Janice, cabin owner and AirBNB Superhost for 9+ years, speaks with cabin lovers, dwellers, builders, designers, and creators in the cabin community to find out ...
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@cozycabinbooneBOOKING SITESWater Camp Direct Booking: https://watercampstays.com/book-nowBirch Cottage: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/49837024?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYmOHhi1xikTWnEhgh5pZ-mQfFNK8dGP4cibbYDLpcaCZmV3-Fygy_ui10_aem_omrkzWfF_xATe7cBD0lNnA&source_impression_id=p3_1739320076_P3PVmBwE2lZ2DFvBCedar Cabin: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/44088764?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaa9iyrIVhEWn4t12D_dUBruh1wm48IbfkNo6g9alJu2CIWP2sU4UgGDc8Q_aem_diwyrG2KaS59CCkDb49vVABlue Spruce Cottage: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/547772400314458231?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaW8D3tK2b7dpUqxFKCR41k_ujW-vi2lUEc2XvTd8oRMk94KOg4ftchKug_aem_xSdDThzPaTCajHiXIufOrA&source_impression_id=p3_1739320112_P3gGZPoVhSvi9GFJCozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.comBook a Cabin Consultation Here: http://www.staycozycabin.com
--------
56:32
Modern Nostalgia | Kelsey & Chris, Still Resorts
Today we're welcoming Kelsey and Chris Still of Still Resorts, whose journey from a 95' Georgie Boy Swinger RV to creating two distinct cabin properties in Minnesota is a masterclass in perseverance and creative vision. From their innovative use of 140-year-old reclaimed barn wood to their commitment to preserving the natural landscape, the Stills share how staying true to your vision often means taking the harder path. We'll explore how they transformed challenging pieces of land - including an old mining shelf and a densely forested Lake Superior property - into spaces that honor Minnesota's cabin heritage while reimagining what a modern retreat can be.Whether you're dreaming of building your own hospitality project, fascinated by the evolution of cabin culture, or simply love a good story of persistence and creativity, this conversation offers both practical wisdom and inspiring insights. We'll dive into everything from navigating commercial funding to the importance of knowing your avatar, and why sometimes the most meaningful growth comes from embracing the struggle. Let's dive in!www.stillresorts.comIG HANDLES@stillresorts@cuyunacove@toftetrails@cozyrockcabin@cozycampsebec@cozycabinbooneBOOKING SITESCuyuna Cove: https://www.cuyunacove.com/Tofte Trails: https://www.toftetrails.com/Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.comBook a Cabin Consultation Here: http://www.staycozycabin.com
--------
58:28
Adventures in Global Hosting | Ashley & Kyle, On Cabin Time
Today we're welcoming Ashley from On Cabin Time, who joins us from Porto, Portugal, where she and her husband Kyle are redefining what it means to live adventurously while hosting remotely. From their first nine-month backpacking journey through Southeast Asia to building a stunning cabin in Canada and now hosting guests in both countries, Ashley shares how spontaneity, calculated risks, and a willingness to trust your instincts can lead to extraordinary opportunities.Whether you're curious about hosting from abroad, wondering how to design a truly unique cabin from scratch, or seeking insight into building systems that allow you to host from anywhere, this conversation offers both practical wisdom and inspiring possibilities. We'll explore everything from their journey of sketching their dream cabin on paper to managing properties across time zones, and why sometimes the best plans come from knowing what could go wrong - and being okay with it anyway. Let's dive in!On Cabin Website: https://www.oncabintime.comIG HANDLES@oncabintime@cozyrockcabin@cozycampsebec@cozycabinbooneBOOKING SITESOn Cabin Time: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/544436947200237226?source_impression_id=p3_1735156441_P3sC5kXTlZMyHupJCozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.comBook a Cabin Consultation Here: http://www.staycozycabin.com
--------
54:24
The Power of Persistence | Jennifer Lund, Pepin Forest Tree House
On today's episode features a conversation that reminds us how some of the most inspiring success stories emerge from our greatest challenges. Meet Jennifer, the creative force behind Wisconsin's stunning Pepin Forest Tree House. What began as a dream to build a treehouse during the uncertainty of 2020 evolved into something far more complex – a story of resilience, creative problem-solving, and ultimately, triumph. Despite facing a contractor crisis that left her with little more than a skeleton structure and depleted funds, Jennifer and her husband refused to give up. They sold their car, dipped into retirement savings, and even turned to local investors to bring their vision to life.Drawing from her background in wedding photography and social media marketing, Jennifer transformed their setback into an opportunity. Today, the Pepin Forest Tree House stands as a testament to perseverance, boasting massive windows that replaced the original "tiny, crappy" ones, handcrafted railings made from forest-gathered sticks, and an Instagram following that's helped achieve an impressive 80% direct booking rate.In this episode, we'll dive deep into Jennifer's journey from crisis to success, exploring everything from the nitty-gritty of social media strategy to the delicate dance of being an on-site host. Whether you're a fellow host, an aspiring cabin owner, or simply someone who loves a good comeback story, you won't want to miss this honest and inspiring conversation.Pepin Forest Tree House Website: https://www.pepinforesttreehouse.com/IG HANDLES@pepinforesttreehouse@cozyrockcabin@cozycampsebec@cozycabinbooneBOOKING SITESPepin Forest Tree House: https://www.pepinforesttreehouse.com/book-your-stayCozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.comBook a Cabin Consultation Here: http://www.staycozycabin.com
--------
1:00:46
The Host Whisperer | Simone Strand, Agua Norte
Today we're welcoming Simone, co-owner of three stunning rentals in northern Minnesota and founder of She Hosts consulting. From building her first cabin as a screen porch that evolved into something more, to now helping other hosts navigate their journeys from raw land to profitable properties, Simona brings a unique perspective on intentional hosting. Originally from Brazil, she found herself embracing Minnesota cabin life through love, and together with her partner, has created a collection of timber frame retreats that showcase both craftsmanship and heart.Whether you're dreaming of building your first cabin, looking to improve your hosting skills, or wondering how to balance automation with authentic hospitality, this conversation offers invaluable insights from someone who's walked the path. We'll explore everything from construction budgeting to the art of guest communication, and why sometimes the best hosting advice mirrors how we text when we're flirting.Agua Norte Website: www.aguanortemn.comIG HANDLES@raguanortemn@cozyrockcabin@cozycampsebec@cozycabinbooneBOOKING SITESAgua Norte: https://book.aguanortemn.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYgkNNpXidERenUdcvd9EBh94qR3TFcUXiDJZ8kDfDEYzXsgylGE8RfwBk_aem_6w_Ryd026BCviBuMYoKGkwCozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.comBook a Cabin Consultation Here: http://www.staycozycabin.com
Janice, cabin owner and AirBNB Superhost for 9+ years, speaks with cabin lovers, dwellers, builders, designers, and creators in the cabin community to find out what drives their passion for adventure, escape and sense of place.