A Surprising Venture into Short-Term Rentals

It’s interesting how some opportunities find you when you least expect them.

Amber and Dean Neufeld didn’t initially set out to create a business around short-term rentals. But after purchasing a quaint home in St. Helens, Oregon, they found themselves with a property that was part of film history, having appeared as Bella Swan’s residence in the “Twilight” series. This unexpected twist has turned their investment into a lucrative source of income.

The five-bedroom house, instantly recognizable to dedicated fans, draws visitors from all over the globe, eager to relive scenes from the iconic vampire romance that took pop culture by storm in 2008.

In 2018, the couple snagged the property for $360,000, standing out from other bidders with a heartfelt personal letter and a significant down payment. It’s really quite a fascinating move, securing a piece of pop culture for die-hard fans.

Amber recalled visiting all the filming locations and when she stumbled upon the house for sale, her excitement was palpable. “Oh, I know that house!” she exclaimed, recalling the moments from the film.

After acquiring the house, the couple invested an additional $20,000 to enhance its allure with real movie props and replicas that resonate with the film’s aesthetic. They were even able to incorporate the actual kitchen table used in the movie, affectionately labeled as “Charlie’s actual dining table.”

Each room has been thoughtfully designed to reflect different characters from the movie, including Bella’s room and Jacob’s space. Amber took charge of creating the listing for the rental, while Dean focused on the labor-intensive renovations.

Dean explained this busy balancing act: “I would work my day job and then come home to handle renovations, often putting in hours until late at night.” This level of commitment really shows their desire to bring something special to life.

Initially, when the house was listed for rent in 2019, they struggled to attract steady bookings. However, a viral video on TikTok in 2020 ignited a surge of interest, as guests began recreating memorable scenes from the film, like Bella gazing out her bedroom window.

According to Dean, this sudden popularity overwhelmed Airbnb’s system. They decided to create their own website for bookings, which completely changed the game for them. “Our reservations filled up instantly, and it hasn’t slowed down since,” he said.

Even with the high demand, the couple has kept their nightly rate around $400, an accessible price that enables them to gross approximately $60,000 a year after covering expenses. Amber noted their approach wasn’t purely about making money: “It was more about maintaining a balance to cover our mortgage and keep the house intact.”

After accounting for costs, they find themselves with a tidy profit, emphasizing that preserving the home’s cinematic charm is just as crucial as turning a profit.

In Amber’s words, her initial concern was about safeguarding the home and its filming history. Amazingly, even after all these years, “Twilight” continues to capture the hearts of a new generation discovering it through streaming platforms and social media.

Guests often leave with emotional reflections. One visitor described their experience as “unforgettable,” noting a joy that was difficult to put into words.