make Your Property Shine?
If you’ve got a rental property that needs to stand out from the crowd and attract guest after guest, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Let’s make your space unforgettable together!
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