We recently got an e-mail from a property developer and landlord from Pelješac asking us exactly what digital nomad accommodation should look like, both inside and out.
Now we know the term ‘digital nomad’ can be used by such a range of individuals, from diverse demographics and with completely different interests, so we collated some of the common themes that turns a property into something more attractive.
The accommodation itself
When looking for that medium term rental, digital nomads need a home, and not a tourist let. So if you’re looking for a quick fix, there are some big no nos that will turn a digital nomad off.
If they plan on spending some time in your place then the price should reflect that, it shouldn’t just be 30 times whatever you charge a day on AirBnB. There’s a sweet spot, and you’ll know it when you have multiple enquiries for your property.
Since they are digital nomads, they work, and probably full time. Therefore digital nomad accommodation isn’t just for sleeping and showering, but for socialising – they might invite friends over and have a dinner party, for relaxing – they’re likely to have duvet days and lounge around, and for living – they will cook, clean, exercise and everything else, just like you do. The place needs to have natural light and airflow, otherwise their brains will dry out (true story).
They will also come in winter and in summer, so make sure you have a suitable heating and cooling solution throughout the apartment. Air conditioning to heat a place isn’t so efficient and electric heaters can be very expensive, and their fingers need to be warm enough to type away!
We’re not even going to mention WiFi – if you don’t have a reliable strong connection that is capable of Zoom calls then don’t even read the next few things. Before claiming your speed is good enough, invite a few friends round to watch YouTube, have a Zoom call and download something – Digital Nomads might cowork at each other places.
The kitchen
When you’re on the move, as much as you enjoy eating out, sometimes you might not want to. Or as we said earlier perhaps they want to host some new friends and cook up a treat from where they’re from. So the kitchen shouldn’t just be two hobs. A ‘normal’ cooker would be great, with four stoves and an oven.
Then there are all the other bits that makes a kitchen homely, like sharp knives so they can actually cut things, perhaps some baking equipment for those cake lovers, and a few standards like a toaster, an electric kettle, a blender and most definitely a bottle opener and corkscrew.
The chances are a nomad will be in touch before renting, so ask them if there’s anything else they need. We’re sure you might have a spare or someone in your family does.
The bathroom
Remember we’re in Croatia, so we’re going to start with the washing machine (they live in the bathroom over here). Preferably with drying abilities too, and if not then digital nomads need somewhere to dry their clothes, like a drying rack or a line, and don’t forget the clothes pegs.
As we said earlier, they’re here for a while, so having a proper shower, with enough space to be able to stick their elbows out to wash their back is great (some of you might be wondering why, but some shower cubicles in tourist rentals are like a tube from Futurama).
Again before they move in, you can ask them if there’s anything else they’d need, like some straighteners or a hairdryer.
The living room
Now most people watch things on their laptops now, but if you are going to have a TV, then make sure it’s a size you’d want in your own house. Even better, leave a HDMI cable so they can connect their laptop to it, or even get one of those fancy TVs where they can project to.
Chances are they’ll have their own Netflix account, but if they don’t then perhaps you can share yours. Remember, this is their home away from home, and everyone indulges in a series marathon now and then.
We’re going to also mention a desk in this room, well not a desk, any table that people can work from. Preferably with a plain or attractive background for those Zoom calls. Ideally with a chair that is meant for working too. So essentially a place you would be happy to sit, working on a laptop for 8 hours and not need to see a massage therapist after.
Want to go that step further? An adjustable desk that can be for standing and sitting, now that would make it really attractive as digital nomad accommodation!
The bedroom
The main request was for a way to ensure complete darkness, because Digital Nomads work all different time zones and therefore may be sleeping when the sun is up. Some good black out shutters or curtains are the only way to trick the brain that it isn’t morning yet. A fan can also be handy, as the constant noise blocks out potential street noise.
Then again remember, they will be there longer term, so invest in some good linen, and make sure there are extra blankets and sheets for the colder or warmer day.
If you’re a Digital Nomad, let us know what else to add!
DNA Croatia promotes Croatia to all digital nomads and supports them during their stay here. Check out what we’re up to on LinkedIn and Facebook.