A retired woman has discovered a new business that allows her to win 4,000 euros in summer only using the space of her garden. He discovered it in 2020, while watching a report on the television news that Swimmy presented about a private pool rental platform. This idea left her intrigued and thought she could apply it to her own home, having a pool at home that was practically not used, as an interview with Figaro.
Dominique, 73, decided to transform the garden of his villa into Médan, in the department of Yvelines (France), into a private oasis every summer. During the last 5 years, this retiree receives family, friends and colleagues who come to enjoy their pool, nestled in the heart of a vast wooded park. Ideal to spend a time of true relax.
You may be interested
An Malvive lawyer to save 12,000 euros per month and retire at 45: “I prefer the freedom to money”
Marsha, 77 years: “I have retired in Spain because in that country I could live on my pension, not as in the United States”
It all started that summer day when Dominique saw the television report that inspired her. “It was June 2020 and it was very hot,” recalls the protagonist, who lives with her husband in a large family house, built in a 5,000 square meter park, with pool, swings and even a tennis track. “Our children have grown, the pool was often unused. I took some photos, I enrolled … and that same night, I already had several requests,” explains Dominique.
It charges 40 euros for half a day per adult
Since then, it opens its garden every summer to a clientele that seeks tranquility and nature. The activity is supervised: the retiree charges 40 euros for half a day per adult, half per child, and accepts up to ten people for rent. “We do not want it to become a municipal party,” he jokes.
On his clients, Dominique declares that they are families, groups of friends or young women mainly those who rent the space. They are usually people looking for a place away from indiscreet looks. “Some come because they don’t want to wear a swimsuit in a public place. They feel free here,” says Dominique.
When they arrive at the scene, customers receive a brief presentation of the facilities and the standards before entering: for example, among the standards, it is mandatory to use flip flops in the garden, you have to collect the garbage and it is necessary to respect the neighborhood. Then, Dominique and her husband maintain a low profile. “Our house is shaped like L, so we have no direct views of the pool. People feel at home. We are available if they need us, but they are independent.”
The retiree and former secretary, did not want to devote to something very laborious being withdrawal, but it did stay entertaining and win an extra: “You have to order, clean the pool booth, put the cushions re -place … but that is nothing compared to an airbnb rental,” compares Dominique. In addition, global warming has caused the season to last more than expected and are open for a longer time: “We open in May, sometimes even in April, and rent until the end of September.”
The most popular schedules? On weekends, especially for private events such as birthdays or bachelorette parties, and the afternoons during the week to take something with colleagues after work. All transactions are made through the Swimmy platform, which charges a 17% commission on the amount paid to the owner. “It is very easy to manage. We receive a summary at the end of the season and there are no direct transactions with the tenants.” Revenue is tax exempt provided they do not exceed € 760 per year (VAT included).
They earn 2,000 euros per month in high season
Regarding what they earn, Dominique, who receives a pension of 800 euros per month, and her husband can earn up to 2,000 euros per month in high season thanks to her pool. “These additional income helps us maintain the house and the garden, which require a lot: maintenance of the pool, landscaping, cleaning products, etc.”
Although the issue of income is not the most important for them, since it is an activity that Dominique enjoys a lot: “It is a true social connection. We know people from all areas, of all ages. It helps us not to get bored in retirement,” says the protagonist, who does not plan to leave it for now: “While we can do it, we will continue. It is a precious freedom. We share our vital space, without the usual limitations of the rent.”