D
oug Beachy, a 61‑year‑old Cincinnati entrepreneur, has long struggled to bring his extended family together. With four married children and 16 grandchildren, the Beachys live in a spacious 4,000‑square‑foot home that becomes cramped whenever everyone gathers. In the past, they rented large vacation houses in Ohio or the South, a costly and logistically challenging solution that only allowed for occasional reunions.

    In 2022, Beachy turned to Pacaso, a fractional‑ownership platform that lets multiple people co‑own a luxury vacation property. He selected a 5,000‑square‑foot home on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, a favorite family destination known for its 12 miles of pristine beaches and abundant recreational options. The property features six bedrooms—five with king‑size beds and walk‑in closets, one with bunk beds for the kids—seven and a half bathrooms, and a sprawling kitchen that can seat 19 or 20 guests. The house offers an ocean view and a private pool and hot tub, making it ideal for family gatherings.

    Beachy purchased an eighth of the home, paying a 50% down payment on his share. Unlike traditional timeshares, Pacaso’s model is transparent, with no hidden fees or markups, and Beachy views the investment as a long‑term asset that could appreciate with the real‑estate market. The arrangement also eliminates the maintenance burden and high HOA fees that come with owning a second home outright.

    Pacaso provides a house manager who handles cleaning, stocking linens, towels, and disposable items, and the Beachys only need to decide what to cook. The family reserves 44 nights per year, using nearly all of them. They typically schedule two‑week stays during the summer when school is out, allowing the grandchildren to enjoy the island’s biking trails, pool, and games. Activities such as sunrise swims, beach walks, bike rides, and pickleball have become staples of their reunions.

    The new arrangement has increased family interaction, with gatherings occurring roughly twice a year instead of every other year. Grandchildren now anticipate each trip, and the shared ownership model has made it easier for the Beachys to maintain a regular, quality time together without the financial strain of renting large properties.