The Coastal Cabin was in the renovation process at a strategic time for our family business. The project turned out to be the most extensive renovation we have done to date, both inside and outside, including the addition of a swimming pool. The decision to undertake the extra time, complexity and expense of a pool was based on market research and ROI (return on investment) for a vacation rental in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Because we live in the unit during renovations, the amount of time and the specific time we were working on the Coastal Cabin contributed to our eventual attachment issues.
Let me explain. My son Levi and his wife Carly are the Florida based members of our family business, Ocean Blou. During the Coastal Cabin reno, they were expecting their first child, so naturally Dave and I spent every possible moment we could in Florida, staying at the Coastal Cabin. Baby Cocoa was due around the holidays at the end of 2024, which meant extended family came to them (us) for Christmas, New Year’s, and eventually for Cocoa’s birth. The Coastal Cabin was the site for family meals, joyful hangouts and lifelong memories. Needless to say, we got very attached to this little place.
Added to that, we utilized the furniture from our own home in Texas that had been in storage since we sold it last year. This made the Coastal Cottage feel homey and familiar—we don’t want to leave. I have mentioned before that it is a good idea to live a short time in a property you plan to use as a vacation rental. It’s a great way to find out what works and what doesn’t, or what you need and don’t need, before you start booking guests. The sign that I have struck the ideal design at a property is when I personally want to be there all the time. Since I spend a great deal of time in the design and staging process thinking about future guests, I am emotionally invested by the end of a project. It has happened multiple times—Dave and I have to get our minds and hearts prepared to let the property go.
Although it is a little bit painful to move on after putting so much of ourselves and our hearts into a project, it is worth it. Our team seeks the Lord to help us create spaces that are beautiful, welcoming and will bless our guests during their vacation. We don’t really have attachment issues, we have a heart to bless others and an appreciation for beauty. AND we love what we do! So go make some memories.
Investing with grace,
Karen Conrad Metcalfe