Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
SHOALS – A new Airbnb in Shoals is giving visitors an opportunity to stay overnight in the Martin County town.
Bob Tedrow and Lee Bell took a tiny home and turned it into a cozy respite.
The Shoals couple hatched the idea to turn the tiny home into an Airbnb after discussing the lack of overnight accommodations in town with Martin County’s local economic development director.
“If you love getting outdoors, we have the Jug Rock, the Pinnacle, Hindostan Falls and the Bluffs of Beaver Bend, but without a hotel, those visitors are going to spend their day here and leave, or drive out of town and stay someplace else,” Tedrow said.
Located in the heart of town, the tiny home is close to US 50, but tucked away on a quiet street.
It has a fully equipped kitchen, laundry, carport, concrete driveway and covered front porch. The one-bedroom home that can accommodate up to four people started receiving guests in September.
Guests have come from as far away as Chicago and Florida. With Thanksgiving and Christmas approaching, the couple anticipates the tiny home can house guests who need a place to stay while visiting family.
A recent guest left this review: “Our stay was perfect in every way! Beautifully decorated and comfortable accommodations. Bob & Lee are the best – thoughtful notes, tasty snacks and always available. We will definitely be back.”
With Shoals’ proximity to West Boggs, Jasper and the French Lick Resort, the tiny home appeals to those who want to experience a variety of Southern Indiana sites.
Bell said whether it’s someone who just wants to get away to a quiet setting for a few days, explore the outdoors or is in town to visit family, the tiny house is just right.
Jessica Potts, executive director of the Martin County Alliance for Economic Growth, said the tiny house fills an important need.
“Lodging is so limited in Martin County. We have camping at West Boggs Park, Martin State Forest, a few airbnb’s here and there, and the Eldorado Motel in Loogootee, but these tiny homes give people options of a unique place for people to stay while visiting Martin County,” she said.
Tedrow and Bell purchase the houses as shells and then finish the interior and exterior. Guests also have access to a community center that has games and a game room and fitness equipment. The house lists for $125/night.
The one-bedroom house that accommodates up to four people is already reserved for the April 8 solar eclipse, which is expected to draw massive crowds to southern Indiana since it is in the path of totality.
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The couple plans to have another one-bedroom (up to four guests) tiny house ready to book on Airbnb in time for the eclipse. Looking ahead, they plan to have a two-bedroom tiny house finished by fall of 2024.