How to create a cabin resort people will keep returning to

Want to maximize your wealth in a location that’s a virtual magnet for tourists, adventure seekers, and nature lovers? Then consider investing in a cluster of cabins in the scenic mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA and converting them into a lovely rental getaways.

And even while the nature trails, quaint dining spots, thriving breweries, and overall small-town vibe of Blue Ridge can draw attention and make people consider visiting, there’s still much to do to ensure that your cabin becomes the go-to spot for vacationers. Read on to find out what it takes to work as your own property manager, why this tranquil mountain town in Northern Georgia is the perfect location, and how to create an experience that will have your guests coming back again and again.

WHY PURCHASE A RENTAL CABIN IN BLUE RIDGE, GA

For that moment of silence

Many people go to the mountains for a taste of peace and serenity – things they barely experience when living in the city. If you’re the proud owner of a cabin in a top-ranking mountain town that’s recognized not only in the state but in the whole southeast, it’s not just a win for you in terms of additional income but also a win for those who choose your cabin for the peace and quiet they so richly deserve.

For the location

Location is a major consideration in every real estate investment. You might want to take a risk and set up shop in another small, less popular area with a strong potential for growth. The return on your investment may take a longer time to come but you do have an advantage if you’re one of the first to offer lodging.

Then again, given recent economic developments and talk of a global recession looming in the distance, it would make more business sense to cash in on profits in the shortest possible time. Your safest bet would be to invest in a place that already has an established reputation among tourists and a sufficient number of establishments – from shopping to dining options – to keep them engaged. Your cabin will satisfy a pressing need among visitors for lodging, especially during peak seasons for travel. That said, you’ll be seeing huge returns on your investment in no time at all.

For the warm community vibe

Blue Ridge, a city in Fannin County, Georgia, has quite the selection of commercial establishments and other modern amenities. Here, you’ll find craft breweries, restaurants, groceries, and retail hubs, among many others. It’s also known to be the center of a flourishing art scene in Northern Georgia with its local artists, galleries, and the like.

Yet, for all its growth as a city, Blue Ridge has managed to retain its smalltown charm. Just outside its borders, you’ll be awestruck by gorgeous gifts of nature from waterfalls and winding rivers to miles of hiking trails. That’s why it comes as no surprise that Blue Ridge has been constantly included in Southern Living’s list of the South’s Best Mountain Towns.

What’s even lovelier about Blue Ridge is its residents who are no strangers to the changing faces of visitors coming to their community. They are always ready to serve with a smile and a helping hand should the need arise. That warm Southern hospitality is also what drives people from outside the state to come back to visit – and also why having cabins for rent in Blue Ridge, GA to accommodate them is a business idea whose time has come.

THE BASICS OF WOKRING AS YOUR OWN PROPERTY MANAGER

Once you make the decision of investing in a cabin rental or converting your family cabin into a rental, you’ll need to keep several things in mind.

1. Take stock of your investment

Figure out how much money you could allocate toward purchasing cabins or having renovations done to make the cabins more attractive to guests. Consider, as well, how much you’ll have to shell out to pay the taxes and other fees associated with starting your business.

2. Have a business plan

This will guide you in operating your cabin resort and help you to focus on your goals, figure out what you can do in case of issues, and map out strategies for running and promoting your Blue Ridge, GA, cabins.

3. Consider the location

Choosing the perfect site for your cabin matters a lot. Guests will want to stay in a quiet retreat that’s far from crowds but not totally remote and isolated. There should still be a high level of accessibility. This will prove helpful not just to keep you within easy reach of modern conveniences but also to give you an available portal to safety during extreme weather conditions.

4. Get insurance

Look into property and liability insurance for your cabin. The former provides protection for the buildings, while the latter shields you from liabilities in case one of your guests meets an unfortunate accident on your property.

5. Furnish your cabins

Your cabins will be providing guests with a home away from home. That said, these vacation cabins have to be comfortable and stacked with supplies and dependable home features to cater to their needs. Make sure that your cabins are in good shape, for starters, and don’t forget to provide plenty of storage. Having good, hard-wearing furniture is also a must because your cabins will be catering to a diverse array of guests over a long time.

6. Think about staffing and property management

Will you personally be able to attend to the needs of your guests or will you be delegating that task to other people? How many people will you need? How much does your budget allow to pay?

Should you live elsewhere relatively far from your Blue Ridge, GA cabins, you may not be able to manage them firsthand the entire time. You may want to consider a property manager to oversee your investment on your behalf.

Both instances will require substantial funding on top of simply purchasing the cabins and/or renovating them. And it doesn’t stop there – you’ll also need to look at ways to improve their aesthetic and overall value.

UPGRADES AND AMENITIES THAT ARE WORTH THE EXTRA EFFORT (AND EXPENSE)

Some people may think that mountain cabins strictly offer a rustic environment but those with features like gourmet kitchens, game rooms, theater rooms, ultra-modern furnishings, and smart technology – among others – are the ones that are highly sought-after.

With that in mind, here are some recommended upgrades for your cabins to put them at the top of visitors’ lists of must-book Blue Ridge, GA lodging.

Add a hot tub

The great outdoors might be stunning, but at the end of an exciting day of hiking, fishing, and other adventures outside, people will still love to return to their cabin, knowing that they can unwind in a hot tub with a lovely view of the mountains.

Spruce up the outdoor space

If your cabins have their respective decks or patios, you can encourage guests to enjoy more of the outdoors by adding features such as a grill or a firepit. Throw in some comfortable seating like rocking chairs and even a porch swing to further beckon your guests to relax and lounge outside.

Offer covered parking

A great feature especially during the winter months, a garage or carport will keep your guests’ vehicles safe and protected against the elements during their stay.

These cabin upgrades will require a bigger investment so consider the offset of the cost with the demand for these features. Just keep in mind, you’ll be more likely to receive more inquiries and interest in your cabins the more unique luxuries you offer. It’s always important to remember that guests will always appreciate features and amenities that they can’t find anywhere else; that alone helps guarantee that they’ll have a memorable stay.

SERVICES YOU CAN OFFER

If you want people to have a memorable vacation, it’s not enough that you simply provide them with a place to rest after a day of exploring. You need to make sure that their accommodations become a key part of what makes their vacation special and unique. And it’s not just about the interior design or the overall atmosphere of the place; it’s also the services you offer that can make their stay exceptional.

Concierge Service

Concierge services are a great feature that will set your cabin apart. Whether it’s arranging grocery pick up and stocking the cabin for your stay, helping coordinate special events or hiring traveling private chefs, a concierge service is perfect for guests… especially when they haven’t visited the area before.

Activities and recreational facilities

One reason people will want to stay in your Blue Ridge, GA, cabins is that they could leave the vacation planning to the gracious cabin host – you.

Organizing tours for your guests is a great opportunity for you to let people experience everything that Blue Ridge can offer. You can customize these tours according to different interests. For example, you could offer visits to the city’s different wineries and breweries to cater to wine and brew connoisseurs. You can also take fishing enthusiasts to the best fishing spots in the area, carving out times of the day when they’re most likely to make a catch. You can also organize guided hikes on the local trails and offer hikes of varying difficulties—from those that avid hikers will enjoy to easier ones for kids and complete beginners. And of course, don’t let your guests miss out on the beauty of and fun-filled activities at Blue Ridge Lake.

Don’t forget to have activities as well for times when the weather and other unforeseen circumstances force everyone to stay indoors. Something like trivia night will keep the boredom away and allow people staying in your cabin resort to mingle with each other.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR CABIN STAND OUT

With all the places to stay in Blue Ridge, one challenge you’re likely to face is setting your cabin apart from the competition. That’s why you need to plot a unique marketing strategy for your resort – and it all starts with how you want to project it. Do you want it to have a more sophisticated vibe? Something a bit more laid-back? Do you have a theme in mind for each cabin and for your property as a whole? In what ways do you want your resort to be different from everything else in town? What do you think you can do differently from others?

Branding

Branding is a particularly important component of building up a mountain cabin resort. For starters, think of a good name for your place, a simple but interesting logo, and colors that you want people to associate with your resort. You may need to outsource this process to a marketing company that can help you firm up your cabin’s identity and help you establish a social media presence. These will go a long way toward getting your name out to the public.

Instagram-worthy nooks

Some establishments would set up spots on their property designed specifically to be Instagram-worthy to capture the attention of visitors. It could be an interesting sign, a flower arch in the garden, or simply a particularly scenic spot. It’s unique touches like these that could be instantly identifiable with your cabin resort.

Setting a theme

It might also be a good idea to think of seasonal themes for your resort. You don’t need to plan elaborate events and celebrations around this. It’s enough to add a few decorative elements that are in line with the theme. Even special events can create some interest, for example, a mini-celebration of your resort’s anniversary. Little things like these create a sense of warmth and welcome, as well as make your previous guests wonder what you might have in store next time, which will hopefully make them curious enough to want to come back.

You, the brand endorser

No one else could be more instrumental in bringing people back to your resort than you, the cabin resort owner. You’re expected to have in-depth knowledge not only of your lovely property but also of the location where it sits. Expect guests to ask for recommendations on the best places to eat or inquire about the local wildlife or the city’s history. Make sure to have answers to their local FAQs and you’re sure to be remembered for the information you provide and the hyperlocal expertise you possess. Any tidbits of information that you share with your guests will help them develop a deeper appreciation for and knowledge of the city.

Keeping it positive

Ultimately, it’s not just the branding, the gorgeous facilities, and the natural beauty of the area that will win over your guests’ loyalty (although they certainly help). Creating a haven that will have people coming back takes much effort that goes beyond simply having properties that look good; you want people to feel great during their entire stay as well. When you make sure that people feel welcome and are given unmatched customer-oriented service, they’ll immediately feel at home and keep your cabins at the top of their minds when they decide to return in the future.

FIND THE BEST BLUE RIDGE, GA CABINS

Investing in Blue Ridge, GA, cabins by turning them into a rental is a wise business strategy that is sure to generate huge returns for years to come. But finding the best properties for this endeavor could be a challenge, especially if you’re new to the area. For this, you need to trust in the experts who can lead you to the best investment properties in Northern Georgia – experts like Nathan Fitts & Team of RE/MAX Town & Country.

With the team acting as your guide in your real estate investment endeavor, you’ll have access to a sizable selection of Blue Ridge, GA cabins for sale. You’ll be guaranteed personalized service and a seamless, stress-free experience from the start of your search until you close the deal on the perfect property.

Learn more about Blue Ridge and all the available properties here by getting in touch with Nathan Fitts and Team at 706.632.3000 or by sending an email here. Let them work with you in finding your dream cabins in the mountains of Georgia.