December is one of our busiest months of the year.
The cottages are full. Kitchens are in constant use. Linens turn over nonstop. Hot tubs, entryways, wood piles, and living rooms see more activity in a few short weeks than they do during the rest of the winter.
When January arrives, we finally get a moment to pause.
We intentionally use the first week of January as our reset.
This is the time when we slow everything down and look at each cottage with fresh eyes. It is our opportunity to step beyond regular turnover cleaning and make sure nothing has quietly slipped during the busiest season.
A January deep clean is different. It is not rushed. It is not checklist driven. It is thoughtful, thorough, and intentional.
We begin with the foundations. Every linen is stripped and refreshed. Mattress protectors are checked. Pillows are replaced if they have lost their shape. Throws and blankets that kept guests cozy in December are washed, aired out, or rotated.
Kitchens receive extra care. Cupboards are emptied and wiped down. Pantry items are reviewed. Fridges are pulled out and cleaned behind. Small appliances that worked hard through the holidays are given a proper reset.
Living spaces are simplified. Seasonal decor is packed away. Surfaces are cleared. Furniture is realigned. Windows are opened briefly, even in the cold, to let fresh air move through the space.
Bathrooms are deep cleaned beyond what guests ever see. Drains are checked. Supplies are restocked so everything feels full, calm, and ready.
Outside, we walk each property slowly. Paths, lighting, firewood areas, and storage spaces are checked carefully. January is about noticing what needs attention before it becomes an issue later in the season.
This reset is not about perfection.
It is about restoring balance.
Guests feel it the moment they arrive. The cottage feels lighter. Quieter. More intentional. There is room to breathe again.
And often, that feeling follows them home.
January reminds us that caring for a space is not just about keeping it clean. It is about protecting the experience, the comfort, and the calm that people come here to find.
A fresh year deserves a fresh foundation.
