Kitty’s wooden cabin has been tops for seven years

Kitty Mrache started advertising her cabin when Airbnb was a relatively new startup, and at the time her listing was one of the first that was located outside New York or San Francisco. Nonetheless, “almost immediately, we began getting reservations”, said Mrache, who manages the tiny digs with her husband, Michael. They never realized what a big deal their property’s popularity was for Airbnb at the time – until they were invited to a party Airbnb threw for VIP hosts. “We were blown away”, said Kitty of the event. At the party, employees gushed that they were “rock stars”, said Kitty, and they were introduced to the company’s founders – and until then it hadn’t occurred to them “the impact we were making or how comparatively successful we were”.

Described as a “geodesic dome loft”, the cabin was built from a DIY kit, starting out as a compact 100 square feet, but since has been expanded and renovated, while maintaining its rustic charm. It can accommodate three guests (we thinks they must share well :)), and features a main floor with a futon, kitchen, and bathroom fitted with a composting toilet and tiny shower. It’s worth the trip upstairs (think Supremes “Up The Ladder To The Roof”) to the main sleeping area, it’s double bed ensconced by the dome roof, with windows providing a spectacular view out to the trees and stars beyond.

The little cabin that quickly made the leap from its humble beginnings as shelter for a homeless friend, remains consistently on top in terms of bookings on Airbnb. The waitlist is several months long, from locals wanting a weekend escape, to international vacationers, to those interested in the Tiny House movement who want to give living in a small space a trial run. The Mrache children also have to wait their turn. “My kids like to come and stay”, Kitty said, “but they have to make an appointment”.