Couple's Airbnb Venture Transforms into Lucrative Cabin Enterprise, Reaping $30,000 Monthly

In their transition from Connecticut to Georgia, Darrel and Patrice Maxam invested in a quaint bungalow built in 1956, priced at $249,400. The move depleted nearly all their financial resources, making the $1,400 mortgage payments a daunting challenge.

"Relocating to Atlanta left us nearly penniless," Darrel admitted to Business Insider, "After securing the down payment, our combined savings were scarcely $1,000."

Looking for viable solutions, they began by renting a room in their three-bedroom house on Airbnb. Gradually, their strategy expanded to leasing the entire dwelling. Subsequently, they included a tiny house on the premises. Over time, their two-and-a-half-acre plot brimmed with nine diverse rental units, comprising the main house, a compact home, a renovated barn, a triplex, and uniquely designed 'treehouses.'

Today, the Maxams are fully engrossed in managing short-term rentals. After selling their Atlanta asset for $655,000 in September 2024, according to Fulton County records, their focus shifted to a prosperous village of 13 bespoke cabins in Upstate New York, generating monthly revenue ranging from $30,000 to $60,000.

From Renting a Room to Leasing an Entire Home

Initially, leasing rooms earned them approximately $1,000 monthly, with this figure doubling when they rented out the entire house.

Darrel reminisced about relocating every weekend during summer, allowing Airbnb guests exclusive access to their home. The couple allocated 10% each from their respective salaries and Airbnb earnings to afford nearby accommodations.

"With a $400 cap, we would travel within a budget, reaching destinations like Destin, Florida, and regions as far as Mississippi, the Carolinas, and Tennessee," he explained.

Recognizing potential on their property, the Maxams partnered with HGTV’s 'Tiny House, Big Living' to construct a compact home, fetching an additional $2,500 in monthly profits.

"That was the turning point," Darrel noted. "We repurposed a barn, reinforcing our strategy. Within another year, we expanded, adding three more units, totaling a $15,000 monthly income."

Ultimately, their Atlanta property encompassed a suite of rentals: their main residence, a tiny home, a barn, a triplex, and three treehouses. They took the small house with them upon relocating.

Constructing a Cabin Community in New York

In 2022, Darrel and Patrice pivoted towards a new endeavor: Finger Lakes Treehouses in Sodus, New York, a quaint locale 33 miles from Rochester.

Collaborating with Red Falls Timber, known for its Finnish wood, they erected five A-frame cabins, equipped with kitchens, bathrooms, air conditioning, and private hot tubs. These accommodations, priced at about $65,000 each to build, charge around $250 nightly.

Since opening in 2023, these cabins have generated revenues between $30,000 and $60,000 monthly.

"We ensure every project is profitable within 18 months," Darrel asserted. This year, plans include adding five non-A-frame prefabricated structures, assembled easily affecting time and cost efficiency.

"Assembling them is straightforward," he mentioned. "The simplicity is akin to building with Lego blocks."

Future Prospects and Growth Philosophy

Currently, their Sodus site hosts three Airstreams, with the aim of achieving 13 units soon, followed by another phase including luxury safari tents and accompanying facilities. Their objective is to reach a total of 19 units by the next year.

Additionally, they acquired land in Belize, eyeing a 2026-2027 debut for a beach-oriented project.

Emphasizing a calculated approach to expansion, Darrel advised, "Many rush into large ventures without true awareness. The prudent strategy is to grow at a sustainable pace; small beginnings eventually lead to substantial outcomes."