Building an A-Frame Cabin for Airbnb: A Unique Investment Journey
Why We Chose Branson for Our Next Airbnb
Branson is one of the hottest vacation rental markets in the U.S. We currently manage an existing property there and decided to build another just outside the city. Instead of a typical vacation home, we are creating a unique stay—a custom-built A-frame cabin.
Unique stays and themed properties have gained massive popularity in the short-term rental (STR) market. Travelers are seeking experiences rather than just a place to sleep, which is why we believe this A-frame build will stand out in Branson’s competitive market.
Key Takeaways:
If you’re thinking about launching a short-term rental, especially a unique stay like an A-frame cabin, here are some key takeaways:
Market Research is Critical – Always analyze visitor numbers, competition, and pricing before investing.
Adapt to Market Changes – The STR market fluctuates, so be prepared to pivot, as we did with our Joshua Tree property.
Unique Stays Perform Best – Investing in unique and themed properties increases your chances of success.
Remote Investing is Possible – With the right team and planning, you can successfully manage a project from thousands of miles away.
The Challenges of Building an Airbnb from 2,000 Miles Away
This project is unique not only because of its design but also because we are managing the entire build remotely from California. Constructing and furnishing a property from over 2,000 miles away presents logistical challenges, but with careful planning and the right team, it’s possible.
We’ve tackled long-distance real estate investments before, having started with long-term rentals in Columbus, Ohio, and later expanding into the Airbnb market with a property in Joshua Tree. Now, we’re taking that experience and applying it to this new build in Arkansas, near the Branson, Missouri market.
Lessons Learned from Joshua Tree’s Airbnb Market Decline
Our first Airbnb in Joshua Tree was a great success in its first year, generating nearly $90,000 in revenue. However, the market shifted drastically, leading to a 44% drop in revenue year over year.
With increased competition and oversaturation in the area, we transitioned the property into a long-term rental to cut losses. This experience reinforced the importance of market research and adapting to changes in the STR landscape.
The Power of Unique Stays in the Airbnb Market
Looking at the current competition, it’s clear that unique amenities and themed stays perform best. Properties with features like hot tubs, outdoor entertainment areas, and stunning views command higher nightly rates and more bookings.
In Branson, we found that larger A-frame cabins with high-end finishes and unique features can go for as much as $1,500 per night. Our goal is to build a high-quality, smaller A-frame that appeals to families while still maintaining a luxurious feel.
Themed Stays: Should We Add One?
Themed Airbnb properties are becoming a major trend. Listings featuring distinct themes, such as medieval castles, nature retreats, or retro arcades, tend to attract more attention and bookings.
For our A-frame, we’re considering incorporating a strong design theme to enhance the guest experience and set ourselves apart from traditional vacation rentals. A well-executed theme not only makes a property more memorable but also increases its visibility on Airbnb search results.
Why Branson? Market Research and ROI Potential
Before committing to Branson, we analyzed several factors, including visitor numbers, property costs, and revenue potential. The city welcomes approximately 10 million visitors annually—only a few million less than the Smoky Mountains, a top-performing STR market.
Additionally, property costs in Branson are significantly lower than in other vacation hotspots, meaning there’s a strong potential for high cash-on-cash returns. Our research indicates that well-positioned STRs in this market can generate solid revenue while maintaining a reasonable acquisition cost.
How to Estimate Airbnb Revenue Potential
To determine whether an Airbnb investment is worthwhile, we use various online tools, including:
AirDNA.com – Provides market data, estimated revenues, and occupancy rates.
Rabbu.com – Offers financial modeling and revenue estimates for STR properties.
Direct Networking – Connecting with other Airbnb operators and local experts to validate data.
For this project, we consulted Ryan Duffy, our builder, and analyzed performance data from existing properties in the area. A comparable A-frame in the same market generates between $75,000 and $90,000 annually. While our cabin isn’t directly lakefront, our conservative estimate still puts projected revenue at around $50,000 to $55,000 per year.
The Numbers: ROI and Cash-on-Cash Returns
One of the biggest factors in any Airbnb investment is the return on investment (ROI). Even at a conservative estimate, our A-frame cabin is projected to achieve over 20% cash-on-cash return.
For short-term rental investors, this is the "golden goose" metric. Achieving this level of return makes the investment highly attractive, especially when compared to traditional rental properties or long-term holds.
Final Thoughts
As we continue this Airbnb build journey, we’ll be sharing more insights on construction, design, and management. Stay tuned for more updates on how we bring this A-frame cabin to life!
