Sherinah Peck from @farmhouseonoxley
I came across Sarah’s classes from an acquaintance of mine that has a riverfront property not far away from me. I’m one of those people that if I want to embark on something … educate yourself and gather as much as you can from the professionals in the field.
Every week I would do my homework and took the course quite seriously. I loved the classwork and thought that was extraordinary how it was not just relevant but it actually has had an impact on my personal life (a whole other story I need to write!).
When I finished the class I was determined to follow the story I had written and was confident in what I was offering (before embarking on the course I was heading in a completely different direction and thought I needed the Farmhouse to look like all the other Airbnbs and Instagram accounts that I had been looking at). Sarah’s class helped me to be bold, brave and trust in what I had to offer and to be true to myself rather than imitate others that have had success.
I invested in key elements – firstly I didn’t just put things in the Farmhouse. Instead I believe in what I call “considered” pieces. I love repurposing vintage pieces of furniture. You can’t get that warmth and patina from new furniture. I took onboard her styling & storytelling advice, invested in professional photography and a website.
I pressed the go button, and was booked out for three months within nine days of my launch. This blew me away. I don’t know if I’m saying too much but within six weeks of opening I had $97,000 worth of bookings. The thought of turning our family home into a vacation rental initially just seemed like an idea that could maybe work out okay, but I just wasn’t prepared for the huge success of the Farmhouse.
The best part of all of this success is most definitely the positive and outstanding guest response and comments. I rush in after the guests have checked out and go straight to look at my guest book. I have been fortunate to receive some really, really, beautiful comments. I also love that guests are making memories that hopefully stay with them forever. The income is a bonus! All in all … having completed the class has allowed me to provide an income for my family that I didn’t even think was possible.
My advice for you all reading this about to embark on your journey.
Be true to your story. Question every purchase or decision around it moving forward.
Be bold and brave and after finishing the class, go over the information again and again and make sure you’re clear.
Don’t be afraid to connect and engage in the community around this class.
Invest in professional images.
I have a ‘treat others how I would like to be treated’ policy. So I try and be kind, patient and thoughtful (and flexible but without being taken advantage of).
I hope that I can keep offering Farmhouse on Oxley as a place where people can make memories for years to come. And if ever you are travelling north and are near the mid-north coast of NSW please look me up I would be happy to offer my fellow students a great deal!
Sherinah Peck from Farmhouse On Oxley.
@farmhouseonoxley