Describe how the house is situated on the property
The term “earth-sheltered home” can evoke very different ideas. Therefore, explain right at the beginning which parts of your property are built into a slope, surrounded by earth, or open to the outside. A well-chosen exterior photo helps convey this. Guests should be able to tell where they enter and which rooms lie behind the visible windows without having to piece together the building’s layout from individual details.
Also describe whether you’re offering the entire house or a separate area. An attached living space, a shared entrance, or private rooms change how the property is used. If there are other buildings on the property, make clear whether they are included in the listing. This transforms an unusual architectural feature into a clear-cut accommodation option with a well-defined beginning and end.
Natural light deserves more than just an atmospheric photo
Show the windows and the respective views from the rooms. Does light come in through a large front window, a courtyard, smaller openings, or skylights? Different rooms can look very different depending on this. Photograph them in natural daylight and describe which areas are suitable for dining, reading, or quiet gatherings. A natural photo conveys more than heavily brightened interior shots.
Lighting is also part of everyday life in the evening. Where can individual areas be lit without illuminating all sleeping areas? Is there a clearly marked path to the bathroom? These questions will help you describe the available facilities. Don’t promise uniform brightness throughout the entire house if certain rooms are intentionally set back or connected to the outside only through small windows.
Explain ventilation and indoor climate based on the amenities
The building’s design alone doesn’t reveal how warm, cool, or dry a stay will feel. List the actual heating and ventilation options available. If certain windows can be opened or a system needs to be operated, describe this later in simple instructions. In the listing, a clear overview of what guests can use on their own is sufficient.
You should only use general statements like “always comfortably heated” or “particularly energy-efficient” if they can be substantiated for your specific property. Often, simple information is more helpful: The living area has heating, the bedrooms have their own windows, or the accommodation is only available during a specific season. This allows guests to plan their clothing and stay accordingly.
Access begins right at the parking lot
A house that blends into the landscape can be accessed in a variety of ways. Indicate whether there is a slope, steps, or an unpaved section between the parking lot and the entrance. Describe the route from the perspective of someone carrying luggage. If it’s not possible to drive right up to the door, this information should be provided early in the booking process—not just in a message after the reservation is made.
A level living space does not automatically mean a stay without steps. Thresholds, passageways, or the path to the patio can also be important factors. Specific details help guests assess for themselves whether the accommodation suits their needs. Photos of the actual access points are more valuable for this purpose than a general description, which different people might interpret in very different ways.
Green spaces are not automatically considered recreational areas
If a green roof or a sloped area defines the property’s appearance, explain which areas guests are permitted to access. Not every area that looks like a garden in an exterior photo is available for guest use. Show the paths and seating areas that are actually intended for use. You can also describe boundaries with other properties or your private areas in a friendly and clear manner.
Perhaps there is a secluded courtyard or a small terrace right in front of the living area. Describe how this space is used, whether it belongs exclusively to the accommodation, and what furniture is available. A clearly laid-out, well-described outdoor area can greatly enhance the guest experience. This does not require claiming complete seclusion or making a general statement about the house’s environmental quality.
Show a typical day in an unusual house
Start your photo gallery by showing the relationship between the grounds and the building. Next, include photos of the entrance, the living area, the sleeping areas, the kitchen, and the bathroom. Show how the rooms connect. If a doorway is low or a corner of a room is particularly compact, this should be clearly visible. Guests don’t just want to be amazed—they also want to be able to imagine their daily life in the house.
A personal note can tie the photos together: Where do you like to sit in the morning, which spot is best for a rainy day, and where can you eat outside? Describe only what is actually offered. Decorative items and a beautiful view can create atmosphere, but they are no substitute for information about beds, cooking facilities, storage space, and shared areas.
An honest draft is a good start
On BookNoFees, you can list your earth-sheltered home for free. To do so, follow the general process for creating a listing and provide the appropriate category, description, photos, amenities, price, and availability. You don’t need to write a technical architectural description. The questions on this page are suggestions to help you make your listing easier for others to understand.
If possible, have someone who isn’t familiar with the house read your draft. Which rooms can this person identify, and which areas remain unclear? Such questions are often more useful than additional marketing phrases. Once the location, natural light, and intended use are clearly explained, you can let your personal enthusiasm for the earth-sheltered home shine through without creating expectations you can’t fulfill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is every earth-sheltered home automatically sustainable?
No, such a classification cannot be determined based solely on the building’s shape. Describe specific, verifiable features of your home and avoid making general environmental claims. When mentioning materials used or existing amenities, stick to verifiable details. This allows guests to form their own opinion without your listing having to provide a blanket assessment of the entire accommodation.
How can I honestly showcase darker rooms?
Take photos in natural light and show the actual windows or skylights. Describe what the space is used for and what lighting is available. A quiet, secluded sleeping area may be appropriate if that is what guests expect. It is important that the photos and description together convey a realistic impression of the room’s brightness and view.
Should the green roof be included in the listing?
Yes, if it characterizes the house. Be sure to distinguish its visible design from its potential uses. A green roof is not automatically a walk-out terrace. Clearly explain which areas are open to guests, and show available seating separately. This way, the unique appearance remains visible without promising an additional living area.
What information is particularly helpful before posting your first listing?
Start with the unit you’re offering, the number of sleeping spaces, access, and available amenities. Then fill in the questions specific to your earth-sheltered home regarding windows, outdoor areas, and floor plan. On BookNoFees, you’ll follow the same process as other hosts. The guidelines on this page are editorial suggestions and do not represent additional requirements for your home’s amenities.
