Today we're welcoming Kendra, a real estate agent and A-frame cabin owner in Lake Almanor, California, who brings a uniquely practical perspective to the world of cabin ownership. From her family's deep roots in real estate investment to managing her own A-frame in an HOA-controlled community, Kendra shares valuable insights on the financial realities of cabin ownership in today's market. We'll explore how she transformed her three-level A-frame with strategic renovations, discovered her unexpected guest demographic, and navigates the challenges of operating a seasonal property that's "in the red" despite what AirDNA might suggest.

Whether you're considering buying a vacation property, curious about the impact of HOA regulations on short-term rentals, or interested in the nuts and bolts of real estate investment strategy, this conversation offers both practical wisdom and honest reflection. We'll dive into everything from the tax advantages of making your children "employees" of your LLC to the surprising disparity between projected and actual rental income, and why thinking long-term might be the smartest approach in today's challenging market.

INSTAGRAM
@almanoraframe

@cozyrockcabin

@cozycampsebec

@cozycabinboone

BOOKING SITES

Almanor A-Frame: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/54071556
Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026
Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051
Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com

Book a Cabin Consultation Here: http://www.staycozycabin.com

Today we're welcoming Lynn from Fresh Coast Cabins, whose journey from digital marketing executive to cabin entrepreneur offers a refreshing perspective on placemaking in the wilderness of Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula. From renovating a single rustic cabin to developing a collection of lakeside retreats, a public sauna, and now even a bar and event space, Lynn shares how her passion for creating meaningful experiences has evolved into a thriving ecosystem of hospitality ventures. We'll explore her philosophy that cabin culture is about connecting guests to the unique beauty and heritage of Lake Superior, including the area's deep Finnish roots and mining history.

Whether you're curious about managing guest expectations in remote locations, navigating the balance between rustic charm and modern comforts, or interested in leveraging digital marketing to build direct bookings, this conversation offers both practical wisdom and a thoughtful perspective on intentional growth. We'll dive into everything from the ritual of seasonality along Lake Superior's shores to the challenges of operating in a place where the nearest big box store is three hours away, and why sometimes the most memorable experiences come from embracing the imperfections rather than hiding them.

WEBSITE: https://freshcoastcabins.com

INSTAGRAM
@freshcoastcabins

@cozyrockcabin

@cozycampsebec

@cozycabinboone

BOOKING SITES

Fresh Coast Cabins: https://freshcoastcabins.com
Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026
Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051
Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com

Book a Cabin Consultation Here: http://www.staycozycabin.com

Today we're welcoming Andy Whitcomb, whose journey from furniture designer to cabin creator offers fresh insights into crafting immersive experiences that reconnect guests with nature. From his early days learning Airbnb hosting in a six-bedroom Seattle house to creating a row of three stunning riverside cabins, Andy shares how his background in design and entrepreneurship has shaped his approach to hospitality. We'll explore his philosophy that cabin culture is about "leaving the fake, superficial world and entering a more real world," and how that belief guides every decision – from foregoing TVs in favor of record players to creating Instagram-worthy moments that don't feel contrived.

Whether you're an established host looking to elevate your property from good to great, someone curious about the evolution of Airbnb from its early days to post-pandemic reality, or simply interested in the intersection of design, nature, and hospitality, this conversation offers both practical wisdom and creative inspiration. We'll dive into everything from the importance of creating unique experiences to navigating county permit challenges, and why sometimes the best feature of your property is the one thing you can't create yourself.

WEBSITE: https://canyoncreekcabins.com

IG HANDLES
@canyoncreekcabins

@cozyrockcabin

@cozycampsebec

@cozycabinboone

BOOKING SITES

Canyon Creek Cabins: https://canyoncreekcabins.com
Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026
Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051
Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com

Book a Cabin Consultation Here: http://www.staycozycabin.com

Today we're welcoming Nat Farber, whose journey from NASA's Europa Clipper mission to mountain cabin builder offers a refreshing perspective on the art of slow building. From finding burned land after the Four Mile Canyon Fire to spending ten years crafting his vision, Nat shares how approaching construction as a creative project rather than a race to completion allowed him to build something truly unique. We'll explore how his engineering background influenced his design process, why he chose to test materials on a practice shed first, and how he eventually transitioned from aerospace to full-time building projects.

Whether you're dreaming of designing your own space, curious about the intersection of engineering and architecture, or interested in how patience and persistence can lead to extraordinary results, this conversation offers both technical insights and creative inspiration. We'll dive into everything from fire-resistant building materials to the value of experiencing land through all seasons, and why sometimes the best designs come from letting inspiration find you. Let's dive in!

WEBSITE: https://www.themountainlookout.com/

IG HANDLES
@themountainlookout

@cozyrockcabin

@cozycampsebec

@cozycabinboone

BOOKING SITES
Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026
Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051
Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com

Book a Cabin Consultation Here: http://www.staycozycabin.com

Today we're welcoming Zoe Berghoff, whose journey from glamping property owner to mentor and real estate developer offers a refreshing perspective on creating unique stays that align with your lifestyle. From transforming abandoned log cabins to developing off-grid properties at 8,000 feet, Zoe shares how focusing on quality over quantity has shaped her approach to hospitality. We'll explore why she believes the short-term rental industry is at a pivotal moment, and how hosts can create authentic experiences that stand out in an increasingly crowded market.

Whether you're dreaming of developing raw land, considering your first renovation project, or simply interested in building a sustainable hospitality business that aligns with your values, this conversation offers both practical wisdom and strategic insights. We'll dive into everything from the importance of local market knowledge to the realities of property development, and why sometimes the best deals are the ones you create yourself. Let's dive in!

WEBSITE: https://www.zoeyberghoff.com

FREE RESOURCES! https://www.zoeyberghoff.com/tools

IG HANDLES
@zoeyberghoff

@cozyrockcabin

@cozycampsebec

@cozycabinboone

BOOKING SITES
Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026
Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051
Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com

Book a Cabin Consultation Here: http://www.staycozycabin.com

Today we're welcoming Nicole, known online as The Cabin Hunter, whose journey from wedding photographer to cabin specialist offers unique insights into the art of capturing and marketing vacation properties. From photographing over 100 unique properties across the globe to co-founding a property management company, Nicole shares how telling a cabin's story goes far beyond just beautiful photos. We'll explore everything from what to look for when hiring a photographer to the small details that can make or break a guest's experience, and why sometimes the most meaningful shots happen at sunrise or around a carefully staged campfire.

Whether you're a cabin owner looking to elevate your marketing, a photographer interested in specializing in cabin photography, or simply curious about what makes certain properties stand out from the crowd, this conversation offers both practical wisdom and creative inspiration. We'll dive into the spectrum of photography options available to hosts, the importance of proper gear and backup equipment, and why telling a cabin's story sometimes means digging into its history.

CABIN HUNTER WEBSITE: https://www.thecabinhunter.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZ9Wz3tPnSF23cmiXyv9pUeOQTSY8LY0OQSX_hsk_jjIW-PiwD8FgTKUJE_aem_qYQsdjwTEIA2TZJMpFOBxA

IG HANDLES
@thecabinhunter

@cozyrockcabin

@cozycampsebec

@cozycabinboone

BOOKING SITES
Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026
Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051
Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com

Book a Cabin Consultation Here: http://www.staycozycabin.com

Today we're welcoming Carrie from Roost North Rentals, whose journey from a self-described "failed stay-at-home mom" to the owner of nine successful vacation rentals in Traverse City, Michigan, offers a masterclass in thoughtful growth and systematic hospitality. From her first casual property purchase in 2015 to her latest A-frame renovation and plans for an 18-cottage resort, Carrie shares how creating strong systems and maintaining high standards has allowed her to scale while keeping the personal touch that makes each stay special. We'll explore how she transformed a $75,000 A-frame "disaster" into a stunning retreat, and why sometimes the best business decisions come from following your gut while keeping one eye on the numbers.

Whether you're dreaming of growing your rental portfolio, curious about the evolution of hospitality over the last decade, or fascinated by the intersection of systems and soul in hosting, this conversation offers both practical wisdom and inspiring insights. We'll dive into everything from commercial laundry solutions to the importance of proper labeling, and why sometimes the best growth happens when you take your time. Let's dive in!

IG HANDLES
@roostnorthrentals

@cozyrockcabin

@cozycampsebec

@cozycabinboone

BOOKING SITES
Direct Booking: https://www.roostnorth.com

Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026
Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051
Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com

Book a Cabin Consultation Here: http://www.staycozycabin.com

Today we're chatting with Alison from Water Camp, whose collection of 1950s fishing cabins on Torch Lake, Michigan, beautifully balances modern comfort with vintage charm. From her thoughtful perspective on embracing imperfection to her three core values of rest, connection, and exploration, Alison shares how authenticity in hospitality often means resisting the urge to make everything perfect. We'll explore how she transformed three aging lakeside cottages into spaces that honor their historic roots while meeting modern expectations, and why sometimes the most memorable stays aren't about luxury - they're about character.

For anyone questioning the balance between renovation and preservation, wondering how to build a business that aligns with their values, or seeking to create experiences that feel both polished and approachable, this conversation offers both practical insights and philosophical wisdom. We'll dive into everything from the financials of hosting to the importance of giving back, and why sometimes the hardest part of growth is knowing when to say no.

IG HANDLES
@water_camp

@cozyrockcabin

@cozycampsebec

@cozycabinboone

BOOKING SITES
Water Camp Direct Booking: https://watercampstays.com/book-now

Birch Cottage: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/49837024?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYmOHhi1xikTWnEhgh5pZ-mQfFNK8dGP4cibbYDLpcaCZmV3-Fygy_ui10_aem_omrkzWfF_xATe7cBD0lNnA&source_impression_id=p3_1739320076_P3PVmBwE2lZ2DFvB

Cedar Cabin: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/44088764?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaa9iyrIVhEWn4t12D_dUBruh1wm48IbfkNo6g9alJu2CIWP2sU4UgGDc8Q_aem_diwyrG2KaS59CCkDb49vVA

Blue Spruce Cottage: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/547772400314458231?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaW8D3tK2b7dpUqxFKCR41k_ujW-vi2lUEc2XvTd8oRMk94KOg4ftchKug_aem_xSdDThzPaTCajHiXIufOrA&source_impression_id=p3_1739320112_P3gGZPoVhSvi9GFJ

Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026
Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051

Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com
Book a Cabin Consultation Here: http://www.staycozycabin.com