Just a little over a decade ago, Camilla Shipton was supporting her young family by cleaning holiday homes.

Armed with her vacuum cleaner, scrubbing brushes and dusters, she would go the extra mile to make sure the properties were especially spick and span for guests.

And it was her attention to detail and the tips she could offer owners on how to make their properties extra appealing that spawned a business idea.

Now she and her team manage some of east Kent’s most desirable holiday lets - from the cutest to the grandest. She insists they are good for the area, despite wider concerns some residents have over the impact the rise of Airbnbs is having on the rental market.

The properties she runs include Sea Purse - the stunning beachside former retreat of Noel Coward at St Margaret’s Bay. The playwright had James Bond author Ian Fleming as his neighbour and would host stars like Spencer Tracy, Katherine Hepburn, and Evelyn Waugh.

Then there’s Glen Hill in Walmer, a grand period family home with views over the rear of Walmer Castle and the sea beyond which can sleep up to 19.

Furthest afield is Lickfold Manor at Petworth in West Sussex - once Oliver Cromwell’s hunting lodge - which boasts six bedrooms and bathrooms a tennis court and a croquet lawn.

Some of the most spectacular homes can cost many thousands a week to rent. But for those looking for a more ‘budget’ stay, there are numerous cute and cosy cottages dotted along the east Kent coast and in the countryside which Camilla and her team manage.

She founded her Deal-based company, Keepers Cottages in 2013 which now has more than 150 properties across the county - from coastal retreats to country mansions and cottages - on its books.

The mum-of-three moved to the town from London and had to juggle work with bringing up her two sons and daughter.

“It was difficult with a 9 to 5 desk job but I really enjoyed housekeeping so cleaning worked for me,” she told KentOnline.

“I used to go that extra mile and then found more and more holiday homeowners wanting me to look after their properties.

“It was then I realised there was a niche in the market for a full management service.”

Initially, Camilla went into partnership with estate and letting agents Bright & Bright but then bought out their share in 2015 to go it alone.

Having grown the business from a core group of 25 homes, it now has 155 on its books.

And it’s a real family affair with daughter Phoebe and son Arthur also directors, while her other son Jack pursues a golfing career.

Camilla says the business’s success is largely down to being available 24/7 to deal with any issues.

“We are the eyes and ears for the owners and that is why we have succeeded as there are no other agencies like us in this area,” she said.

“But it’s very demanding and certainly not for the faint-hearted, because the job doesn’t stop at 5pm. You are trying to please both owners and guests.”

Now most of her holiday homeowners opt for her full management package, with rentals booked through the Keepers Cottages website. All the cleaning, laundry and even things like fixing leaks is looked after by the team.

Camilla says it was a “miracle” the business survived Covid but was able to bounce back when The Open golf came to Sandwich in 2021 and demand for property rentals went through the roof.

She also defends the growing number of properties in Deal and the surrounding area which owners, many from outside the area, have turned into holiday homes, potentially disrupting the local property market.

KentOnline revealed earlier this year that while there were 338 Airbnbs in Deal - just nine homes in the town were available for long-term rent.

“You have to take into account they bring huge economic benefits to the area because they attract so many visitors who spend money in the local shops, bars and restaurants,” she said.

The holiday periods of the year remain the most frantic for Keepers Cottages when Camilla still rolls up her sleeves and gets stuck into cleaning duties, despite being the boss.

“It simply has to be all hands to the deck at all hours, because it’s pretty relentless,” she said.

And the approaching Christmas holiday is no different, with most properties booked.

“Obviously, it’s dark and cold outside when guest arrive so we want to make sure the heating is on, there are logs for a woodburner and even a Christmas tree and mince pies,” she said.

Keepers Cottages is still looking to expand into other areas of Kent.

“We continue to grow year on year thanks to increasing demand for UK holidays and our very loyal customers and are always on the lookout for the right kind of properties,” Camilla added.