Behind the Red Shutters

What It Really Takes to Buy, Restore and Run a Boutique BnB

Ever dreamed of buying an old property somewhere in Europe, restoring it and turning it into your own boutique bed and breakfast?

It sounds idyllic, doesn't it? A beautiful historic building, interesting guests from around the world, leisurely breakfasts and the satisfaction of running your own little piece of paradise.

But what happens when the dream meets reality?

In Behind the Red Shutters, Australian author Glen Jones takes you behind the scenes of buying, restoring and operating a boutique BnB in Malta, based on his firsthand experience of running a hospitality business in a centuries-old property.

From navigating property purchases and renovation challenges to dealing with licensing, contractors, guests, marketing and the day-to-day realities of hospitality, Glen shares what actually happens when you turn a romantic idea into a functioning business.

And not everything goes according to plan!

Written with practical advice, personal stories and a healthy dose of humour, this book is part memoir, part business guide and part reality check for anyone considering a similar adventure.

What you'll discover

• Finding the right property: How to assess a potential BnB, understand your target guests and recognise problems before committing to a purchase.
• Buying property overseas: Lessons from purchasing in Malta, including Glen's experience of renting before completing the purchase.
• Restoring an old building: The realities of renovating a centuries-old property while preserving its original character.
• Licensing and approvals: Understanding the regulations, inspections and unexpected requirements involved in opening a hospitality business.
• Running a boutique BnB: What really happens behind the scenes, from welcoming guests and preparing rooms to managing everyday operations.
• Attracting bookings: Practical approaches to marketing, online booking platforms, direct reservations and building a reputation.
• Understanding the numbers: Budgeting, operating costs, pricing and the financial considerations that can make or break a hospitality venture.
• Avoiding expensive mistakes: Lessons learned from decisions, unexpected complications and things Glen would approach differently with the benefit of hindsight.

More than just a story about Malta

While the book is based on Glen's experiences in Malta, the lessons extend well beyond one Mediterranean island.

Whether you're considering a guesthouse in Portugal, a boutique BnB in France, a small hotel in Italy or a country retreat closer to home, many of the same questions apply.

How do you choose the right property?

How much should you budget for renovations?

What permissions will you need?

How will you attract enough guests?

And perhaps most importantly, is this really the business and lifestyle you want?

Behind the Red Shutters helps you think through those questions before investing your savings, time and energy.

Practical tools included with your purchase

Unlike a conventional memoir, this book includes useful planning resources to help you evaluate your own hospitality project.

Your digital package includes:

• The complete illustrated PDF eBook: Glen's firsthand account, practical advice and lessons from buying, restoring and running a boutique BnB.
• Property Findings Register: A structured tool to help assess potential properties and record important observations.
• Renovation Budget Spreadsheet: An Excel planning tool to help organise and estimate renovation expenditure.
• Guest Welcome Pack Template: A starting point for preparing helpful information for your future guests.

These resources are designed to help you move beyond dreaming about a BnB and start evaluating whether the idea is financially and operationally realistic.

Who is this book for?

This book is particularly suited to:

• People dreaming of buying and renovating property in Europe.
• Aspiring BnB, guesthouse and boutique hotel owners.
• Anyone considering a lifestyle change involving hospitality.
• Property renovators interested in historic buildings.
• Small business owners and entrepreneurs exploring accommodation businesses.
• Readers who enjoy real-life stories about living and working overseas.

You don't need previous hospitality experience to enjoy this book. In fact, understanding the realities before you begin could be one of the most valuable reasons to read it.

What you're purchasing

Digital eBook package — US$19.99

Your purchase includes the complete 57-page PDF eBook, together with the accompanying Excel planning resources and guest welcome template described above.

Download your files immediately after purchase and read the book on your computer, tablet or compatible mobile device.

This is a digital product. No physical book will be shipped.

About the author

Glen Jones is an Australian author and entrepreneur with a background in business development, property, finance and hospitality.

After purchasing and restoring a centuries-old property in Malta, Glen spent approximately six and a half years operating it as a boutique BnB, gaining firsthand experience in everything from renovations and licensing to guest management and marketing.

Behind the Red Shutters is his account of that experience—the challenges, unexpected discoveries, practical lessons and memorable moments that come with turning an old building into a hospitality business.

He is also the author of Write It. Publish It. Sell It., a practical guide to writing, publishing and selling your first book using AI and Amazon KDP.

The dream of owning a boutique BnB can be wonderful. Knowing what you're getting into is even better.

Behind the Red Shutters — discover what really happens behind the scenes before you take the plunge.