
Summer may be in full swing, but serious investors know it’s never too early to plan for year-round returns. This issue, we’re showcasing three standout properties designed to deliver in every season - from lakeside Idaho cabins with four-season adventure appeal, to Upstate New York’s proven two-for-one rental setup, to a top-rated Smoky Mountain retreat with rock-solid numbers.
Plus, we’re spotlighting one trend you can’t afford to ignore: the surge in weekday bookings that’s reshaping how hosts maximize occupancy and revenue. Whether you’re buying your next doorbuster property or optimizing the one you own, we’re here to keep you a step ahead.
FEATURED STAY
Custom-Built Idaho Mountain Retreat
📍 Donnelly, Idaho | 💰 Listed at $1,100,000 | 🔗 View Listing
A fully custom 4-bed, 3-bath cabin at the base of West Mountain with breathtaking lake views and seamless access to Tamarack Resort - America’s only Ski/Golf/Lake destination.
Highlights:
☑️ Thoughtful design with cathedral ceilings and floor-to-ceiling Marvin windows immersing guests in nature.
☑️ High-end finishes throughout - quartzite countertops, Bertazzoni appliances, and custom cabinetry.
☑️ Private, .57-acre lot with room to expand (ADU/shop-ready), plus modern infrastructure and unmatched four-season rental potential.
👉 The perfect blend of luxury and wilderness for investors eyeing Idaho’s booming vacation market.
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Stay at Stunning Wander Homes for Less
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✅ Fast, reliable Wi-Fi and ergonomic work setups.
✅ 24/7 concierge support for a seamless stay.
FEATURED STAY
Dual Rental Ellicottville Performer
📍 Ellicottville, New York | 💰 Listed at $799,000 | 🔗 View Listing
A 4-bed, 2-bath mountain getaway with a separate 1-bed guest cabin - both Airbnb “Guest Favorites” with over 110 flawless 5-star reviews and exceptional rental history.
Highlights:
☑️ Two-for-one income potential with private, well-separated main house and cozy cabin, both with hot tubs.
☑️ Fully furnished, beautifully rustic interiors featuring a stone fireplace, gym area, bar nook, and EV charger.
☑️ Stellar track record with long-standing cleaning and maintenance team, plus excellent cost segregation potential for savvy investors.
👉 A rock-solid opportunity in Ellicottville’s high-demand four-season vacation rental market.
FEATURED STAY
Turnkey Smoky Mountain Cabin
📍 Sevierville, Tennessee | 💰 Listed at $650,000 | 🔗 View Listing
A 3-bed, 2-bath, fully remodeled cabin that’s an Airbnb all-star with a 4.94 rating and $95,404 in 2024 gross bookings.
Highlights:
☑️ Designer-updated interior with cozy rock fireplace, fast WiFi, and fun-packed loft (pool table, arcades, twin trundles).
☑️ Outdoor living at its best with two covered decks, hot tub, porch swings, and a fire pit with seasonal mountain views.
☑️ Nearly step-free entry, large 0.76-acre lot with expansion potential, and unbeatable location just 15 minutes from Pigeon Forge.
👉 An income-producing Smokies gem ready to delight guests and deliver consistent returns.
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Weekday Bookings Are on the Rise - Especially in Drive-To Markets
New data from Key Data and AirDNA shows a surprising shift in 2025: weekday bookings (Monday–Thursday) are up 11% YoY, driven by remote workers, digital nomads, and travelers extending weekend trips.
The biggest weekday gains? Drive-to destinations within 3 hours of major metros - think Smoky Mountains, Central Oregon, and upstate New York. These areas are benefiting from guests looking for midweek escapes with high-speed WiFi, quiet surroundings, and outdoor amenities.
👉 The takeaway? Investors should optimize pricing calendars to capture midweek demand and highlight work-friendly features - like dedicated desks, strong internet, and peaceful settings - in listings and photos.
CONCLUSION
Where Will You Purchase Next?
From mountain-lake escapes to village retreats to Smoky Mountain hot spots, these aren’t just pretty listings - they’re turnkey opportunities to meet guest demand in 2025 and beyond. And with travelers booking more midweek stays than ever, there’s never been a better time to think creatively about filling every night on the calendar.
After all, the only thing better than a full calendar is knowing you’re the one who saw it coming.
See you later,
Jack O’Neill
Founder, The STR Wire
LEGAL
This newsletter is published by The STR Wire LLC, and affiliated entities (“we”, “us”, or “our”) for informational purposes only. It should not be considered financial, legal, investment or real estate advise. We are not licensed under any securities laws, and nothing in this publication constitutes an offer to buy or sell any security or investment. All property details, pricing, availability, and financial figures are based on sources believed to be accurate at the time of publication but are not guaranteed and are subject to change.
Always perform your own due diligence and consult qualified legal, financial, or real estate professionals before making any investment decisions. Verify all property information with the appropriate listing agent, seller, municipality, or platform. Market conditions, regulations, and investment performance may vary by location and change over time. All content is provided “as is,” without warranties of any kind, and we disclaim any liability for errors, omissions, or losses arising from its use.


