An Airbnb about Community: Cedar Cottage Springs Visits
Dec 16, 2024
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Glenn Navia and Stacey Testa, creative minds behind Cedar Cottage Springs, discuss their journey from corporate careers to running a community-focused Airbnb in the Hamptons. They share insights on the evolving rental landscape and the balance between hospitality and community connection. Listeners learn about their unique approach to hosting, emphasizing warmth and personal touches. The couple reflects on the challenges posed by short-term rentals and the importance of maintaining local relationships amidst a rapidly changing environment.
Glenn and Stacey prioritize fostering a community-oriented rental environment by attracting guests who value authentic connections and local culture over commercialized experiences.
They advocate for sustainable tourism and longer stays to encourage deeper relationships with residents, contrasting with the transient nature of corporate short-term rentals.
Deep dives
Historical Significance of Cedar Cottage
Cedar Cottage, built over a century ago, embodies rich historical value, being recognized as one of the oldest houses in the Springs. Its storied past includes being owned by a rum runner, which aligns with the innkeepers' passion for cocktails and hospitable gatherings. Glenn and Stacey discovered the house almost serendipitously, spurred by friendly notices of its sale, reflecting a narrative of both personal and communal history tied to the residence. This backdrop not only draws visitors but also serves as a compelling reason for its preservation and continued use as an inviting rental accommodation.
Community-Centric Hosting Philosophy
Glenn and Stacey prioritize creating a community-centric environment in their rental approach, shunning the commercialized party culture prevalent in many vacation rentals. They focus on attracting guests who appreciate the area's serene and authentic ambiance, rather than those seeking a club-like experience. Their efforts are geared toward promoting connections with local artisans, nature, and neighbors, fostering a sense of belonging among visitors. By vetting guests and limiting occupancy, they ensure that the atmosphere remains respectful and cordial, reinforcing their commitment to the community.
Challenges of the Airbnb Culture
The rise of short-term rental platforms like Airbnb has introduced complexities into the local housing market, driving up prices and altering the character of neighborhoods. Glenn and Stacey highlight the struggles they face against larger corporate entities that purchase multiple properties solely for rental income, often leading to disruptive behavior from tenants. This commercial approach can create a negative perception of all short-term rentals, adversely affecting hosts who genuinely wish to contribute to their communities. The innkeepers advocate for a return to longer-term rentals, emphasizing the importance of building respect and connection within the community.
A Vision for Sustainable Tourism
Looking ahead, Glenn and Stacey envision a shift toward sustainable tourism that respects local heritage and fosters deeper connections with the community. They express their desire for a return to longer stays that allow visitors to genuinely appreciate the Springs while building relationships with residents. This perspective aligns with a growing backlash against the transient nature of corporate rentals, advocating for a more thoughtful approach to accommodation. By emphasizing intimacy and local culture, they hope to inspire a new generation of visitors who value quality experiences over quantity.
Esperanza and Irwin welcome Glenn and Stacey, the proprietors of Cedar Cottage Springs. Like many places, Eastern Long Island rentals have dramatically changed. Seasonal rentals, have shifted from the previous Memorial Day to Labor Day season to shorter term rentals; often very short. Airbnb's dominate, and are the source of much displeasure. But for Glenn and Stacey, they are not renting their house, they are sharing their HOME. Two creative types, they've brought a warmth and quirkiness to a business that often lacks exactly that. They are immersed in our community, and our conversation takes in that, and much more.
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