The Quill List! Featuring: Crafty Cottage in Wake Forest, North Carolina

Nov 15, 2024

Welcome to the latest Quill List feature!

We are currently about 2 months into a year-long travel sabbatical, and the American part of our journey has taken us to Wake Forest, North Carolina to spend 6 weeks near my husband's family. We checked into this Airbnb for a week while waiting for our longer-term house to be ready.

As soon as I checked in, I contacted the hosts to ask if they'd like to have their cottage featured on The Quill List. I was instantly in love with this sweet bungalow from front to back. The many design touches, easy check-in, great communication, and super clean house all had me at hello.

Jennifer and Alex are an impressive power couple in the STR industry, still mostly working full-time jobs while expanding their STR business. From a guest perspective, I would have thought they both worked their rental business full-time. They were consistently quick to respond and made our stay more than welcoming.

Read this fun post about Jennifer and Alex's inspiring journey into the STR world, and where they hope to take their small business, Crafty Properties, with a current portfolio of 4 amazing rental homes.

Enjoy!

Alex and Jennifer, tell us a bit about yourselves.

We’re the Ravenscrafts – a lively family of six! There’s Alex and Jennifer, our two little adventurers, Mira and Nolan, plus Alex's two sons, John and Owen, who join us whenever they can. We call Raleigh, NC, home, but we’re always dreaming up our next travel adventure. If we had to sum ourselves up, we’d say we're a hardworking, travel-loving family with a big vision for the future. Alex is a Finance Manager at a large tech company, while Jennifer wears two hats as a Marketing Director in biotechnology and a real estate broker. Life can get a bit busy, but we always make time for family and exploring new places together. One of our family goals is to attend all four of tennis' Grand Slams – so far, we’ve checked off Wimbledon and the US Open, and next up is the French Open! Here’s to adventures, laughter, and a home away from home, wherever that may take us.

How did your short-term rental journey begin?

Our short-term rental journey started with a spark of inspiration during a weekend getaway to Carolina Beach in 2019. We instantly fell in love with the area and began dreaming about owning a little slice of paradise there. Just a few months later, in early 2020, that dream became reality when we purchased a condo – right before the world changed with the pandemic!

The unexpected downtime allowed us to pour our hearts into getting the condo rental-ready, and before we knew it, our “occasional rental” idea had turned into a full-blown business adventure. There were plenty of bumps along the way, but each one taught us something valuable. We quickly learned that friendly neighbors are worth their weight in gold – they become your trusted eyes and ears. And the right cleaner? Absolutely essential. They’re your best business partner, keeping everything spotless and running smoothly. With every new rental, it’s been less stressful and more rewarding. We’re thrilled to see where this journey continues to take us!

Shop The Crafty Cottage Living Room below (Boards prepared by Quill Decor)

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Tell us a bit more about Crafty Properties, your STR business.

Crafty Properties started with a nickname and grew into a dream. The name was inspired by Alex’s days in the Marines, where he was affectionately called "Corporal Crafty" by a Beastie Boys-loving roommate. Years later, that nickname found a purpose as we launched our short-term rental business.

Our journey began with a beach condo in Carolina Beach – an ideal spot to try our hand at rentals. While setting it up, Jennifer was also studying for her real estate license. Little did we know her career would take off as it did, opening up new opportunities across North Carolina. With the success of our first rental, we expanded to Surf City, a quieter family-oriented beach town, where we found a spacious townhome with stunning sound-side sunset views. We loved the idea of offering two different beach experiences for our guests.

After a few hurricane seasons and rising insurance costs, we decided to diversify into the mountains. Our cabin, perched atop Joshua Mountain, in Bostic, offers breathtaking views between Asheville and Charlotte, where sunsets are truly something special. This was followed by our next adventure in Wake Forest, close to home in Raleigh. What started as a mid-term rental evolved into a wedding retreat! The cottage featured on the Quill List is surrounded by premier wedding venues and the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, making it a popular choice for wedding guests and seminar attendees.

Now, as we prepare to close on a Raleigh townhome, we’re venturing into the mid-term rental market to cater to traveling professionals, people relocating, or those needing a temporary stay in the Raleigh area. With this expansion, Alex is considering stepping away from corporate life to manage Crafty Properties full-time, possibly adding a real estate license to complement Jennifer's thriving business.

Crafty Properties has truly become a family affair. From our two little ones to Alex’s older sons, everyone pitches in, whether it’s helping with maintenance or capturing the perfect photos of each property. Our goal is to continue growing our portfolio, creating unique stays across North Carolina, and sharing the charm and warmth of each place with our guests.

I know you purchased the featured Crafty Cottage in Wake Forest from a prior owner and they had already incorporated a lovely design into the home. How do you feel having a well-designed rental property affects this listing?

Yes, we were fortunate to purchase the Crafty Cottage from previous owners who set it up beautifully as a short-term rental. Their design choices were tasteful, and they created a welcoming atmosphere that we’ve enjoyed adding our own touches to. With our travel backgrounds, we put ourselves in our guests' shoes, "staying" in our properties as if we were on vacation. We ask ourselves: What would make this stay even better? Is everything inviting and comfortable, from the linens to the amenities?

One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned over the years is not to skimp on quality. Investing in well-made, thoughtfully chosen items – from bedding to kitchenware – makes a huge difference. Discount finds can be useful, but the overall feel of the property should exude quality and care.

Our cottage stands out in the area as the only true "cottage" STR, with charm, character, and a prime location in the National Historic District. Most of the other rentals are newer condos, townhomes, or houses from the 80s. Crafty Cottage’s unique design and history give it a warm, memorable atmosphere that guests appreciate – and we find that the care we put into every detail attracts guests who treat our property with the same respect.

Shop The Crafty Cottage Bedroom below (Boards prepared by Quill Decor)

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What is something special and unique about your property or the experience you offer your guests that makes you stand apart in the short-term rental marketplace?

What makes Crafty Cottage truly special is the blend of thoughtful amenities and personal touches we’ve included, inspired by our own travels and experiences. We understand that every guest’s needs vary, so we’ve carefully curated options to make each stay as comfortable and memorable as possible. For example, we offer a wide variety of coffee and tea options to start the morning right – from a French press and coffee grinder to a Keurig and tea kettle, ensuring everyone has their preferred way to enjoy their morning brew.

We also believe that the pride we take in maintaining our properties shines through. While it can be a bit of an investment, keeping the landscaping fresh and inviting is a priority. We want our guests to feel as though they’re stepping into a well-loved home. And beyond the basics, we focus on creating “experiences” for our guests. At our beach properties, we provide beach towels, chairs, an umbrella, toys, carts, kayaks, and even fishing poles, so our guests have everything they need to enjoy the coast.

At Crafty Cottage, we're continually refining the experience based on guest feedback. Guests have raved about the hot tub, fire pit, and soon we’ll have a dedicated cornhole area in the backyard. We’re also preparing to accommodate wedding guests and their families by adding catering-style amenities, like platters, flower vases, and extra tables and chairs, so they can comfortably host gatherings after the big day. Alex even draws on his experience working part-time at a top catering company in Raleigh to ensure everything flows smoothly.

In the end, we aim to create a space where guests feel taken care of, with thoughtful amenities that make their stay special. It’s these extra touches that set us apart and make Crafty Cottage a unique experience in the short-term rental market.

(Val here- I want to add that the backyard has bistro lights all around the perimeter that automatically come on at dusk. I loved this added touch especially while enjoying the hot tub!)

What are your favorite furniture and decor resources for your listings?

Finding the right furniture and decor is always an adventure! For our beach properties, we love incorporating fun and vibrant color schemes to create a warm, inviting feel without going overboard on a specific theme. Our guiding principle is simple: “Can we picture ourselves relaxing here?” We apply that mindset to every piece we choose, focusing on quality and comfort to ensure our guests feel right at home.

Our shopping takes us all over! We’re big fans of finding unique deals at warehouse sales, especially those that offer display items from places like Costco and Restoration Hardware. While we’ll occasionally score something directly from those stores, it’s the hidden gems in smaller warehouses that often pay off the most. And, of course, Jennifer’s HomeGoods expertise knows no bounds! We joke that she’s visited every HomeGoods in any city we have a rental in – she’s a master at finding the perfect decor pieces that make each space feel special.

Any final thoughts that would be interesting to share?

Final thoughts? There's so much we could share! Managing short-term rentals has taught us countless lessons – from what to avoid to the keys to success. One thing that’s become crystal clear is the importance of having a strong support team. A reliable cleaner, a trustworthy handyman, and good neighbors can make all the difference. We’re especially grateful for our cleaner who saved the day on Christmas Eve when the heater went out at the beach, coming through with space heaters and extra blankets to keep our guests comfortable.

It’s also the little touches that elevate a stay, like having makeup clothes, and high-quality toiletries. If you're just starting out, we highly recommend connecting with other STR owners or investors – their insights are invaluable. And if you have a realtor who understands the STR market, like Jennifer does, it can truly enhance your investment's success.

Jennifer has even curated a Facebook group for STR owners and enthusiasts, which now has over 1,000 members! The group is a fantastic resource, covering everything from choosing the best linens to exploring investment opportunities in specific towns. You can check it out here: Facebook Group. Whether you're just starting or looking to grow, having a community of like-minded owners is invaluable.

Alex and Jennifer make great use of faux plants in this property to add a sense of warmth and completeness to the rooms. We've put together a board of lovely fauxes for you to shop below!

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Alex and Jennifer, thank you for sharing your beautiful properties with us. I wish you all the best as you continue to grow and develop Crafty Properties.

Until next time, happy hosting everyone!

To stay at one of the Ravenscrafts' beautiful properties, visit their website or email [email protected]. And be sure to give Crafty Properties a follow on Instagram: @craftypropertiesnc.

Coastal NC Investing Facebook group

Ravenscraft Realty Facebook page

The Quill List is our curated collection of extraordinary short-term rentals celebrated for their inspiring design and dedication to the guest experience. At Quill Decor, we’re thrilled to highlight properties that bring creativity and care to every detail, setting a high standard in the rental market.

If your property combines innovative design with outstanding hospitality, we invite you to apply for a feature. Selected hosts will be contacted for an interview, sharing your story and celebrating your approach to hosting with a larger audience. Complete the application below to start the journey—we look forward to discovering your space!