After nearly 10 years of renting our lake house, we’ve learned that repairs rarely happen at a convenient time. From broken appliances and emergency service calls to a major exterior renovation, here’s how we handle repairs when guests are staying or already booked—while keeping communication and the guest experience at the centre of it.

Can a family lake house really work as both a cherished family retreat and a successful Airbnb? After nearly ten years of welcoming guests into the place we love most, I've learned that operating a vacation rental isn't about creating a perfect property—it's about creating a home people genuinely love spending time in.