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Host & Stay acquires Canterbury short-term let company Blue Fox Rentals

Host & Stay, the UK’s fastest-growing family-owned holiday let management company, acquires Blue Fox Rentals, a Canterbury-based short-term let property management company. The merger not only aligns two businesses with shared values and a dedicated commitment to quality, but it also ensures the continued expansion of the Host & Stay portfolio, which now incorporates over 1000 properties.


Blue Fox Rentals, founded by Barbara Beutler in 2016, was established to offer an end-to-end property management solution for the growing marketplace in Canterbury, and the surrounding Kent region. The focus on customer relationships and personal touch to property management, aligned with the Host & Stay team vision. This will allow the Host & Stay Brand to build on the strong foundations and grow in a new and exciting market.


Barbara Beutler, founder of Blue Fox Rentals, expressed her excitement about the merger: ‘We are excited by the opportunities that the merger with Host & Stay will bring, for our customers, our suppliers, our team and our community in Kent and the wider South East region. Our focus as a company has always been in building a culture of people who really care about delivering 5 star hospitality, excellent customer experience and who go above and beyond to offer a comprehensive and unique service. I know this vision is aligned with Dale’s and so we can’t wait to take the business to the next level by being part of the Host & Stay family.’

Dale Smith, CEO of Host & Stay, shared his enthusiasm: We’re delighted to welcome Blue Fox Rentals to the Host & Stay Group of businesses. We’re excited to be working with Barbara and her team to develop and grow the services available to existing property owners, and to enable the future growth of the portfolio across Kent. Our proven organic growth plans will result in a larger selection of properties for existing Blue Fox and Host & Stay guests, as well as future guests alike. But will also drive increased economic benefit for local independent businesses and communities across the region via our StayLocal programme.

Since its founding in December 2018, Host & Stay has experienced impressive organic growth, with their property portfolio doubling year on year. Their success lies in their hands-free, end-to-end service, from cleaning and maintenance to marketing and guest relations.


Host & Stay offers holiday home owners a hassle-free management solution, with an industry leading 10% + VAT management fee and no restrictions on owner bookings. Their mission is to make the UK one of the most popular, guest centric holiday destinations in the world, and this initial acquisition is only the start for Host & Stay.

Over the next three years, the company have ambitious plans to grow through additional mergers and acquisitions across the holiday home and short-term rental management industry. Through reinvestment of profits, Host & Stay is poised to scale their operations, enabling them to optimise their capabilities, enhance service offerings, and extend their reach to customers throughout the UK. With a firm commitment to delivering best-in-class services, Host & Stay is positioned to establish a strong foothold in the market and drive sustained growth in the years ahead.

Discover hassle-free property management or find your next stay in Canterbury www.hostandstay.co.uk

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