That’s exactly what was done at the last place I stayed as a guest, a couple of weeks ago. The hosts had a big back yard, understandably (the hosts had children) off-limits to guests. Guests were provided a nice little outdoor table and chairs under some shade at the side. It seemed the perfect solution to me.
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People surprise me where they prefer to sit outside. My condo has a screened porch, nice view, ceiling fan, peek of the waterway & nice bar height outdoor dining set (bar height let’s you see over the porch rails).
On the front of the condo, I placed a small bistro table & two chairs. It is a covered area a few feet from the parking lot. There is no view to enjoy. I use the table as a place to put groceries or small luggage while I unlock the door.
People perch at the small table with no view except of cars surprisingly often. They seem to like having morning coffee and socializing with neighbors before the day becomes hot.
The point of this, give the guest an outdoor sitting area of their own & it will be used.
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I would give them an outdoor seating area. If you cant actually fence it off then use some other marker- like pots of plants. We have a similar set up.and have fenced off an area for guests. Noone has ever come into our garden and I think its because they have a clearly marked area.
I always prefer to sit outside myself!
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I have designated areas outside each suite for guests to sit. That’s their “private” space. Also, house rules, stick to your outdoor space, NO moving furniture onto the lawn.
You can be much more assertive in your house rules. Also, get springs put on the gate to auto close and take it off your worry plate.
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I agree with others here suggesting that guests need to have some access to outside space.
As to any concern that the guests might take that space and encroach onto your yard we have a sensor that shows when the boundary has been breached and a hidden rock speaker emits the sound of growling attack dogs.
Guests have actually had fun with this as the sounds increase in viciousness over time. But they are not too entertained as the sound is there so long as the encroachment persists. I am sure that you could get a handyman and an IT guy to set set this up for you.
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We don’t allow guests use of our backyard, that space is for the pugs and us, plus it’s tiny. We did make sure to make the front porch extra nice so guests have a space to enjoy outside. I agree with others that if you provide them with a space outside to enjoy that might end the issue.
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Actually, dogs can be quite individual about their toileting habits- its probably best to bear that in mind, too! Some are very private & very reluctant to defecate in ‘public’. One of my dogs- & quite a few others I have known in my previous career running a vet practice- will go out for long walks/ hikes & yet still will only ‘do a poo’ in the privacy & security of their back yard once they get home- in fact, one of mine, even in their own garden, uses a shielded bush to go behind, so they are not in view of anyone! Some dogs are also very ‘quick’ & regular in bowel movements & eating breakfast instantly triggers them wanting to go toilet- & sometimes people don’t want to instantly rush out to take them for a walk at that point! And of course some folk feel its their dogs home & their backyard too- they deserve that space. We all choose how we want to live & run our businesses. Just a note generally about accessible outside space- I personally don’t think its a given. Lots of hotels/B & BS dont have much or any outside space! Some folk genuinely do want ‘b & b’ rather than ‘b& b & g’ (garden)! But if outside space is important to a guest, then ,they can obviously choose the one that does offer that! Personally, I have not chosen a single b & b on the basis that I could have sat outside. But I have for quite a few longer holidays in hotels. Horses for courses? as they say in Scotland!
True, I never taught my dog to be private about her business or not do it in our yard- that was her own instinct. It was actually quite a drag when I took my one and only road trip with her, that was 8 days long. While she was free to roam in my countryside area, she was also accustomed to, and good on a leash, as I used a leash if I took into town or anywhere unfamiliar, until I assessed the scene. So it never occurred to me that she wouldn’t poop or pee while on the leash. the first day of the trip, I’d stop every 2-3 hours to gas up, and put her on the leash to walk around and relieve herself. No way- I walk her around for 10 or 15 minutes, saying Pee already! But no dice. So back in the car she went. She held it for anywhere from 8-10 hours every day of that trip until I got to where we were staying for the night, and found some empty lot where I could safely let her off-leash.
As for outdoor space at a listing, certainly it’s not required, but I think if you live somewhere with a beautiful view, or in a beautiful natural area and have good weather, it’s something guests would appreciate.
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