The Lady Next Door

Andy and I hosted a 4-bedroom, 1892 Victorian home in Cherokee, Iowa for 9+ years. We listed our property on Airbnb for about 6 of those as Superhosts with a 4.9 star rating.

We really didn't have any terrible experiences. I can't say I'm sorry I don't have stories of "guests from hell" trashing my property or demanding refunds for the slightest reason. The vast majority of our guests were pleasant, respectful families visiting the area for family gatherings like weddings, reunions and funerals. They enjoyed staying at this property because it allowed them to stay together with all the privacy of a private home, but with a lot of the charm of a bed and breakfast.

After Andy's dad had his second stroke, we made the decision to close shop in town and build a cottage at our farm so we could continue to host. We simply had to prioritize and be closer to where we were really needed. It was a bittersweet decision, as Andy and I both gave up additional things in town that we were heavily invested in, but it was also in the middle of the pandemic and all signs seemed to point to being close to home.

If I had any confessions about being a Superhost, it would be that unless you love making beds, cleaning toilets and offering the highest level of customer service, you'll need to derive something more from hosting than money, star-ratings and positive reviews.

It can be a fairly thankless job sometimes, but if you do it well, your guests will carry memories of their time in your space with them for a long time. Maybe forever. That is an intangible that can really only be measured in joy.

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