It all started when…

In early 2018, I began the process of selling my old property and finding this gem on Shadow Lake. Once I decided to sell, my real estate agent sent me a link to this property. He knew I actively rowed and raced shells, so the fact it was waterfront property was incredible. Later that day, I showed my daughter Elizabeth. As she scrolled through the information and the pictures she vigorously announced, " Mom, you have to buy this property!!"

We closed on the property in August after significant hurdles that tempted me to abandon the whole thing. Property line adjustment issues, structural issues, health department issues, zoning and electrical issues, and financing issues all together seemed more than I could manage. Just recalling what it took to even purchase this home sets me back on my heels again. If it were not for the strength and wisdom of God in my life, I don’t believe this would have all worked out in the way that it has. I give thanks to the Lord for the wise friends and family that continue to help me on this journey.

Finally, it was move in day and we began the repairs and remodel to make this property my home. My daughter proposed helping a family who was escaping abuse of a landlord to find sanctuary in the three-bedroom unit. The husband was very handy and willing to tackle the significant repairs issues in trade for rent for the first couple of months. This was an amazing blessing to both me and the family.

Because this home was setup as a fourplex, there were two long-term renters in the house when I moved in. Therefore, I started the rental experience with long-term rentals for a time. When the three-bedroom and the studio units were unoccupied, I upgraded and remodeled for a fresh look. I first listed the three-bedroom on Airbnb and was delighted with the results. Because the experience with three-bedroom on Airbnb was going so well, I decided to also list the studio and eventually the one-bedroom as well.

Since then, I have had all three listings on Airbnb and have been loving the experience! I have had the ability to host short-term visitors as well as slightly longer-term visitors. I was again able to bless a family that was in the midst of a tragedy and in need of temporary housing. The ability to share this beautiful home with so many people in different walks of life brings me so much joy.