This year marks ten years since I first welcomed guests to The Lincoln House on Airbnb, and I have found myself feeling quietly emotional about it. Not because it is a milestone to shout about, but because it is a reminder of how many lovely people have walked through the little black gate of No2 Wordsworth Street, put the kettle on and made themselves at home in Lincoln.
No2 Wordsworth Street, home of “The Lincoln House”
Many guests have come for a quick city break, others for family celebrations. Some have travelled a long way to see the cathedral and castle for the first time. And a few have come back time and time again, which is the biggest compliment of all: “Each time over the years when we open the front door to Joy’s lovely place we feel like we are coming ‘home’.”
Ten years of hosting, and a lot to be grateful for
When I started hosting in 2015, I simply hoped people would enjoy staying here. Over the years, what has surprised me most is how often guests mention the same things, the details that make a stay feel easy and comfortable.
As I write this, The Lincoln House has received over 200 glowing reviews and has held Superhost status consistently for years. I do not take either of those lightly. Every review represents real time in the house and memories made in the city.
What guests mention most (and why it matters)
Reading back through guest reviews is a little like seeing the house through other people’s eyes. Certain themes come up again and again, and they are exactly what I try to focus on.
1) Location and walkability
Guests often say how much they love being able to explore on foot. Steep Hill, Lincoln Castle, and Cathedral are all close enough that many people park up and barely touch the car again: “Once we found a parking space we were happy to leave it there for the weekend and explore by foot.” One guest put it simply: “The location is perfect!”
2) Cleanliness and presentation
This one matters to me deeply. The Lincoln House is a period townhouse, but it should always feel fresh, spotless, and cared for. So when guests say things like “the house is perfect upon arrival, sparkling clean…”, they reflect exactly the standard I want every time. This one really made us blush: “A truly stunning house you won’t want to leave”!
3) Comfort and that “home from home” feeling
A holiday let should never feel like you are making do. I want guests to sleep well, feel warm, and be able to properly relax. One guest described it perfectly: “A well equipped, cosy home from home…”
4) Communication and care
Hosting is not just keys and check-in times. It is answering questions quickly, sharing local recommendations, and making sure people feel confident before they arrive. So when guests praise us for being “very communicative and quick to respond” I am thrilled because it is the part of hosting that is easiest to underestimate and hardest to fake.
5) Thoughtful extras
It is rarely about grand gestures. It is about the small things that help you settle in. One guest said: “We were able to make hot drinks straight away as there was a great selection of tea and coffee.” Guests often mention the tea and coffee, milk on arrival, toiletries, and a kitchen that is properly equipped for self-catering.
6) Those little Lincoln moments
Some of my favourite reviews are the ones that mention the atmosphere of this incredible part of Lincoln. “Listening to the cathedral bells alone is an amazing experience.” The cathedral bells. The sense of history all around you. The quiet feeling of being tucked just off the main street, while still being right in the heart of the city.
Thank you
If you have stayed with us over the last ten years, thank you. Thank you for choosing Lincoln, for taking care of the house, and for leaving such generous words.
Here’s to the next chapter, and to many more guests discovering this special city. “We will be back.”