From Self-Managed to #1 in the County — A Strategic Remodel & Management Success Story
When Great Bear Cabin joined the Dark Skies Vacation Rentals portfolio in late 2024, it had already seen better days. Once a top-producing property, its revenue had dropped from $120,000 in 2023 to just over $100,000 in 2024 under self-management.
The bones were solid. The location? Incredible. But it lacked the design, guest experience, and professional oversight that today’s travelers expect. The property was under-optimized—and the owner was ready for a change.
Enter Dark Skies Vacation Rentals. In just a few short weeks, we transformed Great Bear Cabin with our fully turnkey package, and the results speak for themselves.
🔧 The Remodel: A Strategic Reboot
We took advantage of a narrow off-season window—between Thanksgiving and Christmas—to overhaul the cabin without disrupting peak bookings. Our team led design, demo, procurement, setup, and staging from start to finish.
One of the biggest opportunities? A grimy, underutilized basement that had only ever been used for storage. We saw untapped potential—and transformed it into a guest-favorite amenity haven.
🎮 Finished Basement Transformation
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Installed LVP flooring for a modern, durable finish
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Wrapped walls in tongue-and-groove pine
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Added recessed lighting for a clean, cozy ambiance
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Created an entertainment lounge with:
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Pool table, vintage-style arcade games, shuffleboard, darts
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70” smart TV with plush lounge-style seating
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What was once a forgotten storage space is now a centerpiece of the guest experience—and a key driver of increased occupancy and rave reviews.
🛁 Updated Amenities Throughout
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Bathrooms: New vanities, fixtures, and lighting
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Kitchen: Upgraded black-finish appliances
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Interior Design: All-new furniture throughout the cabin, plus a full artwork and décor package curated for guest comfort and visual appeal
📸 Visual Storytelling That Sells
After the renovation, we partnered with one of Pennsylvania’s premier lifestyle and real estate photographers to capture the transformation. The results were stunning.
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Drone footage showcases the cabin’s private setting, forest surroundings, and nearby trail access
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Professional staging highlights the warmth and design of every room
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Lifestyle shots help guests picture themselves relaxing, playing games, and making memories
These high-impact visuals have significantly boosted listing performance and engagement on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.
📈 Results: From Revenue Decline to Record Performance
Since joining Dark Skies Vacation Rentals and relaunching in early 2025, Great Bear Cabin has experienced a dramatic and measurable turnaround:
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Occupancy: Nearly 90%
(up from 80% in 2024) -
Average Daily Rate (ADR): $393/night
(up from $342 in 2024) -
Projected 2025 Gross Revenue: $130,000+
🥇 Now ranked the #1 revenue-generating vacation rental in all of Potter County for homes with 5 bedrooms or fewer — and Great Bear only has three!
🏡 Want to See It for Yourself?
Whether you’re a potential guest looking for your next getaway or a property owner curious about what’s possible with the right team behind you—Great Bear Cabin is proof of what’s possible with expert management and intentional design.
👉 Check out the full listing or book your stay here:
Great Bear Cabin – Dark Skies Vacation Rentals
🧰 What Turnkey Really Means
This case isn’t just about a renovation—it’s about the power of expert vacation rental management paired with intentional design and data. At Dark Skies Vacation Rentals, we provided:
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Strategic revenue forecasting and performance diagnostics
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Full-scope interior design, remodeling, and staging
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Professional photo & brand refresh
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High-converting listing creation and ongoing optimization
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5-star guest communication, maintenance, and operations
Best of all? Once the work is done, we handle every single detail—from guest messaging to coordinating cleaners, lawn care, snow removal, and repairs.
The owner simply sits back and cashes checks.
🚀 Thinking About Partnering With Us?
If your rental is underperforming or you’re overwhelmed by the demands of self-management, let us help you unlock its full potential.
📞 Call us at 814-806-3192
📧 Email josh.corey@darkskiesvacationrentals.com
🌐 Learn more: darkskiesvacationrentals.com