Creating a glamping retreat with a geodesic dome

[Justin2179]

For many years I wanted to create a unique outdoors experience. Originally, I wanted to build a yurt. While researching yurts, I stumbled across geodesic domes. I was instantly sold. 

I discovered land for sale on Table Rock Lake, near Roaring River State Park, and decided to check it out. Upon arrival, I found the area overtaken by weeds and briars, making it tough to explore. However, I persevered, crawling along the creek bed until I reached a beautiful hollow hidden behind the overgrowth—I had to have this land.

My friend helped me build a dome platform. In November 2021, we brought pre-cut boards to the property but had to carry each one by hand down a steep rock shelf due to the rough terrain. We spent several weekends assembling the platform.

In January 2022, we erected the dome frame in one day. The next day, we managed to install the heavy vinyl cover over the 11-foot-tall frame without any issues.

Over the following months, I cleaned the land, built trails, and landscaped. By September 2022, we had installed a well and septic system, allowing us to continue with the wash house, which transformed from an unfinished shed to a fully functioning structure by March 2023.

[Joan2709]

@Justin2179 

What a fantastic property!!!  Luv, luv, luv it! 👍 🎉

I'm hearing that unique properties are trending in 2025 and you are well-positioned for continued success. All your hard work has paid off. 😊

[Rebecca]

@Justin2179 I came by to echo @Joan2709's sentiment towards your dome! 

This is awesome and I love that you've come by the Community Center to share your first chapter with us. How have your bookings been over the last year or so, since you launched in March 2023?

Have you got any in progress photos that you'd like to share? 

[Justin2179]

@Rebecca Thank you so much! Bookings have been better than expected. We had an 80% occupancy rate during the first year! Our occupancy rate has remained high for a geodesic dome. We have been very fortunate!

Here are some of our progress photos during the build. Enjoy!

[Rebecca]

Hello @Justin2179 👋

80% is really fantastic! Well done! 

Thank you so much for sharing the in-progress photos too. Did you do a lot of the work yourself? 

[Justin2179]

Yes, I did a lot of the work myself. Fortunately, I have a friend who is a carpenter, who helped with the skillful work. I only hired out the utility work (electric, plumbing, septic, HVAC)

[Rebecca]

That's a very handy friend to have @Justin2179! Do you think you'll take on any more projects like this in the future? 

[Justin2179]

I am looking to add a unique treehouse structure on the property. And then the sky is the limit!

[Rebecca]

Oh wow!!! That sounds incredible! We'd love to see how your journey continues. Be sure to come back and share with us 😊

[Justin2179]

Thank you very much!! So kind!

Unique properties are so fun to create. There’s nothing like seeing a vision trough 

[Muslim4]

@Justin2179 

Looks awesome! Do you have stable demand from guests?

While Yurt would look more traditional, authentic with its own classic charm, the dome looks really futuristic and modern. I like it! 👍  

[Mary1523]

@Justin2179 

Awesome!

No disrespect to Airbnb, but properties like this also do well on HipCamp. Go and list there!

Best, MK

[Justin2179]

Thank you! I’ve actually been considering that recently. Might do it!

[Karen4131]

Hi @Justin2179 

Wow, this looks amazing!

I dream of building a dome like this at my own Airbnb place, a couple of hundred meters from my house in the forest.

As part of that dream, I’m always looking at what others are doing for inspiration. Take a look at this one: https://www.airbnb.dk/rooms/1100405993207809087

... they’ve really gone all in, maybe a bit too much, but it’s fun to see!

Wishing you all the best with your beautiful place. 😊

Best regards, Karen