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Outdoor Space Ideas for Your Holiday Rental Property

Looking to refine your outdoor spaces, but lacking inspiration? You’ve come to the right place!

In this post, we showcase some stunning examples of alpine properties with impressive exteriors and share our top tips for owners. However, whether you’re an owner of an alpine property or not, these outdoor space ideas can be applied to your home, wherever it is based.

Check out our top picks of outdoor space ideas to see how you can maximise the potential of your rental business all year round…


Outdoor spaces can sometimes be overlooked by owners.

However, it’s key to make sure that your property’s exterior meets the same standard as the inside of your property.

It’s important to make sure that in summer especially, your outdoor spaces have been well considered and maintained in order to receive positive guest feedback.

Outdoor dining and lounge areas at Chalet Moutelette
Sunbathe on the wooden deck or dine in the welcome shade of the wooden gazebo at Chalet La Moutelette in Montriond.

Here are the essential outdoor spaces and facilities we recommend owners provide:  

  • outdoor dining and lounge space
  • additional seating 
  • outdoor games/activities for kids
  • a toddler and pet friendly secure area
  • all-weather surfaces
  • outdoor speakers
  • plants/landscaping/a vegetable patch
  • ash trays

Outdoor Living Space Ideas

Outdoor fire pit area at Chalet Colombine at dusk
This outdoor space at Chalet Colombine definitely has the ‘wow factor’ guests love!
Outdoor seating area at dusk at Chalet Alpachic
This outdoor area at Chalet Alpachic has a cosy feel, perfect in both summer and winter alike!

With sun, snow and rain taking their toll on outdoor furnishings it’s important to invest in good quality, weather-proof soft furniture/ furnishings.

When buying furniture and soft furnishings, consider if both will be available to guests over the winter season. If not, where will they be stored? What kind of treatment, if any, will be required before each summer season?

They’ll last longer and you can use them to create a comfy chill-out zone where guests can gather to chat, enjoy an aperitif or play games.

Sheepskins, throws and cushions, plus sound systems and lighting will keep guests comfortable and warm all day and into the evenings.

This is a great example of carrying the interior deco style through to the outdoor spaces.

Wooden decks look amazing but be aware they need regular maintenance to keep them looking good, especially after each winter covered in snow and ice and rain. Jet washing and treatment can restore the wood well. For comfort, guests may also need to be reminded they will need to wear shoes out of doors to avoid splinters.

Outdoor Spaces for Kids

Table tennis and table football at Chalet Alex
Families staying at Chalet Alex can enjoy table football or table tennis in the sunshine!
Chalet Crechoua taken from a birds eye view
Younger guests have been carefully considered by the owners of Chalet Crechoua with this fantastic play area!

If there is a large enough flat area, why not provide a slide and swing set, or a trampoline, table tennis, badminton, table football or skittles?

Kids will love the fun and games, and parents will love the convenience of on-site entertainment.

Ensure that playsets are well maintained and mounted safely in your garden.

Making the Most of the Views

Think about adding benches, hammocks, and other seating in quiet corners so that guests can revel in the scenery, while taking time out over a coffee, with a book, or simply enjoying the sun.

Great views from the terrace at Chalet Happview
The view from the outdoor dining area at Chalet Happyview is breathtaking!
The outdoor lounge area at Chalet Sabaroc.
The tranquil views from Chalet Sabaroc can be enjoyed by guests on the first-floor terrace, or from the flat garden below.

Even if your property doesn’t back out onto views like this, considering some well-thought-through spaces outside is appreciated by guests either way, especially in the heat of summer.

Sheltered terrace with an outdoor dining area
Dining with a view – the sheltered terrace at Chalet Belle Cour makes the most of the panorama.
The beautiful views from the dining table on the balcony at Chalet Tekoa.
As breathtaking in winter as in summer, the balcony and the terrace at Chalet Tekoa offer panoramic views of the Manigod valley.

Outdoor Dining Space Ideas

It sounds obvious, but make sure the outdoor dining table is easily accessed from the kitchen and large enough for the chalet capacity. Add a BBQ or griddle to help guests make an event of lunch or dinner.

The dining table in the snow at Chalet Argali
Watch the skiers from the dining terrace at Chalet Argali in Grand Bornand. The balconies have different views as they face different directions.
The dining table at Chalet Andreanna in La Clusaz.
Click here to take a look at the 360 degree virtual tour to see how the wrap around balcony at Chalet Andreanna in La Clusaz is set up.

Safe and Secure Outdoor Spaces

Ensuring there are no danger points in the outside areas is vital. Check there are no dangerous drops from terraces. If possible create secure zones for pets and toddlers so that they can get out of doors safely and not wander off.

If your property is in the mountains, make sure to provide snow clearing equipment so that access to the property is safe and hassle-free in winter.

The Aravis chain as seen from the outdoor lounge on the terrace at Chalet Timan La Clusaz.
Summer guests can enjoy a swing set and seating on the top terrace at ski in / ski out Chalet Timan in La Clusaz. The outdoor dining table is on the main terrace next to this outdoor lounge.

Landscaping and Planting

The colours and scents of flowers can be used to make any garden special. Keep flowers blooming all summer long by installing an automated irrigation system or arrange for a gardener to come by regularly.

The sloping garden at Chalet de Paul et Marie
The owners of Chalet de Paul et Marie have added some bright balcony planters to give a pop of colour in the summer.
Sunbathe in the deckchairs, the lounge space or dine at the sheltered dining table at La Vieille Ferme in Manigod.
This large secure terrace is popular with guests at La Vieille Ferme in Manigod, with some summery plants dotted around.

Additional Outdoor Facilities

The sunny petanque court at Chalet Alex
Chalet Alex‘s petanque court is perfect for families to have an early evening game with a drink in summer.
The hot tub area at Chalet Alti
This incredible hot tub area at Chalet Alti is spacious and allows guests to relax around the outside too.

If there’s room, why not add a petanque court for all year-round family fun? To find out about what is involved in setting one up, read our blog about private petanque courts here. Then politely remind the guests to be respectful of the neighbours and keep the noise down.

Adding an exterior hot tub, sauna, or swimming pool is of course a larger investment. However, in our experience, guests love to stay in properties that stand out from the crowds. Take a look at our post about extra facilities here.


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