What makes a house feel comfortable

Books. There needs to be books.

The attitude of the people in it. As long as the cloakroom /bathroom is clean, I’m not bothered about furnishing. I’d prefer no dog smell, most people we know with dogs seem not to notice it in their homes.

A pet. I wish I was younger and fit enough to have one. I can’t even get a budgie as I had mice in the past when they were renovating next door.

Adequately cleaned and lived in. I hate those houses which are like showhomes and you daren't even sit down.
As an overnight guest, I always take all my own clutter away to my room rather than leaving it lying around.

I try my best with getting rid of dog smells - no carpet, dog beds washed before guests arrive etc. But our dogs are part of us and if someone can’t cope with it I am happy to book them in to a b&b.

I don’t want a repeat of the day my sister came with her other half and found out he was allergic to dogs. The dogs had to be shut out - it was cold, and he still couldn’t cope. They booked into a hotel, but didn’t come back the next day. It was a shame but why didn’t they say something. When a cousin came she said beforehand that she was frightened of dogs so we put them in the local kennels.

I like somewhere that’s clean and reasonably tidy, but not a show home. I enjoy looking at the books on the bookshelves, and the pictures on the wall, family photos etc. but not too many.

I’m afraid I am not a real animal lover, so if they have no pets, that suits me. (I realise that doesn’t go down well with many on GN).

Clean and comfortable rather than super stylish I think.
Harmonious colours rather than jarring mixes of bright colours and crazy patterns everywhere.
Books, cushions and a few photos and knick knacks and plants and flowers rather than hard lines and the minimalist look.

We don’t have pets at the moment, but I always think a sleeping curled up cat adds something to a room in the way of homeliness.?

Books for me too PaperMonster and 'posh ' magazines, not the celeb ones.

I understand not everyone likes animals Calendargirl there are some I'm not fond of either. We don't allow our dogs to pester people or hang around the table when we are eating. If I'm staying overnight I do like to have a bedroom window which opens.

‘Calendargirl’ I quite agree with you. I never go in those restaurants etc, who say they are ‘ dog friendly’.

When staying with friends or relatives, obviously it’s their style of decor, but as long as it’s clean and fresh that’s fine by me.I do like some space for my own things though and a rail with hangers for clothes and a bedside table.Not everyone thinks carefully about guests though!

I don’t really notice unless a place smells really bad (that includes the smell from having plug-in ‘air fresheners’ - they set off my asthma) or the bathroom isn’t clean. I’ve been made welcome in some fearfully dirty homes and felt uncomfortable with not-so-nice people, in immaculate homes.

A wall of books, a big squashy settee and a wood burning stove ( I know, it is bad for the planet, but I live in a rural area)

Clean and tidy, rich colours, lots of books, pictures and photos, candles, throws, and in winter, a lovely fire.

Seating that looks comfortable and inviting. I love a squishy sofa.
Clean bathroom and kitchens
Books and a few photos.
Somewhere between minimalist and hoarder level.
Fireplace - log burner does it for me.
Curtains not blinds.
Rugs not carpet
Soft lighting.

Whoops. One kitchen will do ?

Good lighting. I love big side lamps. &

No little coffee tables with long spindly legs just asking to be knocked over.

Comfortable seats with good back support.

If I'm staying over - a loo that isn't right next to the hosts' bedroom so I don't have that "Do I or don't I?" dilemma about flushing at night.

Indoor plants that are well cared for so I don't have to sit there worrying about them.

Clean kitchen and bathroom and a cat or two.

I don't mind untidy but I do like clean and dust free or I'll spend my visit sneezing and coughing. Smell free too, preferably - no strong perfumes/dog smells. (Don't mind the dog itself though. Or cats.)

Really don't care what they've got in the way of furnishings or decor, it's not my house after all, so long as there is somewhere reasonably comfy to sit and chat.

Clean and warm bed and I'm fine.

It's really the hosts that make you comfortable, not the house. I once stayed with some friends who invited me for a week and within two days I was desperate to go home. They were constantly on the phone/social media talking to friends and family but didn't seem to have the time to sit and chat with me without interruption. I ended up feeling in the way and I've never been back since.

Clean bathroom, soft sofas, soft lighting, woodburner, wooden floors with rugs, lots and lots of books and pictures on the wall. Plants. Soft, clean towels.

This is really useful as I'm trying to 'do up' my bungalow and make it comfortable. No central fire here at all, I do miss my woodburner - don't miss the messy ash and bill for the wood though!

I’m another who thinks aromas are important, and simply hate artificial air fresheners, candles, plug ins, and chemical cleaning smells. I’d rather have doggy smells. In holiday cottages I go round and remove air fresheners on arrival. I even dislike bedding which smells of perfumed washing powder.

Books and pets - my pets are part of my family and anyone who doesn't like them doesn't have to visit. Those who don't like animals are as welcome in our house as smokers - ie, not at all. My house, my rules.

Comfy sofas including possibly a foot stool, so they can put their feet up and relax. I tell them where drinks/coffee is, and to make their selves at home
I love seeing other people's individual art and the way they've decorated.