Austin residents Bethany and John Ellis love to escape the city to their favorite getaway in Texas - Fredericksburg. After many trips to Fredericksburg, they began to dream up the idea of owning their own vacation rental home where others could enjoy the town as much as they do.
As luck would have it, as soon as their search turned serious, a home built in the 1870s came on the market and the rest is history. Read the intriguing story of how they combined the charm of this landmark with modern luxury and created The Rosebud.
Q: How long have you been a short term rental host?
A: We recently launched The Rosebud in December 2022 and have been welcoming guests every weekend since.
Q: What inspired you to get into STR hosting?
A: As Austin residents, we have always enjoyed weekend visits to Fredericksburg. It was a dream of ours to open an upscale vacation home where people can feel truly cared for and at home, yet inspired.
Q: What are your biggest pain points as an STR owner?
A: We love connecting with our guests, so not being there to welcome them in person is a bit of a pain point for us. We have a wonderful property management team that ensures every detail – from fresh flowers, local pastries and lights on to welcome guests – are always in place!
Q: How have you tried to differentiate your property from other STRs - how do you make it stand out?
A: While we had just one short month to decorate and stock the home, we wanted it to feel like it was curated over time. It’s chock-full of beautiful, custom furnishings, antiques, luxury bedding and soaps, and welcome baskets with snacks and wine. The Rosebud is truly a feast for the senses!
Q: What's your favorite thing about being an STR host?
A: Making our guests feel truly special and cared for. For example, if we know a guest is celebrating a birthday at The Rosebud, we’ll have a personalized cake waiting for them upon arrival. Providing sweet little surprises like that are what make hosting so much fun!
Q: What is the #1 most important thing for STR hosts to get right, in your opinion?
A: Authentic connection with guests. Although we have a property management team in place, our guests will always receive texts and calls from John and me. I think that personal connection is so important!
Q: What products do your guests love the most?
A: Aside from notes about our antiques, we receive so many questions about the Kassatex linens, Fig + Amber Crate & Barrel Hand Soap and the plush Crate & Barrel bath towels.
Q: How has Minoan helped you with your short term rentals?
A: We had a small amount of time to furnish The Rosebud, and Minoan was exceptional at helping us get every last essential in place throughout the home. There isn’t a room that wasn’t furnished through Minoan!
Q: What are your favorite Minoan brands?
A: Kassatex, Crate & Barrel and Pottery Barn.
Q: What's one thing you know now that you wished you knew when you first started setting up your STRs?
A: Guests can feel the heart poured into a home and will take special care of your furnishings because of it. I was uneasy about the luxury furnishings we selected for the home, but our guests share so much appreciation for what we created and have cared for everything so well!
Q: Any other tips for your fellow hosts?
A: Treat others as you want to be treated. Think about what you would want in a vacation home and don’t hold back! Surprise and delight your guests with little things that can (and will!) truly set your home apart from the rest.
