iN PHOTOS: Shuswap woman makes artsy Airbnb out of sea can
A Sorrento woman turned a sea can into an art studio on her rural lakeside property and recently opened it as a funky Airbnb.
Susan Aylard put the can on an RV pad and hooked it up to power and a self-contained water system last summer. She added a wall to make a separate bathroom area and bought vintage furniture to “enhance the art studio vibe.”
“It is brand new, it’s only run for a season,” she said. “People came out to paddle board on the lake for a few days, or stayed a few weeks for their work projects. It doesn’t have a lot of traction yet.”
The Airbnb sits in a rural setting on the shores of White Lake and accommodates two people. It’s private with its own shower and kitchen, however the dock and the canoe onsite are shared. There are places to walk in the trees, and dogs are allowed.
The decor is rustic and relaxed, with art on the walls and an outdoorsy vibe.
“There is paddle boarding, fishing and canoeing, and the loons and turtles are part of our wildlife here,” Aylard said. “We provide biodegradable soap and special toilet paper. The toilet is a composting toilet that thankfully people are embracing.”
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Aylard turned the art studio into the Airbnb after realizing it didn’t have enough insulation for year-round use when her art supplies froze during a freezing spell. She has experience running a resort, and she herself prefers Airbnbs over motels.
“They are cheaper and have more character,” she said. “Airbnb’s are not like they were 15 years ago when you were in a room in someone’s house, they’re more private now.”
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An overnight stay in the sea can costs $94, while for two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room in B.C. costs an average of $220 Canadian, according to Budget Your Trip British Columbia.
Aylard is currently booking for weekends with a minimum two night stay, but in July and August the minimum stay is a week. Dogs are welcome, but big parties are not. Air conditioning and wifi are available.
Go here for more information or to book a stay, exact location is provided after booking.
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