Behind the Stays

Meet Margaret Shutze — the creator and owner of Flat Mountain Farm, a luxury escape and events venue in the Appalachian Mountains of Highlands, North Carolina. Margaret has helped design some of the world’s most incredible luxury hotels working on projects for The Ritz Carlton, Belmond, Waldorf Astoria, and the Four Seasons. And it was her love for design and hospitality that inspired her and her husband Chris to take a risk and build a couple of Airbnb’s and a micro-events venue on the 3 acre lot they lived on in Colorado. To their surprise, it was a hit! So much so that they began to dream of something even bigger… Tune in to hear the story behind how Margaret and Chris bought a magical, rustic, 28-acre plot of land and transformed it into a haven that they call Flat Mountain Farm. Book your stay at Flat Mountain Farm Follow Flat Mountain Farm on Instagram This week's episode is brought to you Guesty for Hosts — the bestie of top-rated Airbnb hosts. It’s 11:32 pm on a Thursday night and you wake up in a panic. You forgot to send your guests the custom lockbox combination for your Airbnb, and you missed the 17 messages they sent saying they couldn’t get in because you enabled “sleep mode” on your iPhone — you know, to try and cut down on screen time before bed and all. After apologizing profusely and sending them a bottle of bubbly — in hopes they won’t leave you a 1-star review — you think to yourself, “how do other hosts stay on top of guest communications?" The answer? They use Guesty For Hosts — an easy to use rental management platform. With features like Automated Messages that send important communications to guests at the exact right times…you'll never have to jeopardize your beauty sleep again. Guesty For Hosts allows short-term rental hosts to manage listings from Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com in one calendar and send a series of automated messages before, during, and after their stay. The platform also has features that help you manage cleanings, build a custom booking website, and so much more. Start your 14 day free trial today — no credit card, set up fee, or commitment required — and cancel anytime if you don't love it. While getting started, use the discount code “SPONSTAYNEOUS” for 20% off of your first year." Behind the Stays is brought to you each week by Sponstayneous — a free, biweekly newsletter that brings subscribers the best last-minute deals and upcoming steals on Airbnb. You can subscribe, for free, at www.sponstayneous.com

Meet Alex Breen, founder of BnB Buyer — a biweekly newsletter that brings subscribers a list of new Airbnb and other short term rentals that are for sale. Alex grew up vacationing in short term rentals — in fact his family was an early adopter of VRBO. One afternoon, while Alex was in Dublin, his parents were scouting out second homes around Lake Norman in North Carolina. They stumbled upon an incredible home for sale and, after speaking with the realtor, discovered that the home was being used as a short term rental. Knowing that there was a reputable history of bookings gave Alex’s family the confidence they needed to purchase the home. And it was this experience that sparked the idea for what would become BnB Buyer. You can subscribe to BnB Buyer for free here. This week's episode is brought to you Guesty for Hosts — the bestie of top-rated Airbnb hosts. It’s 11:32 pm on a Thursday night and you wake up in a panic. You forgot to send your guests the custom lockbox combination for your Airbnb, and you missed the 17 messages they sent saying they couldn’t get in because you enabled “sleep mode” on your iPhone — you know, to try and cut down on screen time before bed and all. After apologizing profusely and sending them a bottle of bubbly — in hopes they won’t leave you a 1-star review — you think to yourself, “how do other hosts stay on top of guest communications?" The answer? They use Guesty For Hosts — an easy to use rental management platform. With features like Automated Messages that send important communications to guests at the exact right times…you'll never have to jeopardize your beauty sleep again. Guesty For Hosts allows short-term rental hosts to manage listings from Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com in one calendar and send a series of automated messages before, during, and after their stay. The platform also has features that help you manage cleanings, build a custom booking website, and so much more. Start your 14 day free trial today — no credit card, set up fee, or commitment required — and cancel anytime if you don't love it. While getting started, use the discount code “SPONSTAYNEOUS” for 20% off of your first year." Behind the Stays is brought to you each week by Sponstayneous — a free, biweekly newsletter that brings subscribers the best last-minute deals and upcoming steals on Airbnb. You can subscribe, for free, at www.sponstayneous.com

Meet Mike Belleme — the creator of The Nook, an obsessively handcrafted Airbnb just outside Asheville, NC. Growing up, Mike loved to skateboard — at one point he even thought he might go pro. But as he grew up, another craft he had dabbled in began to pique his interest even more. And that craft was photography. Mike’s incredible focus and unrelenting pursuit of perfection has landed him gigs with media companies like National Geographic, Time Magazine, Rolling Stone, and The New York Times. And while his passion has been, and continues to be, storytelling through the medium of still images, Mike recognizes that photography has its limits when it comes to evoking emotion and changing perspectives. And it was this recognition, in part, that inspired him to build a story in the form of a house, which became The Nook. Tune in to hear how Mike and his wife Kristen created a tiny home where Japanese aesthetic intersects with Anthropologie-esque accents and where everything from your coffee mug to the tile in the bathroom is handmade by a local artist. Book Your Stay at The Nook Follow The Nook on Instagram Visit Mike's Website This week's episode is brought to you Guesty for Hosts — the bestie of top-rated Airbnb hosts. It’s 11:32 pm on a Thursday night and you wake up in a panic. You forgot to send your guests the custom lockbox combination for your Airbnb, and you missed the 17 messages they sent saying they couldn’t get in because you enabled “sleep mode” on your iPhone — you know, to try and cut down on screen time before bed and all. After apologizing profusely and sending them a bottle of bubbly — in hopes they won’t leave you a 1-star review — you think to yourself, “how do other hosts stay on top of guest communications?" The answer? They use Guesty For Hosts — an easy to use rental management platform. With features like Automated Messages that send important communications to guests at the exact right times…you'll never have to jeopardize your beauty sleep again. Guesty For Hosts allows short-term rental hosts to manage listings from Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com in one calendar and send a series of automated messages before, during, and after their stay. The platform also has features that help you manage cleanings, build a custom booking website, and so much more. Start your 14 day free trial today — no credit card, set up fee, or commitment required — and cancel anytime if you don't love it. While getting started, use the discount code “SPONSTAYNEOUS” for 20% off of your first year." Behind the Stays is brought to you each week by Sponstayneous — a free, biweekly newsletter that brings subscribers the best last-minute deals and upcoming steals on Airbnb. You can subscribe, for free, at www.sponstayneous.com

In just a moment you’ll meet Joshua Nunnally, the creator of The Shelltown Sanctuary in San Diego, California. Joshua is an artist. Originally from Fresno, Joshua moved to San Diego to go to architectural school. A few years afterwards, in late January of 2020, he stumbled upon a home in southeast San Diego that seemed almost too good to be true. When Joshua and his now husband bought the place, they had no intention of listing it on Airbnb. But after COVID hit, Joshua found himself with more time on his hands. And with it, he decided to transform his home into an artistic oasis complete with original art pieces, pottery, and more than 25 live plants. Once the rainforest master bathroom, speakeasy guest bathroom, and insta-worthy backyard space were all finished, Joshua knew this space was just too cool to not share with others. Tune in to hear the story behind how Joshua brought The Shelltown Sanctuary to life. Book you stay at The Shelltown Sanctuary Follow The Shelltown Sanctuary on Instagram Contact Josh at [email protected] View Josh's Etsy Store, Imperfect Ceramics This week's episode is brought to you Guesty for Hosts — the bestie of top-rated Airbnb hosts. It’s 11:32 pm on a Thursday night and you wake up in a panic. You forgot to send your guests the custom lockbox combination for your Airbnb, and you missed the 17 messages they sent saying they couldn’t get in because you enabled “sleep mode” on your iPhone — you know, to try and cut down on screen time before bed and all. After apologizing profusely and sending them a bottle of bubbly — in hopes they won’t leave you a 1-star review — you think to yourself, “how do other hosts stay on top of guest communications?" The answer? They use Guesty For Hosts — an easy to use rental management platform. With features like Automated Messages that send important communications to guests at the exact right times…you'll never have to jeopardize your beauty sleep again. Guesty For Hosts allows short-term rental hosts to manage listings from Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com in one calendar and send a series of automated messages before, during, and after their stay. The platform also has features that help you manage cleanings, build a custom booking website, and so much more. Start your 14 day free trial today — no credit card, set up fee, or commitment required — and cancel anytime if you don't love it. While getting started, use the discount code “SPONSTAYNEOUS” for 20% off of your first year." Behind the Stays is brought to you each week by Sponstayneous — a free, biweekly newsletter that brings subscribers the best last-minute deals and upcoming steals on Airbnb. You can subscribe, for free, at www.sponstayneous.com

In just a moment you’ll meet Steven and Kylee Niederhauser, the founders of Arrivls, a boutique vacation rentals management company based in San Diego, California. Steven and Kylee have always loved to travel. They are the kind of people that would rather book a last-minute weekend getaway than wine and dine at California’s latest Michelin star restaurant. After traveling in Europe for four years, they decided to move to San Diego. They really wanted to live near Mission Beach but weren’t sure how to make it work financially…and that’s when the idea came to them. What if they bought a duplex and rented half of the house out as an Airbnb? And while they didn’t know it at the time, this idea would ultimately enable the couple to leave their jobs and build one of Southern California’s top-rated collections of short term rentals. You can: Check out the entire Arrivls collection on their website Follow the Rockaway House on Instagram Follow Arrivls on Instagram Subscribe to their YouTube Channel (launching soon)! This week's episode is brought to you Guesty for Hosts — the bestie of top-rated Airbnb hosts. It’s 11:32 pm on a Thursday night and you wake up in a panic. You forgot to send your guests the custom lockbox combination for your Airbnb, and you missed the 17 messages they sent saying they couldn’t get in because you enabled “sleep mode” on your iPhone — you know, to try and cut down on screen time before bed and all. After apologizing profusely and sending them a bottle of bubbly — in hopes they won’t leave you a 1-star review — you think to yourself, “how do other hosts stay on top of guest communications?" The answer? They use Guesty For Hosts — an easy to use rental management platform. With features like Automated Messages that send important communications to guests at the exact right times…you'll never have to jeopardize your beauty sleep again. Guesty For Hosts allows short-term rental hosts to manage listings from Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com in one calendar and send a series of automated messages before, during, and after their stay. The platform also has features that help you manage cleanings, build a custom booking website, and so much more. Start your 14 day free trial today — no credit card, set up fee, or commitment required — and cancel anytime if you don't love it. While getting started, use the discount code “SPONSTAYNEOUS” for 20% off of your first year." Behind the Stays is brought to you each week by Sponstayneous — a free, biweekly newsletter that brings subscribers the best last-minute deals and upcoming steals on Airbnb. You can subscribe, for free, at www.sponstayneous.com

Get ready to meet Amy Corbett Co-Founder of All Belong Co — a collective of short term rentals based in Lynchburg, Virginia. Amy and her husband Marc have a rich story. The couple has been married for over twenty years and have two amazing children through the gift of adoption. After working in campus ministry for 17 years, they left salaries and financial stability and even their community behind in order to go “all in” on their life-long side hobby of renovating houses until they could figure out what was next. They started their first Airbnb in 2018 and the couple was instantly hooked. It became clear that creating these welcoming spaces where anyone could belong was not just a mission, but a calling for their family. They were made for this. Tune in to hear the inspiring story of how Amy and her family, who often feel as though there aren’t enough places where they truly “fit”, built a budding short-term-rental empire that focuses on crafting welcoming spaces not just where people can stay, but where they can truly belong. Learn more about Amy and the All Belong Co story by visiting their website or following her on Instagram. Behind the Stays is brought to you by Sponstayneous — a newsletter that brings you the best last-minute deals and upcoming steals on Airbnb twice a week. You can subscribe, for free, here.

In just a moment you’ll meet Navid Safabakhsh, the creator of Safa Farms — a boutique eco-hotel featuring a collection of cabins outside of Guadalajara, Mexico. Navid is a serial entrepreneur. He founded an agency that helped build products for companies like eBay, Comcast, and LinkedIn before founding a company called Placeit which was a design and mockup tool for creatives that he’d eventually sell to Envato — the leading marketplace for creative assets. After spending several years building his various businesses, Navid wanted to work on a different kind of project — a project that felt more like play and less like work and somehow conjoined hospitality with sustainability. Tune in to hear the impressive story of how Navid designed an adventurous farm escape in harmony with the environment and ecosystem around it. You can book your stay at Safa Farms here and follow them on Instagram here. Behind the Stays is brought to you by Sponstayneous — a weekly newsletter that brings you the best last-minute deals and upcoming steals on Airbnb. You can subscribe, for free, here.

In just a moment you’ll meet Kayla Stormont — the creator of The Apex Cabin in Big Bear, California. When Kayla would go to a toy store or jewelry shop as a kid, and ask her mom for a trinket or a pair of earrings, her mom wouldn’t often say, “No, I’m not buying you that, you could make that yourself.” And while she didn’t know it at the time, this encouragement would serve her well as an adult. As a native of the Island of Hawaii, Kayla has always loved the mountains. So when she visited Big Bear for the first time after moving to LA, she knew she needed to find a way to acquire a mountain home. Tune in to hear the story of how Kayla went from cutting drywall in a Lowe's parking lot on a Friday night to transforming a historic, 1960s A-Frame into a contemporary modern escape. Book your stay at The Apex Cabin here and follow The Apex on Instagram here. Behind the Stays is brought to you by Sponstayneous — a weekly newsletter that brings you the best last-minute deals and upcoming steals on Airbnb. You can subscribe, for free, here.

In just a moment you’ll meet Kelly Cronin — the creator of Cronin's Castles, which is a new collection of unique short-term rentals. Kelly has always loved to travel and refers to herself as a professional travel hacker — she once scored an $11 Southwest flight from Wisconsin to Puerto Rico! By the time she visited all 50 states, Kelly had fallen in love with too many places…and she began to brainstorm ideas for how she might ensure that she return to some of her favorites. And that’s when she started seriously looking into acquiring unique tiny homes that she could transform into short-term rentals. And before long, she bought a home in Vieques, Puerto Rico…and then one in Alaska…and then another in Utah…oh, and this was all over the course of one year…while she was still living thousands of miles away from all locations in Wisconsin. Tune in to hear the delightful story of how Kelly transformed her dream of owning a little part of the places she loves most into a reality — a reality which guests from around the world can also enjoy. Learn more about Kelly's vision — and book one of her stays — by visiting the links below: www.croninscastles.com https://www.facebook.com/croninscastlerentals ig -@croninscastles https://www.instagram.com/croninscastles/ https://www.facebook.com/Viequesseahouse https://www.facebook.com/elevatedsolitudeutah https://www.facebook.com/Innanutshellalaska/ Interested in learning more about how to buy, build, and manage Airbnbs remotely? Check out Kelly's course on Short Term Rental Success.This is a one-stop-shop class for selecting, funding, starting and running a short-term rental profitably!

In just a moment, you’ll meet Annie Sloane — Co-Founder and CEO of The Host Co. Have you ever been in an Airbnb and wished you could buy one of the coffee mugs, rugs, or pieces of artwork from the home? Or perhaps wished you could order some groceries ahead of time so that you arrive to a fully-stocked fridge upon check-in? Well, thanks to The Host Co., you now can! Annie was an early adopter of Airbnb — she remembers when you used to have to hand cash to your host upon arrival to pay for your stay! After working as a writer for Lucasfilm, a producer for HGTV, and a creative director at both Facebook and Twitter, Annie began thinking about doing something new. Around this time, she reconnected with Mikel Hubbard, a former colleague from HGTV. Annie and Mikel helped launch and direct a myriad of popular HGTV shows like Curb Appeal, Landscape Smart, Color Splash, Find Your Style, and Design to Sell — so they knew a thing or two about real estate. Tune in to hear the exciting story of how Annie and Mikel are building the mini-bar, concierge, and gift shop for your Airbnb. Alright, without further ado, get ready to meet Annie Sloane. Learn more about The Host Co. by visiting their website at www.TheHost.co or by following them on Instagram @thehostcompany. Behind the Stays is brought to you by Sponstayneous — a weekly newsletter that brings you the best last-minute deals and upcoming steals on Airbnb. You can subscribe, for free, here.

In just a moment, you’ll meet Emily Padan — co-creator and co-owner of Hinter Company. A few years ago, Emily left her career as a school teacher in Montreal to pursue entrepreneurship full time with her now husband, Mauricio. The creative couple had a vision for building a luxurious, eco-friendly escape in the Canadian forest. Over the next couple of years, Emily and Mauricio wrestled tirelessly with the question “what would it look like to create spaces that integrate art, nature, community, and sustainability?” Their answer to that question proved to be Hinter. Hinter spaces are inspired by cabins in the Norwegian mountains. They use Japanese design cues and a minimalist philosophy, so, yes, they are absolutely stunning. Every interior space is carefully crafted with a strong emphasis on what matters most to Emily and Mauricio - comfort and nature. Tune in to hear how these entrepreneurs first brought Hinter to life in 2018, how they’ve scaled to one of the most desirable places to stay in North America, and get a sneak peak for what they have in store next. Alright, without further ado, get ready to meet Emily Padan. You can book your stay at Hinter here and follow Hinter Company on Instagram here. Behind the Stays is brought to you by Sponstayneous — a weekly newsletter that brings you the best last-minute deals and upcoming steals on Airbnb. You can subscribe, for free, here.

In just a moment, you’ll meet Tim and Cindi Spaulding — the builders, designers, and hosts of Salamander Ridge — a charming tiny cabin in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Tim and Cindi, along with their three children, love the outdoors — the Spaulding family are avid campers, hikers, creek walkers, and trail runners. One afternoon, after Cindi had contracted a bad case of poison ivy, the family decided to go on a creek walk in the Blue Ridge Mountains right near the Appalachian Trail. While wading through the stream, the couple noticed a property for sale up on the mountainside. The 2.5 acre lot was stunning, but upon further investigation they realized that a sale was already pending. Being the optimists they are, Tim and Cindi decided to call the realtor to see if there was any chance the seller might entertain another offer…and, as luck would have it, the seller was interested. Tune in to hear the exciting story of how Tim and Cindi brought Salamander Ridge, one of Airbnb’s highest-rated escapes for outdoor enthusiasts, to life. You can book The Salamander Ridge on Airbnb and follow them on Instagram here.

In just a moment, you’ll meet Daniel and Fawn Shear, the founders of Seasons' Yield Farm. Daniel, like his father before him, served in the military after graduating from college. During his first deployment to Afghanistan, his wife Fawn mailed him a book by Chad Robertson titled Tartine — a book of sourdough bread baking and recipes, but also a compelling story of one couple’s journey building a business around their passion for bread. Daniel had always enjoyed baking, so after a second deployment, and long stretches of separation, Daniel and Fawn began seriously thinking about what it would look like to work together as a family, on a farm in a home-based food-service business. And it was this dream that ultimately led these entrepreneurs to start the budding empire that is Seasons' Yield Farm. Tune in to hear the enchanting story of how Daniel and Fawn started selling meat and veggies, then became a CSA, and ultimately chose to go all in on the bread and hospitality business…and yes, their gorgeous, top-rated Airbnb sits right above their bespoke, bakery and cafe. You can book your stay at The Bread Barn here.

In just a moment you’ll meet Michaela Carozza, the creator and host of one of Carmel Valley’s top-rated Airbnbs. Michaela had been in the market for a property in Carmel Valley for many years. She loved the diversity of beauty that the central California coast offered, but needed to find a place with both a main house and a second property that she could use as a rental for some supplementary income. So, in 2011, when a 5 acre plot of land with a house and a horse barn on top of a hill became available, Michaela knew she had to jump at the opportunity. Both properties needed a lot of work, but over the course of several years, Michaela and her partner Micha poured their blood, sweat, tears, and love into transforming the horse barn into an enchanting retreat...one they’ve now shared with over 300 guests from all around the world. Tune in to hear the story of how Michaela brought the rustic retreat that she calls the Valley Eden Barn to life. You can book your stay at Valley Eden Barn on Airbnb, or with Michaela and Micha directly on their website.

In just a moment you’ll meet Alla and Garrett Hohn — the creators of The Hohnstead, which is a mini-glamping resort featuring a collection of tiny cabins about 20 minutes from Missoula, Montana. Garrett’s father had always dreamed of buying a plot of land that the whole extended family could enjoy, so when he stumbled upon over 100 acres of untouched Montana forest for sale, he knew it was time to pull the trigger. So, he called Garrett and Alla who were living in South Korea and asked if they “were in” — and, “in” they were. The following summer, the couple built a small, rustic structure with recycled materials on the property that they dubbed “The Shanty”, and it wasn’t long before Alla asked Garrett and the rest of the family a question that would change their lives forever, “what if we listed the Shanty on Airbnb?” Everyone thought she was crazy! Tune in to hear the compelling story of how the Hohn family built an incredibly unique oasis of tiny cabins that hundreds of guests from all over the world have since come to enjoy. Book your stay at The Hohnstead here.

In just a moment, you’ll meet Andrew and Bianca — founders of the Serenity Hill Group, a growing collection of luxury Airbnb escapes in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Andrew and Bianca live in Boston, and while they love all that the city has to offer, their hearts have always found peace in the mountains. Andrew grew up hiking, skiing, and vacationing in the White Mountains and dreamed of one day buying his own home in the area. As luck would have it, one day, the seemingly perfect opportunity presented itself — a 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home tucked away on a private 2-acre lot surrounded by tall pines and the crisp White Mountain air. But, the home needed a lot of work. So Andrew, Bianca, and their families spent the next year transforming the home into an incredibly beautiful, modern escape from the city. And while the couple had intended to make this place their permanent home, their circumstances changed and they decided to list the space on Airbnb. Tune in to hear the story of how Andrew and Bianca learned how to build, design, and furnish Serenity Hill House and how they decided when it was time to open up their SECOND Airbnb, The Rosewood, just a couple of towns away. Book your stay at the Serenity Hill House or The Rosewood! You can also follow Serenity Hill Group on Instagram @SerenityHillGroup. If you are an Airbnb host or know an Airbnb host, who’d like to come on the show, send me an email at [email protected] and we’ll chat! Behind the Stays is brought to you each week by Sponstayneous —a carefully curated weekly newsletter that brings you the best last-minute deals and upcoming steals on Airbnb. It’s sort of like Scott’s Cheap Flights, but for Airbnb! You can sign up for free at sponstayneous.com Last, but certainly not least...I didn’t believe in Marie Kondo’s whole “spark joy” mantra until I started podcasting...now, my joy is sparked every time I see a new subscriber roll in! So please, hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode...and so you add a lil' spark to my joy fire today.

In just a moment you’ll meet Louisa Conrad, Co-Founder of Big Picture Farm. Big Picture Farm is a Vermont farmstead goat dairy and confectionery whose award-winning caramels have won over a dozen national awards...and while these candies are undeniably decadent, there is more to Big Picture than just the goat dairy… After leaving their careers in academia, Louisa and her husband Lucas founded the farm in 2010. Their vision was to help their customers understand the rich context that surrounds the milk, cheese, and candies produced on the farm. They aspired to tell consumers the story behind the food in hopes that they might, well, understand the “big picture” of how, what, and who made the treats they consumed. But Lousia and Lucas dreamed of taking things a step further...what if they could invite folks to experience the dairy? Could this be a vehicle through which they might expand their mission and help underwrite the cost of their Animal-Welfare-Approved farm? Tune in to hear the story behind how Louisa and her husband Lucas built three bespoke residences on the farm that they now rent out on Airbnb.

In just a moment you’ll meet Maris LeBlanc and JR Amantea, the creators of The Little House of Essex — a chic cottage near the Connecticut River in the most quintessential of quintessential New England towns. Maris has spent her career in real estate — mostly brokering luxury, waterfront homes along the Connecticut Shoreline. When she met her now husband, JR, he was living in New York working in finance, but his real passion lay in curating and managing classic and exotic cars. Maris encouraged JR to go all in on his passion and, soon after, he left New York, moved to Essex, Connecticut and started GT Motor Cars — a boutique vintage and exotic car dealership, and collection management company. And it was here in Essex where Maris and JR bought a beautiful, oversized ranch-style home which included a shed-like structure behind it. And while JR had hoped to transform this shed-like structure into a bachelor’s pad, Maris had bigger ambitions...tune in to hear the wonderful story behind the building of The Little House of Essex. You can book your stay at The Little House of Essex here. If you are an Airbnb host or know an Airbnb host, who’d like to come on the show, send me an email at [email protected] and we’ll chat! Behind the Stays is brought to you each week by Sponstayneous —a carefully curated weekly newsletter that brings you the best last-minute deals and upcoming steals on Airbnb. It’s sort of like Scott’s Cheap Flights, but for Airbnb! You can sign up for free at sponstayneous.com Last, but certainly not least...I didn’t believe in Marie Kondo’s whole “spark joy” mantra until I started podcasting...now, my joy is sparked every time I see a new subscriber roll in! So please, hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode...and so you add a lil' spark to my joy fire today.

In just a moment you’ll meet Laura Gentry and Carollani Sandberg — the creators of The Sagecliff Satori, a luxurious Airbnb cabin in Quincy, Washington. Laura and Carollani are what you might call “experience optimizers”. They love to travel, try new restaurants, and explore off the beaten paths, but can’t help but do so with a critical eye. They often ask each other, “what would you do differently if you owned this space?” or “how might you enhance this experience to make it even more memorable?” Carollani had decided that it was time to sell her townhouse and explore the possibility of a new rental property -- one that she and her family could use for short term rentals. One afternoon, Laura and Carollani were having lunch with a few friends who worked in real estate investments and the bunch started chatting about up and coming neighborhoods in and around the greater Seattle area, but none of these areas particularly compelled Laura and Carollani. Right before lunch wrapped up, one of their friends casually mentioned a new development out in Quincy, Washington — about 2.5 hours east of Seattle. This development was to feature a collective of luxury condos that overlooked the Columbia River Gorge. And, while they didn’t know it at the time, that moment was the genesis of what would become The Sagecliffe Satori. Tune in to hear the inspiring story of how Laura and Carollani brought one of the most incredible and magical stays available on the Airbnb platform to life. Book Your Stay: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/34682157 Follow the Stay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sagecliffesatori Follow the Stay on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sagecliffe/

On this episode of Behind the Stays, you’ll meet Eli Clark and Alexa Lang from Clark Family Silos. Eli grew up on a farm in Kalispell, Montana (about 30 minutes outside of Whitefish in the North-Western part of the state). After studying design in college, he moved to Carlsbad, California to work at a design firm where he got the opportunity to work on a couple of Addidas’ leading product lines. But Eli wasn’t satisfied with the 9-5…so he bought an Airstream and embraced the freelance, digital nomad life…before it was the cool thing — Instagram wasn’t even around yet, so you won’t find any of his posts in #wanderlust. About a decade later, Eli’s father, Brad, the Clark Family’s Farmer-in-Chief, was eyeing retirement. Over drinks in a local town pub one evening, Eli and his partner Alexa pitched an idea to Brad that would make stepping back from the farm a bit more possible…and that idea? It was to transform five grain silos into luxurious Airbnbs. The problem? Well, while Clark Family Farms had fields of canola, peas, and wheat, depending on the season, they didn’t own a single silo. Tune in to hear the exciting story of how Eli, Alexa, the Clark family, and ultimately the entire Kalispell community, came together to erect some of the most inspiring and unique stays on the Airbnb platform. You can book your stay at Clark Family Silos here — if you do, be sure to tell them that you discovered them through Behind the Stays! If you are an Airbnb host or know an Airbnb host, who’d like to come on the show, send me an email at [email protected] and we’ll chat! Behind the Stays is brought to you each week by Sponstayneous —a carefully curated weekly newsletter that brings you the best last-minute deals and upcoming steals on Airbnb. It’s sort of like Scott’s Cheap Flights, but for Airbnb! You can sign up for free at sponstayneous.com Last, but certainly not least...I didn’t believe in Marie Kondo’s whole “spark joy” mantra until I started podcasting...now, my joy is sparked every time I see a new subscriber roll in! So please, hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode...and so you add a lil' spark to my joy fire today.

In a minute, you’ll meet Valerie Malone — Creator and Founder of Quill Decor, a design consultancy that specializes in short-term rentals. Valerie studied interior design at Auburn University, but always had a knack for entrepreneurship. After running a successful Airbnb out of her basement in Bloomington, Indiana, Valerie fell in love with the Airbnb community and felt a calling of sorts to make an impact in the budding short-term-rental economy. After she landed her first Airbnb design gig, Valerie decided it would be worth documenting the entire process so that she could one day teach current and aspiring hosts how to successfully design their homes to stand out. As fate would have it, her husband landed a professorship at Cambridge and Valerie’s family moved to the UK…but not before she produced one of the most comprehensive, inspiring, and user-friendly e-courses on Airbnb design on the market. During our conversation, Valerie outlines several helpful frameworks for how to think about the design style of your Airbnb, and shares advice on how to effectively and efficiently craft a memorable experience that compels a 5-star rating. One last thing before I introduce you to Val…Quill Decor is offering a free Airbnb Design Master Class on Wednesday, July 7th. So, if you’re listening to this before the 7th, be sure to sign up! Valerie is also offering Sponstayneous subscribers and Behind the Stays listeners a special offer on her Airbnb Design E-course. Visit the links below more information. Airbnb Design E-Course Quill Decor's Short Term Rental STYLE QUIZ A Free 3 Day Email Course If you are an Airbnb host or know an Airbnb host, who’d like to come on the show, send me an email at [email protected] and we’ll chat! Behind the Stays is brought to you each week by Sponstayneous —a carefully curated weekly newsletter that brings you the best last-minute deals and upcoming steals on Airbnb. It’s sort of like Scott’s Cheap Flights, but for Airbnb! You can sign up for free at sponstayneous.com Last, but certainly not least...I didn’t believe in Marie Kondo’s whole “spark joy” mantra until I started podcasting...now, my joy is sparked every time I see a new subscriber roll in! So please, hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode...and so you add a lil' spark to my joy fire today.

The idea was born on a road trip from Waco, Texas to Ferndale, California. Merritt Brodt and her daughter, Callie Alexandre, had gone to the Lone Star State to source antiques for their artisan shop, The Farmer’s Daughter, in downtown Ferndale. Callie, whose husband's married family owns and operates Alexandre Farms (one of the few organic dairies to produce A2/A2 milk AND secure coveted shelf space at Whole Foods’ across the country) had the idea. “What if we renovated the barn and turned it into an Airbnb?” Merritt, mother of 3, grandmother of 4, owner of 500 cows, and founder of The Farmer's Daughter, was skeptical at first. She had a pretty full plate already! Upon arriving back home in their lush, almost Ireland-like town just a few hours north of San Francisco, Callie was able to convince Merrit and her husband Brian to give it a shot...and the whole family got to work. Their mission? To create a piece of heaven on Earth. Tune in to hear Merritt and her daughter-in-law Amanda share the inspiring story of how the family came together to bring The Farm Stay at the Bluff to life. To book your stay at the Bluff, or to connect with the Brodt family, visit the links below! Oh, and the next time you're at the grocery store and pick up a delicious block of Rumiano's Cheese or a pint of Humboldt Creamery's ice cream, say a little "thank you" to Merritt and the Brodt family...chances are, the milk came from one of their cows! Book Your Stay Follow Merritt on Instagram Follow Amanda on Instagram Follow Callie on Instagram Follow the FarmStay on Instagram Follow The Famer's Daughter on Instagram Follow Rumiano Cheese Follow Humboldt Creamery If you are an Airbnb host or know an Airbnb host, who’d like to come on the show, send me an email at [email protected] and we’ll chat! Behind the Stays is brought to you each week by Sponstayneous —a carefully-curated weekly newsletter that brings you the best last-minute deals and upcoming steals on Airbnb. It’s sort of like Scott’s Cheap Flights, but for Airbnb! You can sign up for free at sponstayneous.com Last, but certainly not least...I didn’t believe in Marie Kondo’s whole “spark joy” mantra until I started podcasting...now, my joy is sparked every time I see a new subscriber roll in! So please, hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode...and so you add a lil' spark to my joy fire today.

They met at a Starbucks. Amber was working as a barista and Tyler had just moved from Utah to Tennessee. They didn't know it at the time, but just a few years later they would not only be life partners but business partners as well. The story behind the vision and building of the Little River Tiny House — one of the highest-rated Airbnbs in all of Tennessee — is nothing short of a miracle. Amber and Tyler Woodruff were rich with dreams, but poor in cash. Through a series of serendipitous events, the Woodruff's were able to purchase their dream home in Maryville, Tennessee — on a property that was large enough for a second home (a second tiny home that is). Tune in to this episode of Behind the Stays to hear the remarkable story of how a young family designed, built, and promoted their first Airbnb on little more than a wing and a prayer. You can find Amber on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/littlerivertinyhouse/ And book the Little River Tiny House here: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/44588661 If you are an Airbnb host or know an Airbnb host, who’d like to come on the show, send me an email at [email protected] and we’ll chat! Behind the Stays is brought to you each week by Sponstayneous —a carefully curated weekly newsletter that brings you the best last-minute deals and upcoming steals on Airbnb. It’s sort of like Scott’s Cheap Flights, but for Airbnb! You can sign up for free at sponstayneous.com Last, but certainly not least...I didn’t believe in Marie Kondo’s whole “spark joy” mantra until I started podcasting...now, my joy is sparked every time I see a new subscriber roll in! So please, hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode...and so you add a lil' spark to my joy fire today.

Meet Katie Denton — a mother of three small children and a lifelong lover of travel and fine hospitality. On this episode of Behind the Stays, Katie shares the origin story of Bees Nees Getaways — a boutique rental home collection she founded with a focus on unique and dreamy experiences in the Outer Banks of North Carolina and the Northern Neck of Virginia — and explains her vision and process for cultivating spaces that aren't just beautiful, but are conducive to the creation of memories. Katie's properties include The Treehouse and The Cottage — which can be booked directly on Airbnb and you can view photos of these beautiful homes by following Bees Nees Getaways on Instagram. Bees Nees was named for a very special home on Gibson Island, on the Chesapeake Bay of Maryland, and the family that filled its rooms every summer. The Patterson family made great memories within those walls and along the waters of the Bay. They loved a party, they loved to sail and they loved spending quality time with family. Even though the Pattersons no longer own the original Bees Nees retreat, they have kept up the rich tradition of family togetherness. Learn more about Katie, her family, her story, and the future of Bees Nees Getaways by tuning in to this week's episode of Behind the Stays. If you are an Airbnb host or know an Airbnb host, who’d like to come on the show, send me an email at [email protected] and we’ll chat! Behind the Stays is brought to you each week by Sponstayneous —a carefully-curated weekly newsletter that brings you the best last-minute deals and upcoming steals on Airbnb. It’s sort of like Scott’s Cheap Flights, but for Airbnb! You can sign up for free at sponstayneous.com Last, but certainly not least...I didn’t believe in Marie Kondo’s whole “spark joy” mantra until I started podcasting...now, my joy is sparked every time I see a new subscriber roll in! So please, hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode...and so you add a lil' spark to my joy fire today.

Suzie has spent most of her life working at the intersection of travel and customer service. She traveled the world as a flight attendant for many years, before deciding to become a full-time Airbnb host. But there's so much more to her story... My wife and I stayed at this impeccably clean and serene cottage on Suzie and Neal’s stunning property for two weeks and instantly fell in love with this calming and beautifully inviting and decorated space. The love, care, and thought poured into this place is unmatched. We found everything we might need and then some to make dinner prep feel like a French chef’s dream. And, when we didn’t want to cook, Suzie’s recommendations never disappointed. But, what made this place even more magical — besides the sweet smell of lavender wafting through the air, or the crisp linens on the bed, or even the fresh cut flowers that greeted us on the kitchen table...(oh aaaaand did I mention the chic decor and rustic fire pit?) — was Suzie and Neal’s kind and warm hospitality, which made our stay truly feel like home. If joy were a place, it would undoubtedly be The Sparrow’s Nest. Enjoy the show! ------- Hey friends — hope you enjoyed today’s show! If you are an Airbnb host or know an Airbnb host, who’d like to come on the show, send me an email at [email protected] and we’ll chat! Behind the Stays is brought to you each week by Sponstayneous —a carefully-curated weekly newsletter that brings you the best last-minute deals and upcoming steals on Airbnb. It’s sort of like Scott’s Cheap Flights, but for Airbnb! You can sign up for free at sponstayneous.com Last, but certainly not least...I didn’t believe in Marie Kondo’s whole “spark joy” mantra until I started podcasting...now, my joy is sparked every time I see a new subscriber roll in! So please, hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode...and so you add a lil' spark to my joy fire today. Alright, all — see you next time...

When they purchased their home in 2016, the Smith family had no idea what adventures lay ahead. On the far edge of their property sat an empty WWII train and a historic aircraft hangar... Fast forward just a couple of years, and these historic spaces have been transformed into gorgeous stays. Tune in for an exciting story of how the Smith family went from managing one to managing three Airbnbs, with Adrienne at the design helm, Tayler heading up branding and marketing, and Dean commanding the post of "Chief Customer Experience Manager"...oh, and their seven dogs playing key roles in the guest happiness department. Check out the Smith Family Airbnb's here: Platform1346 Terminal1344 Dolly's Fantasy Camper Hey friends — hope you enjoyed today’s show! If you are an Airbnb host or know an Airbnb host, who’d like to come on the show, send me an email at [email protected] and we’ll chat! Behind the Stays is brought to you each week by Sponstayneous —a carefully-curated weekly newsletter that brings you the best last-minute deals and upcoming steals on Airbnb. It’s sort of like Scott’s Cheap Flights, but for Airbnb! You can sign up for free at sponstayneous.com Last, but certainly not least...I didn’t believe in Marie Kondo’s whole “spark joy” mantra until I started podcasting...now, my joy is sparked every time I see a new subscriber roll in! So please, hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode...and so you add a lil' spark to my joy fire today. Alright, all — see you next time...

On this epsiode of Behind the Stays, Zach interviews Kristen Bishop — a real estate professional who purchased the historic guest on the Filene family's estate that would become "Camp Adelaide." The Filene family owned and operated "Filene's Basement", also called The Basement, which was a Massachusetts-based chain of department stores that was owned by Retail Ventures, Inc. until April 2009 when it was sold to Syms. The oldest off-price retailer in the United States, Filene's Basement focused on high-end goods and was known for its distinctive, low-technology automatic markdown system. After purchasing the home in 2019, Kristen has made Camp Adelaide her nights and weekends project...slowly, but surely, restoring the home without disrupting its deep character. Listen in to learn more about the serendipity that led to Kristen's acquisition of the home, the story behind why she decided to become an Airbnb host, and what "home" during a global pandemic means to Kristen and her family. You can book a stay at Camp Adelaide, here. Mention "Behind the Stays" and/or "Sponstayneous" and Kristen might just cut you a special deal...but no promises :).

Welcome to Behind the Stays — a podcast that shares the stories behind your favorite Airbnbs and the hosts who’ve made them memorable.