I am an architectural, portrait and wedding photographer in NW Montana and a very determined single mom of three. I have property with 10 acres, a newer 3400 sq ft home, 24x28 finished shop and successful AirBnb boutique campground. The property borders US Forest Service, a developed recreational trail system and a high end golf & ski resort all within 2 miles of downtown Columbia Falls, Montana; which is located 7 miles east of Whitefish and 10 miles west of Glacier National Park. I would like to further develop the already successful camping property into a more unique vacation rental opportunity and wedding venue. As of yesterday, Glacier National Park is now limiting their wedding venue permits, giving couples fewer location opportunities here in the Flathead Valley.
I have been successful in photographing many vacation rental properties, hosting guests at our property, selling and marketing our rental opportunities, managing websites, maintaining the property and keeping the property consistently booked.
Columbia Falls is the gateway to Glacier National Park and our small town sees over 3 million tourists each summer alone. In the 4 years of offering boutique camping to both RV and tent travelers, I have never had any trouble with vacancies and guests continue to return each year. There are limited places to stay in the area and many travelers are seeking a more unique experience, for example, a treehouse or fire lookout tower. I would like to develop one or two more unique rentals on the property where guests can mountain bike, hike or xc ski in or out directly from their rental. They can also walk to the Meadow Lake Golf Resort to grab dinner, a massage at the spa, a game of golf or xc ski on their groomed trail system. There is another treehouse, unique stay opportunity, in the area and they are booked year round charging $400/night in winter and $600/night in summer. They are further out of town, they do not border a trail system or US Forest Service land or a golf course with amenities. I know by creating a unique stay having so many amenities out the front door would be a highly sought after tourist destination.
The property also has a wonderful location for a wedding, plenty of parking and outdoor bathroom. Included in the wedding package, they can have a photographer and a honeymoon cabin on the property. They can wake up and see deer, elk, moose and bears as well as peace and quiet from their front porch without a neighbor to be seen.
Behind the 10 acres, there is an additional 10 acres for sale, which is surrounded by forest service on two sides that I would also like to purchase if funding is possible. I have first right of refusal on that property. From the top of that property, you get a view of Whitefish Mountain Resort, it's beautiful. The neighboring home to the west is on 20 acres and it's a very successful vacation rental property. The owners charge $800/night and after speaking with their caretaker, they only rent the home for part of the year and they net over $85,000/year after all their expenses are paid.
With my sales and marketing skills, website development, property management abilities, professional photography and drive to succeed, I'm confident I can develop a very successful hospitality business.
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