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How a Single-Wide Trailer Beat Luxury Cabins in the Smoky Mountains STR Market
How a Single-Wide Trailer Outsmarted the Smoky Mountains STR Market
See that photo?
What you’re looking at is actually a single-wide trailer.
Let that sink in.
And it’s beating luxury cabins in one of the most ultra-luxury, hyper-saturated STR markets in the U.S.: the Smoky Mountains.
Funkit Interiors’ client Kelly built something so scroll-stopping and unexpected, it landed 14 bookings on day one.
Not because it was the biggest cabin on the block—but because it was completely different and unconventional.
Let’s break down her playbook.
Kelly's Secret Advantage: Differentiating
The Smokies are one of the most visited destinations in the country.
That's great…but they’re also one of the most competitive STR markets out there.
Scroll through Airbnb, and you’ll see the pattern instantly:
luxury cabins, hot tubs, rustic interiors.
It works, but it's the same vibe, over and over again.
Kelly knew this. She had managed STRs in the area for years and saw firsthand how hard it was for “just another really nice cabin” to stand out.
So when it came time to invest in her first Airbnb, she didn’t copy what was already working.
She bought a single-wide trailer on 1.75 acres of land, just minutes from Dollywood and the Pigeon Forge strip.
Then she brought in friends and family to help build the deck, transform an old carport into a game room, install a cowboy pool, mount walls, run lighting, and pour concrete.
And to make sure the property felt luxurious and scroll-stopping, Kelly hired the Funkit Interiors STR design team to completely reimagine the interiors and backyard.
And this is how it turned out...
Property Overview: Welcome to “The Nova” Hill Gem
Welcome to The Nova—a bold, mid-century modular retreat with Smoky Mountain flair, designed to feel playful, elevated, and unforgettable.
Guests enjoy:
▪️ Hot tub + heated cowboy pool
▪️ Massive deck with outdoor TV, BBQ, and dining
▪️ Insta-worthy murals and a treehouse net for stargazing
▪️ Fire pit for late-night hangs
▪️ A full game barn with a pool table, ping pong, darts, and a bar area
(scroll for pics)
▪️ Pet-friendly, family-friendly, comfort-forward design
Kelly turned the land and amenities into the attraction—transforming a boring trailer into a true destination stay.
The Results (Yes, From a Trailer)
When The Nova went live, the response was immediate: 14 bookings on day one
▪️ Property Purchase: $195,000 (10% down)
▪️ Design & Renovation: $160,000
▪️ Total Investment: $355,000
▪️ ADR: $230 (Goes up to $700 on peak days)
▪️ Revenue: $70,000+
▪️ Expenses: $48,600
▪️ Profit: $21,000
▪️ Cash-on-Cash Return: ~12%
And this is only level one. Kelly's got plans to expand and build one more unit.
The Playbook: What Kelly Did Differently
Kelly’s story proves that “oversaturated” doesn’t mean impossible.
She:
✔️ Invested in great design, even with a modest structure
✔️ Built a backyard experience guests would travel for
✔️ Bought with expansion potential using a land hack strategy
✔️ Focused on differentiation instead of copying competitors
✔️ Started with creativity and resourcefulness instead of waiting for “perfect”.
Inspired? Read the full Peek the Playbook to learn:
✔️ Kelly’s full journey — from trailer purchase to fully booked launch
✔️ The exact strategies she used to stand out in a saturated market
✔️ The design and experience decisions that made guests click “Reserve”
✔️ The advice she’d give to new hosts starting from scratch
And don't forget to check out Kelly's Airbnb here and give it a ♥️!
Cheers,
The Host Camp Team
P.S. This wild project came to life with the help of the Funkit Interiors STR design team.
If you want your property to stand out—even in competitive markets—book a free consult (and get $500 off your design project!)
