As a reciprocal home exchange club, we rely on our community of members to both graciously host guests in their homes and also receive great treatment when they decide to travel. Here’s what our members are saying about their experiences with host members while participating in home exchanges:
“Jerry was superb in providing the requested information and his recommendations for restaurants were spot on! ” – Tom Q.
“We enjoyed our communications with the owner, Claudio, very much. Not only was he helpful, providing many suggestions for eating out, but we feel we have a new friend in NM. I highly recommend a stay here!!” – Sally R.
“Thank you so much for your amazing hospitality! As soon as we booked our trip, Helen went above and beyond to send ample suggestions of things to do and see during our stay with a great selection of local favorites.” – Phillip L.
“Charlotte provided very clear arrival, check-in and high-tech security lock instructions, and gave some great restaurant recommendations.” – Matthew M.
What leads to an outstanding host review like the above? Here is a list of the top ways to impress when hosting a fellow THIRDHOME Exchange member:
Be available and timely with your communications:
Answer all questions a guest member asks to the best of your ability and within a short timeframe. If you are having trouble communicating, try scheduling a time to talk ahead of time that works for both of you. Additionally, if you don’t have time to answer their questions immediately, send off a quick email letting them know you received their questions and will respond as soon as you get a free moment.
Leave a welcome letter or instructional booklet:
Each home has particular quirks for operation. Simple things that you know inside and out can be confusing to a new guest, like operating your kitchen appliances, electronics, and security systems. To make the transition easier, leave a welcome letter or instructional booklet easily accessible in your home. Alternatively, you can email the packet to the guest member ahead of time if you would rather keep a digital file.
Help your guests feel like they are one of the locals:
One of the best advantages to participating in a house swap instead of staying in a hotel is being able to fully immerse yourself into the culture by feeling like a local. As a host, take it a step further and assist your guest by offering helpful suggestions. These can include a list of your favorite restaurants or chef, must-see local attractions, and area excursions.
Following through with these few tips will help enhance the experience of your guests greatly during the home exchange process!
Interested in a home exchange? Click here to learn more!
With over 5000 properties in our luxury home exchange club, there are countless destination options and a large variety of home choices for your next vacation. While all of the 3RD HOME properties are well-thought-out, some are designed with interesting quirks and details. Listed in no particular order, here are five properties to “Unlock Your Inner Architect” available for home exchanges with a 3RD HOME membership:
1. Malibu Wing House –
Sleep under the wings of a 747 and make your home swapping experience unforgettable! The Wing House is made up of cement, steel, glass, and recycled parts from a Boeing 747. Aluminum airplane wings make up the roof and ceiling, and an additional 4.7 million other parts were repurposed for the home including small details like porthole windows in the kitchen backsplash. The main house is comprised of two separate buildings linked together on three levels and uses two wings and two horizontal stabilizers from the plane.
2. Westhampton Beach Dune House –
The Westhampton Beach Dune House was nominated for World Architecture House of the Year in 2013 and was also featured in HAMPTONS Magazine. The fine details placed throughout create a new standard for the modern beach getaway. With the ocean as a backdrop for the modern interior, whites and blues were strategically placed throughout the home to bring the outside in. This would be the perfect home to exchange for a ski residence, you would get to experience such a defined contrast in homes and vacation style.
3. Lake Tinaroo Hinterland Retreat –
This retreat on Lake Tinaroo in Australia was constructed with extensive use of natural elements all sourced locally by bespoke craftsman. One of the most unique features of the retreat is that the backdrop to the wet bar is framed with a full size original 1920’s Queensland Bank vault door! The wet bar can also serve as deck areas, the doors all retract to make the open living spaces also function as outdoor spaces. Perfect for entertaining, the entire house can be completely closed with automated screened blinds, has a game room, and even has a stone pizza oven built into the rear balcony area. This house swapping option is perfect for outdoor recreation on the lake, but the interior itself is so nice you don’t have to adventure out for a good time.
4. Splendid Samujana-
Be blown away by spectacular views at the Sublime Samujana in Koh Samui, Thailand. This luxury villa was inspired by modern Thai designs and was created by GFAB Architects. This villa is sure to impress with over 5 open terraces, an infinity pool, meticulous landscaping, luxury soaking tubs, and retractable walls. Exchange your home for an experience with new architecture, new food, new landscape, and new experiences.
5. Te Kahu – New Zealand Lake House –
Te Kahu was designed by leading New Zealand architects Stevens Lawson Architects and won the New Zealand home of the year for architecture in 2010. The exterior of the home was designed to blend into the surrounding landscape. The interior is a mix of cedar, cast concrete, and schist with oak wooden floors. Local fine New Zealand art and furnishings were handpicked to complement the specialized design of this one of a kind home. This is the ultimate vacation spot to relax with serene water, countryside, and mountains surrounding.
