I
lived in Florida my whole life, but after a divorce and turning 50, I felt restless. As a real-estate agent for 20 years, I had built a portfolio of three duplexes and two small homes, but the increasing costs of insurance and maintenance made me think it was time to cash out.

    In 2021, I sold my $2 million portfolio and used the money to buy an 11.5-acre campground in Hayesville, North Carolina, for $290,000. The property had five tiny cabins, a larger house, a pavilion, and 20 RV slots, but it was in disrepair.

    I decided to turn the property into a tiny-home park for vacation rentals, using every dime from selling my portfolio to rehab the property. I installed new sewer lines, gravel roads, and plumbing and electrical systems, and gutted the existing cabins to add new appliances, furniture, and decor.

    To create a unique village, I drew inspiration from fairy tales like "Alice in Wonderland" and "Candyland." I researched copyrights to ensure I wasn't infringing on any trademarks. The result is a whimsical village with themed cabins, including an "Alice in Wonderland"-themed cabin called Alice's White Bunny Cottage and a Candyland-themed cabin that looks like a gingerbread house.

    Over 250 local and international artists have contributed to the property's artworks or furnishings, making each cabin one-of-a-kind. Visitors come from all walks of life, including families, university groups, and fans of Disney, Warner Bros., and Harry Potter.

    Business can be slow during certain months, but I'm hopeful that it will pick up as the economy improves. Despite not yet turning a profit, I'm reinvesting any remaining revenue into the property to add amenities like a barn with miniature horses and a fairy garden.

    For me, creating this village is about building both my dream and retirement. I live on a beautiful property surrounded by nature, and seeing guests create memories here makes it all worthwhile. Some visitors return multiple times, and that's something you can't put a price on.