From Hoarder House to High-Performing Short / Mid-Term Rental: The Pine Forest Hideaway Rehab Story

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When we purchased what is now Pine Forest Hideaway in January of 2023, it looked nothing like the peaceful, modern retreat it is today.

The property had sat vacant for over a decade, buried under years of accumulated belongings, deferred maintenance, and neglect. It was part of a probate action, and while the price reflected the condition, the transformation ahead would be extensive.

We acquired the property for $235,000, not because it was move-in ready — but because the location and fundamentals were exceptional.

The Location: Why This Property Was Worth the Effort

Pine Forest Hideaway sits on 2.5 wooded acres in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, just:

  • ~12 minutes from UNC & UNC Hospitals

  • Adjacent to Jordan Lake

  • Minutes from the Governor’s Club area

  • On a quiet, 1-mile dead-end road

Along that same road are multiple million-dollar homes, making it clear that while the structure had fallen into disrepair, the underlying land and location were extremely valuable.

The property also benefits from:

  • Well and septic (lower operating costs)

  • Available High-speed internet (a guest demand)

  • Privacy, woods, and a true “retreat” feel — while still being close to everything

This combination made it ideal for both:

  • Forced value appreciation through rehab

  • Short-term and furnished mid-term rental use

The Starting Point: A True Hoarder House

Before any construction could begin, the property had to be emptied.

Both the main 3BR / 2.5BA house (~2,000 sq ft) and the detached 2-car garage were completely filled with junk. Multiple trucks and dumpsters were filled repeatedly just to clear the space and make the structure accessible for inspection and planning.

Only after the clean-out could the real rehab begin.

The Main House Rehab: Rebuilding From the Inside Out

The scope of work on the main house was extensive and intentional. We weren’t just fixing cosmetic issues—we were repositioning the property for long-term performance.

Major Improvements Included:

  • Complete redo of walls and ceilings

  • New flooring throughout, including real hickory hardwoods

  • Fully renovated kitchen and bathrooms

  • Foundation repairs

  • New roof

  • All new fixtures, lighting, and finishes

Kitchen Transformation

We kept the original cabinets but:

  • Installed new shaker-style doors

  • Painted them white

  • Modified the layout to accommodate a larger refrigerator

  • Added granite countertops

  • Installed new stainless steel appliances

Bathrooms & Finishes

  • Porcelain tile

  • Updated showers and vanities

  • Clean, modern design focused on durability and guest appeal

Once construction was complete, the home was fully furnished with short-term rental use in mind:

  • Adjustable leather seating

  • Adjustable beds

  • Large-screen TVs

  • Thoughtful décor designed for comfort and longevity

The Garage Conversion: Creating a Separate Income Stream

One of the biggest value-adds came from reimagining the detached 2-car garage.

Instead of keeping it as-is, we:

  • Converted it into a 1-car garage + living space

  • Built out a kitchen and living room on the first level

  • Captured part of the remaining garage bay to create:

    • A laundry room

    • A half bath

  • Left ample space to still park a vehicle

Upstairs, we added:

  • Two bedrooms

  • A loft living area

  • A Jack-and-Jill full bathroom with a tiled shower between the bedrooms

The result is a 2BR ADU just under 1,000 sq ft, rented separately from the main house as a short-term rental—creating an entirely independent income stream on the same property.

Exterior Improvements & Site Work

To support both units, we:

  • Removed 13 trees (with more planned)

  • Created ample parking for both the main house and ADU

  • Installed a gravel parking area suitable for guest turnover and long-term durability

The goal was to balance functionality with preserving the wooded, secluded feel that makes Pine Forest Hideaway unique.

The Bigger Picture: BRRRR + STR Done Right

This project is a real-world example of how the BRRRR model can work when:

  • You buy below market due to condition or circumstance

  • The location is strong

  • You execute a thoughtful, high-quality rehab

  • You choose the right rental strategy

Rather than relying solely on traditional long-term rents, Pine Forest Hideaway was intentionally positioned for:

  • Short-term rental

  • Furnished mid-term stays

This approach allows the property to:

  • Support a higher valuation

  • Generate stronger cash flow

  • Remain flexible as market conditions evolve

From Our Property to Client Services

Just as with long-term property management, we didn’t offer short-term or mid-term rental services until we had done it ourselves first.

Pine Forest Hideaway represents:

  • Hands-on experience

  • Lessons learned firsthand

  • Systems refined before being offered to clients

Today, we help clients:

  • Identify STR / MTR-friendly properties

  • Analyze cash-flow potential

  • Reposition distressed homes

  • Set up operations, furnishing, and branding

  • Manage short- and mid-term rentals end-to-end

If you’re interested in seeing the finished product—or staying at the property yourself—you can explore Pine Forest Hideaway here: 👉 https://PineForestHideaway.com

And if you’re curious how a similar approach might work for your own investment goals, we’re always happy to talk strategy.