Discover your next luxury stay on the Mornington Peninsula.
jelliscraigshortstays.com.au
What sets Jellis Craig Short Stays apart from other holiday rental
providers in the Mornington Peninsula?
Coming from a Property Management background, I couldn’t believe
how unregulated the short term rental sector was, and the gaps
that existed in the service that was currently provided by other
businesses. For example, many agents and short stay providers didn’t
even visit properties after a guest check-out to check the condition
the property was left in, I couldn’t believe it. Some agents had
never actually even been to the house they were offering to
holiday lease.
We decided we would do it better, and as such put rigorous stands
in place. Conducting pre and post inspections on every single
booking, which I believe is a huge point of difference. We essentially
do a mini condition report for every booking, which is very time
consuming, however gives our owners the assurance that their
property is being cared for and maintained to a high standard for
each subsequent guest and provides an opportunity to suggest any
essential maintenance.
Can you share a particularly rewarding or memorable experience
from your career?
The most rewarding thing for me is being able to help families turn
their financial goals into reality, whether it’s affording a dream
holiday, paying school fees or overcoming a debt issue. There’s
nothing more rewarding than guiding people to financial freedom.
I am thrilled that our business is bringing more people to the
Southern Peninsula, helping local businesses such as cleaners, trades,
restaurants, and shops to all make enough money to keep our town
thriving.
I’m also proud of our Short Stay team, growing and nurturing
a business from scratch and then bringing four staff through the
ranks that share my passion and commitment, is very humbling
and rewarding.
What key trends are you noticing in the short-stay rental market,
and how do you see it evolving in the coming years?
I think AI will be able to assist with the selection process for guests
as well as assisting with direct push-marketing. Ideally it will result in
more holidays being booked and bring more people to support local
businesses on the Peninsula.
I’m very mindful that the expectations of guests continue to
increase and it’s a constant challenge to maintain entire houses,
with so many factors in maintaining appliances, gardens, pools, and
professional cleaning to keep properties functional week in and out.
Guests expect a hotel-like standard which has meant our minimum
standards criteria has evolved, and we need to be experts in every
element of every house we manage.
Claire Smith
Founder & Director
Jellis Craig Short Stays
M 0403 383 834
There’s nothing
more rewarding
than guiding people
to financial freedom.
You’re clearly passionate about the Mornington Peninsula -
what are some of your favourite local spots for dining,
wine tasting, or unwinding?
I have lived here for 13 years, and my husband, kids, the pugs and
I all love it. Our favourite places are Sorrento Sailing & Couta Boat
Club, the kids love jumping off the pier there and having a bowl
of chips on the deck. We also love Panda in Blairgowrie, we walk
there for a cocktail or dinner and they often have live music, a great
place where you can sit outside in the sun and relax. Nora’s in Rye is
another favourite, with delicious food and a great atmosphere.
March 2025
In Focus Magazine
13