Barndominiums, an architectural hybrid between a barn and a condominium, have exploded in popularity as unique vacation rentals. With their spacious designs, rustic charm, and customizable layouts, they attract travelers searching for new and boutique experiences. For aspiring hosts, property managers, or real estate investors, a barndominium isn’t just an eye-catching property; it’s a business opportunity with immense potential.

If you’ve considered creating and running a barndominium as a short-term rental but don’t know where to start, this guide will cover everything you need to know. From design choices and operational efficiencies to attracting guests and maximizing profits, you’ll learn how this unique concept can set your rental business apart.

Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!

Why Barndominiums Make Excellent Short-Term Rentals

What makes a barndominium such an attractive option in today’s short-term rental market? These properties tick many boxes for discerning travelers and savvy entrepreneurs alike.

1. Unique appeal

Barndominiums stand out. Unlike generic apartments or standard vacation homes, their rustic yet modern charm creates a memorable experience, which is a major draw for travelers seeking Instagram-worthy stays.

2. Customized home layouts

With open floor plans and high ceilings, barndominiums plans are highly versatile. You can cater to groups of all sizes, from intimate couples’ retreats to family getaways or even corporate retreats.

3. Cost efficiency

Constructing a barndominium is often more affordable than a traditional home-building process, especially if you already own suitable land. The steel structures make them durable and energy-efficient, keeping operating costs low long-term.

4. High ROI potential

A barndominium’s uniqueness enables you to charge premium nightly rates, especially if optimized for amenities and guest experience.

Step 1: Design Your Dream Barndominium

Now that you know the “why,” let’s explore the “how.” Crafting a compelling guest experience starts with thoughtful design.

Prioritize functionality and comfort

While aesthetics are important, your custom barndominium must be built to serve the specific needs of short-term rental customers. Include essentials like spacious kitchens and bathrooms. Bonus features like outdoor seating areas, private hot tubs, or fireplaces can also elevate the guest experience.

Choose the right layout

Keep spaces flowing naturally. An open concept for living, dining, and kitchen areas is ideal for fostering togetherness, while private bedrooms allow for quiet retreats and a break from life. If possible, include multi-functional spaces, like a loft area for extra sleeping accommodations.

Stylish and durable furnishings

Your furniture and décor choices should reflect the rustic-meets-modern aesthetic barndominiums are known for. Opt for trendy yet hard-wearing materials, such as leather couches, farmhouse tables, or steel fixtures, which can withstand frequent use by guests. A metal roof is also a popular style choice.

Outdoor spaces

Travelers love outdoor amenities, especially in rural or semi-rural settings. Consider adding fire pits, patios, BBQ grills, or scenic walking trails if your property has the surrounding land.

Step 2: Automate Your Operations

Running a short-term rental doesn’t need to consume all your time. Modern tech platforms like Host Tools can simplify your operations and maximize efficiencies at every stage.

Messaging automation

Automate guest communication to ensure seamless interactions. Host Tools allow you to schedule and customize check-in instructions, reminders, and review requests, freeing up more time for you to ensure satisfaction for all prospective clients.

Calendar synchronization

Double bookings? Never again. By syncing calendars from platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com, you’ll maintain accurate availability without the manual hassle.

Smart pricing optimization

Keep your rates competitive and adjust for peak travel seasons or holiday weekends with intelligent pricing rules. For example, lower rates during a mid-week “dry season,” and automate surcharges during high-demand times like festivals.

Cleaning and turnovers

Host Tools provides a turnover calendar that allows your cleaners to view upcoming bookings. This seamless scheduling means your barndominium stays guest-ready without constant input from you.

Step 3: Attract the Right Guests

Once your dream home is ready, you need a strategy to expand its reach and position it competitively in the short-term rental market.

Build a compelling listing

• Photos: Hire a professional photographer to capture your property in its best light. Showcase both the interior and exterior (don’t forget those outdoor amenities!).
• Description: Highlight unique features like rustic charm, scenic views, and proximity to attractions. Use inviting language that makes travelers envision their stay. You’ll find a lot of Tennessee barndominiums when browsing for inspiration in the design phase.
• Keywords: Use terms like “barndominium,” “unique getaway,” and “rustic retreat” to improve search visibility.

Leverage social media

Create Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest profiles for your property, showcasing its design, surrounding environment, and stellar guest reviews. Engaging posts like coffee brewing on the patio at sunrise or a guest enjoying a s’mores party by the fire pit can evoke wanderlust.

Build repeat business through experiences

Partner with local businesses to offer curated guest experiences, such as vineyard tours, horseback riding, or cooking classes. Guests who take home fond memories are more likely to rebook or refer your space. This time of dedication show guests you want to provide them with the utmost care.

Step 4 (Optional): Scale Your Barndominium Rentals

If your first property is successful, why not expand? This industry is always growing and so should you!

• Replicate Your Design: Use lessons from your first barndominium to scale your efforts with additional properties. Find your own “stock floor plans” and rinse and repeat what works for you. Be sure to work with a barndominium builder or company that you gel well with.
• Centralize Your Operations: Managing multiple properties is easier with a solution like Host Tools, which supports hosts with anywhere from 1 to 100+ listings. Its pricing optimization, messaging, and calendar syncing tools scale perfectly as you grow.

Final Thoughts

Barndominiums are unlike any other property in the short-term rental business. Their unique appeal, versatility, and cost-effectiveness set them apart, giving you the chance to offer an experience that stands out to travelers in 2025 and beyond. By designing a functional, visually stunning space, automating your operations with tools like Host Tools, and creating compelling guest experiences, you’re setting up your venture for success.

Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!