Today we're welcoming Ina, a 25-year-old chemist and Airbnb host whose riverside cabin in Concrete, Washington offers breathtaking views of the North Cascades. While many episodes focus on the joys of cabin ownership, today's conversation tackles a scenario that keeps many hosts awake at night: what happens when disaster strikes? Ina shares her harrowing experience of receiving a call that her cabin was on fire after guests checked out without extinguishing candles, and the subsequent seven-month battle with Airbnb's AirCover to receive compensation for the damages. 

From the initial shock and frustration of dealing with defensive guests who refused to acknowledge their role in the incident, to navigating the complexities of insurance claims and restoration work, Ina's story offers valuable lessons for hosts about emergency preparedness, documentation, and maintaining resilience through challenging circumstances. We'll explore how she managed cancellations during the long restoration process, the specific changes she made to prevent future incidents, and why—despite everything—she still finds joy and purpose in hosting.

Whether you're a current host concerned about worst-case scenarios or someone considering entering the short-term rental market, this conversation provides both practical advice and emotional reassurance that even in the darkest moments of hosting, recovery is possible. 

Booking Site: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/831983744737808549

IG Handle: @riverside.retreatPNW

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

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FgMwAgvORd1IwlH1nlC9g

This episode is from our very first month of the podcast, back in 2023, where we talked with Chris & Pam (the famous Dirt & Glass) about everything from how they got their start (hint: a hike, heartbreak, and an off-grid cabin in New York) to what makes a cabin photo truly stand out. They share insights on the evolution of cabin culture online, the behind-the-scenes process of working with cabin owners, and their deep commitment to not just aesthetics—but to curation, integrity, and connection.

We also chat about the rise of short-term rentals, the importance of standing out as a host, and how a solid Instagram presence can make all the difference. Plus, we finally answer the important question: what is cabin fashion?

If you're dreaming about a cabin, in the midst of building one, or just love to cozy up in flannel and scroll beautiful cabin photos, this one’s for you!

Website: https://www.chrisdaniele.com
Cabinpedia: https://www.chrisdaniele.com/cabinpedia 
IG Handles

• @dirtandglass
• @heypamcakes
• @thecabinpedia

TikTok handle: 

• @dirtandglass

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@dirtandglass

Booking Site

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

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FgMwAgvORd1IwlH1nlC9g

Today we're joined by Kitty Costello, a design enthusiast and short-term rental consultant who brings a refreshingly authentic approach to creating spaces that tell a story. After relocating from Silicon Valley to Maine's magical mid-coast in 2022, Kitty has embraced the local culture and channeled her natural design instincts into helping vacation rental owners transform ordinary spaces into memorable experiences.

We'll explore how Kitty and her business partner Jen are reimagining the Airbnb landscape in Maine, one thoughtfully designed property at a time. From her philosophy that "DIY is the holy grail of getting to know yourself" to her fearless approach of breaking design rules, Kitty shares insights on creating spaces that reflect personality while making guests feel truly welcome.

Whether you're curious about navigating the current challenges in the short-term rental market, finding your authentic design voice, or simply understanding what makes Mid-Coast Maine hospitality so special, this conversation offers both practical wisdom and inspirational ideas. Plus, we'll dive into some hot topics like property labels, pet-friendly policies, and the delicate balance of making a space feel personal without being intrusive.

Get ready for a joyful, heartfelt discussion about creating vacation rentals that guests don't want to leave – and how sometimes the most memorable design choices come from being brave enough to try something different.

WEBSITES

www.crookedcape.com

www.highfivesforhospitality

INSTAGRAM
@crookedcape

@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 joined by an amazing couple who embody what it means to create intentional spaces in the mountains of Utah. With over 11 years of hosting experience, they've transformed a treehouse and a 1970s hand-built cabin into magical retreats that offer more than just beautiful design—they create experiences that hold space for life's tender moments.

We'll explore how they discovered these unique properties just steps from their own A-frame home, their philosophy of preservation over new construction, and the delicate balance they've found between real estate development and honoring the character of original spaces.

Their approach to hospitality goes beyond business metrics, focusing instead on creating human connections and designing with purpose. From installing windows that frame perfect mountain views to replacing a planned glass floor with a hammock that became a guest favorite, their story reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful elements emerge from constraints.

Whether you're curious about curating spaces that encourage disconnection from technology, handling the unique challenges of managing properties at 8,000 feet elevation, or simply creating experiences that help burnt-out travelers reconnect with nature and themselves, this conversation offers both practical wisdom and heartfelt reflection.

INSTAGRAM
@theforggotencabins

@cozyrockcabin

@cozycampsebec

@cozycabinboone

BOOKING SITES

The Forgotten Cabins Website: https://theforgottencabins.com

Book the Treehouse Utah: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/3635074?source_impression_id=p3_1745247103_P3w90uh9RJgavIWZ

Book the Hideaway Utah: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/50888753?source_impression_id=p3_1745247121_P3nu3hsSyhGOmeMG

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 Laura, a high school principal and passionate cabin owner in the Adirondack Mountains, who brings a uniquely educational perspective to the cabin ownership experience. From her beginnings as a home design blogger to managing two cabins while balancing a demanding career in education, Laura shares valuable insights on finding escape and renewal in mountain retreats.

We'll explore how she transformed a "630 square foot ski chalet box" into a cozy getaway, navigated the unexpected shift when COVID hit just months after her purchase, and eventually expanded to a second A-frame cabin down the street. Laura opens up about the challenges and joys of maintaining properties that are "indoor-outdoor experiences" designed to push people into nature.

Whether you're curious about the financial realities of cabin investment, the intersection of education and hospitality, or how cabin ownership can become part of your legacy planning, this conversation offers both practical wisdom and honest reflection. We'll dive into everything from the evolution of cabin culture on social media to finding the right collaborators for your property, and why thinking of your cabin as an extension of your creativity might be the most rewarding approach.

INSTAGRAM
@juniperhillcabin

@cozyrockcabin

@cozycampsebec

@cozycabinboone

BOOKING SITES

Juniper Hill Cabin: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/39966287?s=67&shared_item_type=1&sharer_id=234621258&virality_entry_point=1&source_impression_id=p3_1617653491_t4Q7DPNMrHCxr0bb

Juniper Hill Aframe: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/52171966?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=2afa8d6a-3d73-4d84-b409-30d4d175ab21&source_impression_id=p3_1744763229_P3kgZPDY2DoWLg43

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 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