Today we’d like to introduce you to Dave and Kate Siekkinen.
Hi Dave and Kate, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My husband, Dave, and I first saw the future Buttercup Cottage (circa 1925) listed for sale as we were driving through little neighborhoods along Lake Erie back in February 2019. It needed a lot of work but we saw the potential it had. We purchased the cottage in November of that same year but were not able to start renovations because the pandemic began shortly after.
We were eventually able to begin a major renovation on the cottage in March 2021 and finally stayed overnight for the first time in May 2022. So it was a very long process! Our two little girls, Mae (age 6) and Ava (age 4) spent many days with us “helping” with renovations, picking out paint colors and tile samples, and learning to love summers spent at the lake. We always knew we wanted other people to be able to enjoy Buttercup Cottage too so we decided to list it on Airbnb and VRBO. It is available for select weekends in winter and spring 2023.
Currently, there is more availability for summer 2023 so book a stay with us now while you still can! Our guests will enjoy a completely renovated 3 bedroom/1 bath cottage that comfortably sleeps six. Open concept living room/dining room/kitchen. Fully fenced-in backyard with new patio and outdoor firepit. Walk about 700 feet down the street and there you are at the lake!
Enjoy a grassy commons area with picnic tables and benches overlooking the lake. You will also find access steps to the private community beach you will be able to use during your stay. With the Ashtabula Harbor District and Geneva on the Lake both about 5 minutes away and over 30 wineries in the area, there is so much to do and enjoy! For direct bookings, and to save on fees, contact us via email today!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The pandemic was a major challenge we were not expecting. From having to quarantine to supply chain delays, the renovation took more than double the time it normally would have. We decided to look at this as a positive. It allowed us to get to know the cottage and gave us more time to save up money so that we could get the fixtures and upgrades we wanted. In the end, Buttercup Cottage was definitely worth the wait!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Dave and I have been investing in real estate since 2018, but we’ve always done long-term rentals up to this point. This is our first adventure with short-term rentals, Airbnb, and VRBO and we are excited about it. We are also expanding in this area with another short-term rental. We are in the process of buying the Walnut Beach Inn, a larger home with views of Lake Erie located within walking distance of Historic Bridge Street in the Harbor District. We love this coastal town so much and want others to experience it too!
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
We first visited Ashtabula on a romantic weekend getaway for Valentine’s Day 2018. Even though the weather was cold and a little dreary, we instantly loved the area. There is something magical and peaceful about this little city and we love life at the lake. We feel like it is one of the best-kept secrets of Northeast Ohio.
Pricing:
- $225.00 a night + fees Sunday through Thursday
- $250.00 a night + fees Friday and Saturday nights
- To save on fees, contact us via email for direct bookings
Contact Info:
- Website: https://abnb.me/OeGzeiQ3Svb
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buttercupcottageashtabula
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064201564361
- Other: https://www.vrbo.com/3153515?unitld=3726608&webview=ios
