TOURISM
Jill Cleveland and her husband, David, have stayed in vacation rentals all
over the world and plan to develop their own property in North Carolina to
accommodate rentals.
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more often. Not long ago, there were only a handful of offerings
on the Treasure Coast; today there are thousands. Indian
River County’s Glenn Powell likes the way potential renters
on Vrbo can look up his properties by number, saving scrolling
time. Other hosts say Airbnb is extremely supportive.
While Airbnb was started by two men renting couch space
in their apartment, today you can rent mansions, condos,
treehouses, yurts — just about anything imaginable. Maybe
you’d like an affordable “staycation.” Along the Treasure
Coast, you’ll find a variety of experiences and prices. And if
you’ve considered hosting, there is a wealth of knowledge
and experience to glean.
OLD FLORIDA IN INDIAN RIVER COUNTY
When Powell visited the Roseland area in 2002, he anticipated
a relaxing vacation. Instead, he fell in love with
a nearly 100-year-old estate on Bay Street, once the winter
home of the Goodrich family of Connecticut. “Perfect January
day, no humidity, no mosquitoes. When I saw the pool, the
original from the 1920s, I thought, ‘I need to buy this.’”
The Goodrich estate burned down in the 1930s and was
rebuilt. A carriage house and guest house were added. Powell
bought all three, and in 2012, he purchased six adjacent lots.
“I like the privacy here. If the land’s ever developed, I’d
rather be the one to do it.”
Powell owns additional vacation rentals in Sebastian and
Wabasso as well as 12 annual rentals. He doesn’t attract the
typical Florida tourist, however. “Fifteen families came for
vacation and moved here, they loved it so much.”
Maintaining annual and vacation rentals requires different
skill sets. “With a vacation rental, you don’t have the luxury
of time. I have repair people available 24 hours a day.” Thinking
about becoming a host? “Take it seriously,” Powell recommends.
“Put yourself in people’s shoes, what they would want.
All my renters need to bring is their toothbrushes and food.”
His vacation rental in the Schumann area of Sebastian is a
1960s custom General Development Corporation home, decorated
in vintage style. “Step inside and you feel like Jackie
Kennedy’s in the White House.”
Although Powell’s listings attract visitors from all over the
world, he also gets local folks who want a taste of “Old Florida.”
Every guest is greeted with a custom gift basket. Powell >>
Glenn Powell renovated this 1960s home in the Schumann area of Sebastian without ruining its charm or authenticity.