Interesting idea!

Induction cooktop? Touchless faucets? My mom put in a low divide sink when she remodeled after using one in a VRBO.

Are you on a lake? If so, maybe a Jensen-style racing canoe...

I’m not on a lake, but on a river that is popular for fly fishing. Another direction?

Induction cooktop is a great idea! Would a two burner unit be good?

Walt Disney had this same idea. He wanted a community where companies could test out their products with consumers. It didn’t work out for him on a large scale. Your thinking seems spot on though.

I worry that guests in our cabin won't know how to use the front loaders or will decide that one laundry pod isn't making enough suds and will try to open the machine and add another. A lot of them bypass the Keurig and drag out the electric drip pot. I think it would be a waste of time and money. Buy and try them out yourself. Forget the guests unless you love an item and want them to have one too. I think the simpler and more reliable and universally known items are the best investment if you're trusting strangers with them.

A Dyson Supersonic hairdryer.

My hairdresser has that Dyson and it's amazing! I just can't justify the cost though!

I second the induction idea. I have one because we tried out our neighbors’ before committing. You’d obviously supply the pots and instructions.

A Sleep Number type bed.

A sous vide, air fryer, Moka pot, Instant Pot, Vitamix.

Gerry: flip flops as shower shoes? Gel mat for shower floor?

Annette: I'd like to try one of those huge basket porch swings.

Something like this:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/406590672602761648/

And/or the bed sized:

https://www.homedit.com/hanging-beds/stunning-modern-hanging-bed-like-cocon/

And/or the larger bed size:

https://kodamazomes.com/

The only issue I see (brought up by Gerry above) is that you may incorporate a feature that renters may dislike enough that you lose out on repeat customers and may get unfavorable reviews regarding that feature. That’s something to consider about difficult-to-remove features such as pebble floors.

My concern is that if something is so different, the learning curve might be too much. So, for a new and different type of item the cool factor might be nice but it could be too -much -too -different to be comfortable or enjoyable.

I know nothing about induction cooking, but from what has been mentioned here, someone unfamiliar with it might either mess up or just be disappointed if it's too much effort to just put something together.

Not sure where the fine line between cool novelty factor and intimidating turn off is.

???????induction cooking “too much effort” ?????? Then I sincerely hope those people don’t do anything more than roll over in their beds because that would definitely be “too much effort.” Operating a smart phone is more effort.

The only idea I don't like is the pebble surface as some folks find it uncomfortable on their feet. I would work around an appliance I don't understand (and you are right there to answer questions), but would be less happy with not being able to shower. Is there some teak platform that can be used over the pebbles?

Thanks all for the great responses and ideas!

Most of the kitchen things suggested are things I would love to try myself so will add those as I go along.

I will be putting in a 24” wide smooth top range as that is all the space I can eek out in the kitchen area. But I have a 2 burner countertop induction unit so will put that there as well.

A sleep number bed is a good idea. I’ve been trying to decide on the bed so a sleep number bed may solve the issue of how soft or hard of a mattress is best.

I hadn’t thought about a touchless faucet, so that’s going on the research list. I may be reusing the sink but will look into the low divide sink.

I will rethink the pebble shower floor. Maybe do the cut pebbles on the floor and bumpy elsewhere for the mountain feel.

I forgot to add the ventless combo washer/dryer.

The grill will be secured in a spot that is away from the log siding for sure!

Just to clarify - ???-eek thanks so sweet --- what I mean about too much effort (as I stated that I am totally ignorant about induction cooking and what it means) is that for many people, it's fine to be exposed to something new and different but if I want to do something basic and suddenly on vacation have to learn it from square one, I think that could take away from my enjoyment of some conveniences.

That said, I guess if there were some dummy guides to help the uninformed, clueless, uninitiated (like moi) that could work. But again, as in the example of the grill being close to siding, not everything is apparent to everyone.

salonva you are exactly right. Induction cooking is very simple - once you understand the concept and once you have some experience with how it works. We put induction in our new build and in the learning process I burned more than one pan/pot of food not realizing how lightening fast things heat up - you cannot turn your back until you have some experience. After that, it's just cooking as usual.

Salonva, I agree that making something necessary like cooking difficult is a negative. It is a big deal in the Airbnb host groups that hosts provide a great guest book with instructions on how to use the various features of your property. I would try to offer options on certain things. For example my plan is to buy a small gas grill to have as an option for those who may not feel like experimenting with the big green egg. My induction cooktop unit will be stored in the pantry for those who want to try it, but the regular range will be there for those who don’t.

I actually love writing up how-tos so will find that part pretty fun.

I understand what you mean, salonva. I would be happy to try some new, innovative products (such as the Dyson hair dryer I mentioned), but I don't want to have to look at instructions on how to use something like a cooktop. I've never used induction either. I've traveled many times to the UK where items such as ovens and washer/dryer combos can be very different from what I'm used to at home, and have had a few frustrating moments trying to decipher a manual or figure things out on my own. That's not what I want to spend time doing on holiday. (Learning to operate a new phone takes a bit of time too, so I'm not sure that's a fair analogy.)

I think it is a good idea.

I use to work in property management.

Unfortunately, some tenants can be a liability, even 1 person or a couple. Suggest to do background checks & deposit.

Some of my friends have cabin rentals. They have had good, but sometimes bad experiences. I don't want to deter you from rentals, just prepare for the unexpected.

I suggest giving a tour of how to use everything upon arrival.

Before doing anything, I suggest talking to the insurance companies. Certain items may raise your rates or not be covered.

As for the grill, keep it far from the property, trees, anything that is combustible. Put it on a wide surface like concrete, sand, or gravel, so if a spark falls it won't catch grass on fire. Have a fire extinguisher nearby with big sign.

I'm all for your idea, just keep it safe & protect your investments.

The more "fun" things provided; the more unfun cleaning is needed between renters. No? If I was designing a property that I knew would be rented regularly: Beautiful, indestructible, and Easy to use--would top my list. With maybe one advertisable "draw" for the guests.

I've been thinking about this, and I know everyone has their own preferences when renting a holiday home, but if I knew I was going to have to outlay a sizeable loss/damage deposit, it might cause me to think twice. Not that I would expect to damage anything (and I'm certainly not going to steal stuff), but I'd think the more high-end, specialty items you put into your rental, the more you're going to have to demand from your renters in the way of mitigation. I think chocolatesnap makes an excellent point about where to direct your focus. The more I travel (and we always rent privately-owned homes), the more I appreciate a very simple, straightforward transaction with an owner who doesn't extract a big up-front financial contingency from me. I love a place that allows us to "move in" with all of the stuff we bring along, and immediately start enjoying our new surroundings. There's something so freeing about being able to leave the countless details of MY home at home, and easily sinking right in to a simple-but-lovely accommodation. (But I'd still like to try a Dyson hairdryer. ;-))

Hi Annette - Lucky you, with a cabin in the mountains! My husband and I regularly rent a home during the summer, in a an area full of recreational (hiking, kayaking & canoeing, etc.) and cultural (many outdoor) activities and events. I'm with salonva and IdaClaire - when we arrive, we are ready to get out and about...to enjoy all the things that draw us to the area. I wouldn't be interested (and might be annoyed!) at having to spend even 10-15 minutes to acquaint myself with an induction cook top (just for example). I would think it a cool feature, and be happy for the chance to try it out while renting if the draw to the rental were, say, food or cooking related (still using the induction cooktop example).

I think it would be great to include items that are more directly related to the things that draw renters to your property in the first place (so maybe some new, interesting fishing equipment, or river kayak, or new lightweight telescoping trekking poles, or....). Just my two cents!

So I was not going to have a security deposit any bigger than is the standard for the area. I am renovating the space regardless, so will incorporate some of the features that appeal to me first and foremost.

I have a very good friend who has rented a cabin in this area multiple weekends per year for at least 10 years, so I chose her as my imaginary target renter. She said that she and her husband come up on a Friday and stay thru Sunday, or Monday if it’s a holiday. They come prepared to cook dinner Friday, open a bottle of wine and sit in front of the fire in the winter or on the porch enjoying the view. They cook breakfast Saturday morning then go out for the day doing whatever, hiking, shopping, winery tours. Then come back late afternoon. Sometimes they go into town for dinner but they’d rather stay in.

The renter in my situation will most likely come up from Atlanta (per rental companies in the area surveys, over 80% is the average). And more than 70% plan to cook at least one meal per day. A grill is a must have in a rental for the area(lack of one in this market can mean you don’t qualify as a Superhost).

The standard operating procedure for on site hosts(which is what we will be since we are next door) is to greet the guests and do a quick walk through. Most of the things I’m wanting to incorporate will be something they get to experience without having to learn how to use imho. I mean a couch is a couch, the bedding and towels are just brands they’ve maybe heard of. The main learning experience items would be the kamado grill and the induction cooktop, but since there will also be a gas grill and a standard range, they don’t have to learn anything if they don’t want to.

I’ve had some current clients who have expressed excitement at renting the place ask about whether we could offer to rent out bikes or kayaks while they are guests. I’m kind of concerned about the liability factor in doing that. Also not sure how I feel about people loading up our gear and driving off with it to use it. Hiking gear is a possibility though, as I’m not sure someone would sue me if they got hurt using a walking stick. I will be asking in the Airbnb host site about others’ experiences doing this.

Since I manage a rental, may I ask how satisfied you are with Airbnb? My son uses it all the time for renting. We have our own site, but is is still climbing in the Google search engine, so I'm stuck at VRBO who take enormous commissions, bar me from interacting with my guests until they've got a credit card commitment (I pay the fee) and have messed with my attempt to retain the damage deposit when things have gone awry.

I only used Airbnb for a bit before locking my account in order to do the renovations. I was okay with it. You could interact through the site prior to them booking, but it they did not get your actual phone or email.

Apparently in the time mine has been off market the site has changed but I haven’t used it since so will be learning it again. I will be signing back up with them.

Right, no phone or email until VRBO gets $$$$. I've been managing for 15+ years and just found it intrusive and greedy. I'm used to working very closely with my guests because I don't see them when they arrive (100 miles from me.) I don't appreciate the barrier they put up and the fees they charge guests. Do you remember what Airbnb charges guests?

I will look and see if I have an old invoice to see the guest fees. But I don’t recall the fees being prohibitive.

Check out the host forum. Very helpful folks.

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Community-Center/ct-p/community-center

I rent through AirBnB. I set the price, they take (I think) 3%. As soon as the person books and I accept it, I can communicate with them, through the site. When they arrive, or on their trip to my home, I offer my cell #. The last couple that was here used my kitchen for most of their very healthy meals. They also worked out every day. I have only been doing this since June but have really enjoyed meeting the people who have stayed here, it has been quiet since the hurricane season is in full swing but hopefully some bookings will happen in the next few weeks.

Interestingly, I don't host. We tout the seclusion of our location and the fact that there won't be anyone around to disturb guests (except elk, turkey, deer, fox, eagles, bear, etc.) I'm just not used to having my guests held hostage and a 3rd party cutting in on my job, our profit and on guest's pockets. We rarely have guests who want to pay by credit card, and if they do we have a PayPal account where we split the fee with them. Returning guests don't go back to VRBO but learn that they're better off coming to us directly.

I will be setting up my own website for the rental. I’m assuming most repeat renters would go through that.

I get inquiries through my facebook site too.

Cultiver bedding! Looks gorgeous!! https://11mulberry.com/2018/10/22/parachute-bedding/