What to Build?

[Shannon300]

Hi All,

First time, joining this discussion room and hoping to get some good feedback or ideas.  

I’m  looking for hosts/Airbnb personnel who have good info on prospective trends for guest demand in rural areas.

We have just acquired the adjoining 44 acres to our home/current Airbnb, and want to build a small Airbnb getaway.  

Here’s the situation:

1.  Extremely limited budget;

2. but we are owner builders - built our own straw bale, eco-conscious sustainable house.  Husband is a carpenter, and I’m handy and hard working.

3.  Will build very small, maybe 16x20 footprint.

4.  Going with off-grid PV system and passive solar design - I’m good at house design.  

5.  There is a septic system on the property; thus thinking of a bathhouse for toilet and shower and NO plumbing in the actual structure.  This way, if we wanted to add an area for people who might want to camp elsewhere on the land, they could still use the bathhouse if guests were in structure.

5a.  Drawback is hoofing it out to bathhousein winter time or in middle of night; but winter guests are not as common as summer for us.  

5b.  Some people like the experience aspect of remote/roughing it a bit, so hoofing it outside to sue facilities might not be a huge issue

6.  Suggestion from trendy, hipster step-daughter: “Build an A-frame with loft.”

7.  Ruled out Yurt kits - we can build cheaper for more square footage.

8.  Already have Glamping Tent - hate set up and take down with seasons.

9.  Modified/altered shipping containers would not fit with our natural environment.

10.  Log cabin MIGHT be possibility as we can gather logs a few hours away.

10a.  Log cabins are not energy efficient

10b.  Log cabins do have huge appeal for some.

11.  Mono-slope roof, modern salt box with loft?

11a.  Simple structure; can slope roof easily for solar gain.

11b.  Charm?  Appeal?

12.  Casita camp trailer?  
12a.  Cute but small; 1-2 guests works well/easier; sleeps 4, but cramped.

Go ahead guys just toss those awesome ideas out there?  What will rent well in the coming 2-8 years or beyond?

Thanks,

Shannon

6.  Land has fabulous views, so structure/cabin needs to garner views.

[Sarah977]

@Shannon300 Fun, exciting project. I'd be inclined to make the bathroom part of the structure, as while plenty of city folks like the idea of a remote, rural place, many might be uncomfortable with traipsing outside to an outbuilding if they had to pee at night. A lot of people aren't quite as adventurous or adaptable as they'd like to think they are 🙂

You could always add a communal bath house in the future if you decide to add camping sites.

The main thing when designing any Airbnb space is to have durability uppermost in mind. So tile floors are preferrable to wood ones that can be easily scratched up or stained, for instance. Countertops should be as indestructible as possible- you'd be surprised how many people will cut right on the counter, ignoring the visible cutting board.

Consider built-in desks and other furnishings so there isn't a bunch if furniture to move around for ease of cleaning.

As you have great views, use lots of windows. Varying shapes and sizes make the space and view more interesting.

They also make a small space feel larger.

There is a really fascinating and unusual book, put out by a bunch of young architects from Berkeley, back in the 70's, who spent years researching all around the world, what factors make homes and communities livable. It's called "A Pattern Language" and if you can get hold of a copy, I think you'll find it interesting and helpful. It's formatted in an unusual way, too. They'll be a page that talks about some aspect of windows, then other page references there for other window info. So you can flip around easily to whatever subject you are wanting ideas about.  I got some great ideas and insights from it when I was designing my house. 

[Shannon300]

Thank you Sarah for your spot-on response.

I LOVE A Pattern Language!  One of my all time favorite books out of all genres.  Fabulous design - form follows function - ideas and eloquent prose.  

Definitely tile or stained concrete floors;  Boos, if not too cost prohibitive, counter tops; and built in furniture is a great idea!

Sounds like we are of like minds!

Great tips.  Thanks so much.

[Ute42]

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@Shannon300   

Type into google:

• best renting airbnb places worldwide, or
  

• Most unique airbnbs around the world

or something similar. Play with the words. There are places coming up that are really cheap to build but are selling like hot cakes. My favourite project would be a hobbit-house.

Most important when building something from scratch: An installation that allows You to turn off electricity and water from the outside of the building. That is really useful in some situations.

[Shannon300]

Ute,

Definitely!  Thank you.

[Ann72]

@Shannon300  Just seeing this a month later so I'm wondering if you've come to any decisions yet?

Remote locations and closeness to nature continue to be very appealing and probably won't slow down for some years.  Tiny houses and glamping are strong trends.  I want to build something in some wooded land I have but I don't want to bring in plumbing, so I'm intrigued by your plans.  

Accommodations for two people are ideal and more likely to attract off-season visitors, because childless or empty-nest couples aren't tied down to schedules as much as families are.  And without children, they tend to have more disposable income for extras like travel.

[Shannon300]

You are spot on!  We also see urban professionals wanting out of cities.

We opted for a 30’ yurt.  There’s a huge waiting list now for them. We will make it 4-season, internet access, private...  Were awaiting engineering and bldg permits now.

[Ann72]

@Shannon300  That sounds great!  Will it have plumbing and electricity?