How four Hosts transformed their Historic Homes into iconic Airbnbs

Since our inception, designers, architects and artists have listed their unique spaces on Airbnb for guests to enjoy. Four creative Hosts are sharing their experiences restoring historic properties and turning them into design-forward Airbnbs.

Woodstock historic artist estate

In 2011, architects and Hosts Ralf and Nin purchased and restored the iconic 18th century New York estate formerly owned by acclaimed social realist painter Reginald Marsh, turning it into a multi-listing property with a unique mix of old and new.

According to Nin, "tackling a 200-year-old building, dissecting and opening it, while preserving its bones, giving it air and flow, is an endeavor that might reward you on many levels, maybe even with a secret story stuck between the walls."

In 2015, Ralf and Nin renovated the Reginald Marsh's art studio on-site, working to maintain the building's historic structure and wood beams throughout, while updating it with juxtaposing color schemes, lighting and contemporary art.

Reginald's studio then became 'The Pond House ' available to stay in on Airbnb. 'The Museum House' originally held Reginalds' art collection and was renovated in 2019 into a contemporary four-bedroom residence with a large open living area reminiscent of the former museum's hall.

The Pond House before:

The Pond House after:

The Filomena

Built in the late 1800s, The Filomena in West Stockbridge, MA, was untouched for 60 years before Hosts Nick and Michael purchased and renovated in 2016. Prior to the designer duo renovating and ultimately listing the house on Airbnb, The Filomena served many purposes for the community, from a rectory where the local Catholic priests lived, to the home of a family of 15.

According to Michael, "the house came with no shortage of one-of-a-kind architectural elements," and their ultimate goal was to bring them back to life. They used the house's bones as a foundation to build with their own unique design perspective by preserving hardwood ceilings in the dining and living rooms, transforming the massive, curved topped entry doors into a highlighter yellow focal point, and more.

On a sentimental note, Nick's favorite design touch is his grandmother's old silk scarf that hangs above the desk in the back office. Those personal touches, combined with historical beauty and contemporary design turned the Filomena into a destination Airbnb.

The Filomena before:

The Filomena after:

Quintessential Waterfront Historic Cottage

Built in 1639, this Waterfront Cottage in Sandwich, MA has been a mainstay in American history for almost 400 years. Hosts and interior designers Chase and Stephanie purchased, restored and listed the colorful Airbnb with the aim of renting out a design driven home with nods to its past. It was important to Chase and Stephanie that each room was curated "in a timeless tone, with relaxation and comfort in mind".

Their goal with the cottage was to fuse "elements of allure with traditionalism and nuances of times past." To accomplish this, Chase and Stephanie incorporated bold color schemes, rustic elements like wood beams and traditional Americana furniture to update the lakeside home into the 21st century.

Quintessential Waterfront Historic Cottage before:

Quintessential Waterfront Historic Cottage after:

English Style Historic Home for 15 by Downtown

Built in the 1930s, Host Sabrina purchased the garden home in Houston, TX and thoughtfully renovated it to include high end, modern appliances without compromising its original character. She focused on restoring the original details like the hardwood floors, fireplace and crown molding, while adding modern art, antiques and hand-woven rugs throughout for a cohesive then and now design.

To Sabrina, it was important to include antique details that pay homage to the time period the home was built, with handmade oriental rugs in every room, while bringing it into the 21st century with all stainless steel appliances, refrigerator, and dishwasher.

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