00VILLA GUIDE
Leaving a villa for a week or two
A week or two away is different from a whole summer, but a villa left unattended still faces heat, possible supply interruptions and the risk of a leak running unnoticed. A short routine before leaving — water, power, cooling, pool, garden and security — reduces the chance of returning to a problem.
01PART
Water and leaks
Read the water meter before leaving and on return. Consider isolating water to appliances such as washing machines. Make sure someone can check the villa if needed.
- Note the meter reading.
- Isolate appliances.
- Leave a contact with access.
02PART
Cooling and humidity
Switching all AC off in summer lets heat and humidity build, which can encourage mould. Leaving some units at a moderate setting keeps the house from overheating.
- Leave some AC at a moderate setting.
- Close blinds on sunny sides.
- Empty fridges of perishables.
03PART
Pool, garden and security
Set the pool pump and irrigation to run normally, or arrange for someone to check them. Test outdoor lighting timers and gate operation, and secure remotes.
- Keep pool filtration running.
- Check irrigation programmes.
- Test timers and gates.
04QUESTIONS
- Should I switch off the water?
- Isolating appliances reduces risk; whole-house shut-off affects irrigation and pool top-up.
- Should AC be off?
- Leaving some on at a moderate setting limits heat and humidity.
- Does the pool need care in a week?
- Filtration should keep running; summer may need a check.
- What about the fridge?
- Keep it running but remove perishables.