We’re transforming a cabin surrounded by nature into a cozy retreat, soon to be an unforgettable Airbnb escape.
Our Cabin in the Poconos: The Story of Stewart’s Folly and Our Airbnb Adventure
Jen and I, your future hosts, are thrilled to announce our latest adventure—a dream we’ve held close for years! We’re transforming a cabin surrounded by nature into a cozy retreat, soon to be an unforgettable Airbnb escape. Named Stewart’s Folly in honor of my dad (Jen’s fantastic idea), this renovation project celebrates his adventurous spirit, inspired by the story of William Seward’s “folly” in acquiring Alaska—a decision once questioned but later revered for the hidden treasures it revealed.
Like Seward’s vision, this cabin was once seen as a folly. It’s a bit weathered, last updated years ago, and has plenty of quirks. It’s tucked away in the heart of the Poconos, surrounded by trees and peaceful solitude. But we see the hidden potential in this space, much like Seward did in Alaska. Through our renovation, we aim to uncover its treasures and turn it into a haven for guests seeking comfort, connection, and unforgettable memories in the heart of nature.
A Dream in the Making: The Beginning of Stewart’s Folly
We knew we had something special from the moment we stepped inside the cabin. The location alone is pure magic: surrounded by towering pines, close to hiking trails, lakes, and all the charm the Poconos offers. Though the cabin needed a lot of TLC, it had the kind of rustic charm that made us fall in love. It has creaky stairs, a wood-burning stove, and oversized windows that let in the light that makes you want to curl up by the fire and stay all day. Every bedroom in the loft has a patio door to a private second-story deck overlooking towering trees all around you.
On our first day exploring the space, deer visited us right outside our kitchen window. The silence and peace of the creaking trees against winter’s first snowfall were beautiful.
But work must be done before we can share this slice of paradise with you. And this is where the adventure begins.
Winter Renovations: Transforming the Interior
As much as we wish we could tackle everything simultaneously, winter in the Poconos has challenges. While we’ll save the big outdoor projects for spring, this season is about interior transformation. Our priority is to create a cozy, inviting space where you can unwind, relax, and reconnect with nature—while enjoying all the comforts of home.
Here’s what you can expect to see as we start working on the interior:
Spring Renovations: Elevating the Exterior
Once the weather warms up, we can turn our attention to the exterior. Staining the exterior is when Stewart’s Folly will start to shine! Here’s what we have planned:
- Outdoor Living Spaces: We want guests to enjoy the Poconos’ natural beauty regardless of season. We’ll upgrade a spacious outdoor deck in the spring, perfect for enjoying morning coffee or stargazing at night. We’ll also add a firepit area where guests can gather and share stories under the stars.
- Landscaping and Pathways: We’re also excited to enhance the grounds around the cabin, adding to the experience of your morning coffee on the second-story deck, landscaping for the firepit, and fixing up the outside wet bar space for everyone to enjoy. Think afternoon cocktails being created on the wet bar for your friends. On an oversized wooded lot, you can take a stroll or sit and listen to the sounds of the forest.
- Bringing the Cabin to Life: We will add a few personal touches outside, like a charming sign with the cabin’s name, Stewart’s Folly, and maybe even a little garden to celebrate the history and natural beauty of the Poconos.
Sharing the Journey of Stewart’s Folly
We’re excited to renovate Stewart’s Folly and share the process with you, our future guests, every step of the way. We’ll document the transformation—posting photos, and stories on our blog and social media. We want you to see the cabin evolve from a rustic getaway into the cozy retreat we envision.
The renovation isn’t just about fixing a cabin—it’s about creating an experience. Every choice we make, from the paint colors to the furniture, is aimed at creating an atmosphere that fosters connection, relaxation, and adventure. We’re doing this for you and can’t wait to welcome you to Stewart’s Folly once the project is complete.
In the meantime, we hope you follow along as we bring our dream to life. Stay tuned for updates on our journey, and get ready to experience the charm, beauty, and adventure of Stewart’s Folly—a place where memories are made and adventures begin.
We’re excited to share this adventure with you. Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on it, and we hope to welcome you to Stewart’s Folly soon!