Describe how the house is situated on the site
The term ‘earth-sheltered home’ can conjure up very different images. Therefore, explain right at the start which parts of your accommodation are situated on a slope, surrounded by earth or open to the outside. A well-chosen exterior photograph helps with this. Guests should be able to see where they enter and which rooms lie behind the visible windows, without having to piece together the building’s layout from individual details.
Also describe whether you are offering the whole house or a separate area. An attached living area, a shared entrance or private rooms alter how the property is used. If there are other buildings on the property, make clear whether they are included in the listing. In this way, an unusual architectural design is transformed into a clear-cut accommodation with a defined beginning and end.
Natural light deserves more than just an atmospheric photo
Show the windows and the respective views from the rooms. Does light come in through a large frontage, a courtyard, smaller openings or skylights? Different rooms can look very different as a result. Take photos in normal daylight and describe which areas are suitable for eating, reading or sitting together quietly. A natural photograph conveys more than heavily brightened interior shots.
Light is also part of everyday life in the evening. Where can individual areas be lit without illuminating all sleeping areas? Is there a clearly marked route to the bathroom? These questions will help you describe the existing facilities. Do not promise uniform brightness throughout the house if individual rooms are deliberately set back or connected to the outside only via small windows.
Explain ventilation and indoor climate based on the facilities provided
The building’s design alone does not indicate how warm, cool or dry a stay will feel. Specify the heating and ventilation options actually available. If certain windows can be opened or a system needs to be operated, describe this later in simple instructions. In the advert, a clear overview of what guests can use themselves is sufficient.
You should only use general statements such as ‘always a comfortable temperature’ or ‘particularly energy-efficient’ if they can be substantiated for your specific property. Often, simple information is more helpful: there is heating in the living area, the bedrooms have their own windows, or the accommodation is only available during a specific season. This allows guests to plan their clothing and stay accordingly.
Access begins right at the car park
A house that blends into the landscape can be accessed in a variety of ways. Indicate whether there is a slope, steps or an unpaved section between the car park and the entrance. Describe the route from the perspective of someone carrying luggage. If it is not possible to drive right up to the door, this information should be provided early on during the booking process, rather than in a message sent after the booking has been made.
A level living area does not automatically mean a stay without steps. Thresholds, passageways or the path to the terrace can also be important. Specific details help guests to assess for themselves whether the accommodation suits their abilities. Pictures of the actual access are more useful for this than a general description, which different people might interpret in very different ways.
Green spaces are not automatically designated as recreational areas
If a green roof or a sloping area characterises the property’s appearance, explain which areas guests are permitted to access. Not every area that looks like a garden in an exterior photograph is available for guests to use. Show the paths and seating areas that are actually intended for use. Boundaries with other properties or your private areas can also be described in a friendly and clear manner.
Perhaps there is a sheltered courtyard or a small terrace directly in front of the living area. Describe how this space is used, whether it belongs exclusively to the accommodation and what furniture is available. A clearly laid-out, well-described outdoor area can greatly enhance a guest’s stay. This does not require a claim of complete seclusion, nor a general statement about the house’s environmental credentials.
Show an ordinary day in an extraordinary house
Start your photo gallery with a view showing the setting and the building. Follow this with photos of the entrance, the living area, the sleeping areas, the kitchen and the bathroom. Show how the rooms connect. If a doorway is low or a corner of a room is particularly compact, this should be clearly visible. Guests don’t just want to be amazed; they also want to be able to imagine their everyday life in the house.
A personal note can tie the images together: Where do you like to sit in the morning, which spot is best for a rainy day, and where can you eat outdoors? Describe only what is actually on offer. Decorative items and a lovely view can create atmosphere, but they are no substitute for information about beds, cooking facilities, storage space and communal areas.
An honest draft is a good start
You can list your earth-sheltered home for free on BookNoFees. To do so, follow the standard process for creating an accommodation listing and provide the relevant type, description, photos, facilities, price and availability. You do not need to write a technical architectural description. The questions on this page are suggestions to help you make your existing listing clearer for others.
If possible, have someone who is not yet familiar with the house read through your draft. Which rooms can this person identify, and which aspects remain unclear? Such questions are often more useful than adding extra promotional phrases. Once the location, natural light and intended use have been clearly explained, you can let your personal enthusiasm for the earth-sheltered home shine through without creating expectations you cannot fulfil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is every earth-sheltered home automatically sustainable?
No, such an assessment cannot be based solely on the shape of the building. Describe specific, verifiable features of your house and avoid making general environmental claims. If you mention materials used or existing facilities, stick to verifiable details. This allows guests to form their own impression without your listing having to provide a blanket assessment of the entire accommodation.
How can I show darker rooms accurately?
Take photographs in natural light and show the actual windows or skylights. Describe what the room is used for and what lighting is available. A quiet, secluded sleeping area may be appropriate if guests expect it to be so. It is important that the pictures and description together convey a realistic impression of the light levels and the view.
Should the green roof be included in the advert?
Yes, if it characterises the house. When doing so, distinguish its visible design from its potential uses. A green roof is not automatically a walk-on terrace. Clearly explain which areas are open to guests, and show any seating areas separately. This ensures the property’s distinctive appearance remains visible without promising an additional lounge area.
What information is particularly helpful before placing your first advert?
Start by describing the property on offer, the number of beds, access and the facilities available. Then add the questions specific to your earth-sheltered home regarding windows, outdoor areas and room layout. You follow the same process on BookNoFees as other hosts. The information on this page is intended as editorial guidance and does not impose any further requirements on your property’s facilities.
