The Haven at Sawyer

Sawyer, Michigan. A modern 3-bedroom retreat in the woods of Harbor Country with a heated pool, hot tub and fire pit, minutes from Lake Michigan.

Airbnb Superhost and Guest Favorite. Live site: havenatsawyer.com

The Haven is our own home. We bought it already operating as a short-term rental. Despite a prime spot near Warren Dunes State Park and high-end amenities, it was underperforming and barely covering its costs. We rebuilt how it was marketed, priced and run, and built havenatsawyer.com so guests could book us directly.

What we did

Applied market research to implement optimal pricing strategies, successfully filling weekends even during off-season periods
Completely revamped property listings with professional photography and compelling narrative
Leveraged technology for personalized guest communication and rapid response to any issues
Upgraded to luxury bedding and furnishings through wholesale trade pricing
Created a fully stocked chef's kitchen to delight guests and enhance their stay experience
Launched havenatsawyer.com with direct booking, Stripe checkout, a digital welcome guide and an AI concierge

Results

Annual Occupancy: 24% to 39%
Peak Month (July): 65% to 94%
Average Daily Rate: $683 to $1,021
Annual Revenue: $95,000 to $125,000