Leslie Anne Morris, Founder & CEO Invest in the Smoky Mountains.
The travel industry continues to be strong, especially post pandemic. A Vrbo trend report shows 22% of people cited mental health benefits and self-care as a motivation for travel. Travel provides incredible opportunities for real estate investors, especially if you pay attention to the latest travel trends. The report also found that 61% of families are more likely to visit a rural destination than an urban one. Another astonishingly high statistic shows that cabins have increased by 80% in popularity since Covid.
Smart investors are catering to what travelers are seeking by buying unique vacation homes in highly visited vacation markets. You get to choose if you want your investment property to be unique and fun. In my experience, I’m seeing guests who are truly seeking unique experiences when renting a short-term rental property. There are so many unique builds. Recently, I saw a refurbished, vintage Boeing 727 airplane in the jungles of Costa Rica on Airbnb. There is also a giant, 6-ton replica of a potato that has been hollowed out and converted into a surprisingly stylish Airbnb in Boise, Idaho. If you are considering investing, it may make sense to embrace the area you are in. While it’s not absolutely necessary to buy a potato house, if you have a lead on one, you might want to consider it! Let your imagination run wild. The following is a list of different types of properties to get your creative juices flowing:
• A tiny house in the countryside
• A modern glass house in the city
• A rustic cabin in the mountains
• A beach house on the coast
• A luxury apartment in a high-rise
• A mid-century home in the suburbs
• A converted barn in the country
• A treehouse in the woods
• A houseboat on a lake
• A yurt in the desert
• A tipi in the plains
• An airstream trailer in the mountains
• A school bus converted into a home
• A house on wheels
• A shipping container home
• A dome home in the desert
• An earthship in the mountains
• A tiny house on a trailer
• A treehouse in the forest
• A house in the sky
While not everyone is interested in pursuing properties like these in the near future, you may want to focus on properties with unique and distinct themes. Focusing on a cabin may be a smart move based on their recent rise in popularity.
Considering this data, designing a short-term rental cabin appears to be a great idea. A good place to start is to figure out if you want to design a cozy retreat or a modern getaway. Overall, you want to ensure the space is welcoming for guests and shouts cabin from the rooftops. This means your cabin needs to be beautiful, comfortable and special. Previously, cabins were typically known as rugged and rustic, but now anything goes.
When you’re thinking about design options for your cabin, a few top choices come to mind. Modern cabins are typically sleek with all the comforts of home and then some; don’t forget the hot tub. The modern cabin has clean lines and typically neutral colors. You could also consider adding pops of color to brighten up the space and keep it from being too monotone.
Industrial cabins are unique and trendy—think metal accents, exposed brick and maybe even concrete floors. Adding repurposed décor items and vintage finds adds both charm and character.
Rustic cabins are still popular, particularly with travelers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Incorporating natural materials like wood, stone and leather can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Consider adding a fireplace or wood stove to enhance the cozy vibe.
Scandinavian design cabins are known for their simplicity, functionality and clean lines. Incorporating natural materials like wood and textiles in muted tones can create a calm and relaxing environment for your guests.
If you don’t like these ideas, then come up with your own unique idea. As more travelers demand unique, private spaces, there are multiple opportunities for savvy investors to build a rewarding and fun business by investing in vacation cabins.
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