Kara Hammes Of Brown County Barn Burner: 5 Things You Need To Become A Highly Successful Airbnb Host

Many people dream of becoming an Airbnb host but don’t know where to start. In this series called “5 Things You Need To Become A Highly Successful Airbnb Host” we are interviewing successful Airbnb hosts who share lessons from their experience about how to run a very successful Airbnb property. As part of this series I had the pleasure of interviewing Kara Hammes.

Kara Hammes is an entrepreneur and hospitality innovator, specializing in group travel accommodations. As the co-founder of Brown County Barn Burner, a premier short-term rental and event space designed for large groups, she has accumulated valuable firsthand knowledge on how to run a successful Airbnb business. With a background in Biology and Public Health, she spent years in clinical research before transitioning to hospitality and real estate development. Identifying a gap in the Nashville, Indiana market, she and her husband, Clint, built the Barn Burner from the ground up, creating a high-quality, purpose-driven lodging experience. Since launching in 2020, the property has become a sought-after destination for families, corporate retreats, wedding parties, and more. Kara also curates Tanglewood Hideaway, a local travel guide, enhancing visitor experiences in the region and lending her expert knowledge to guests.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”?

I didn’t exactly set out to become an Airbnb host — or a business owner, for that matter. My background is actually in Biology and Public Health, and I spent years working in labs and government agencies, dealing with infectious diseases and clinical trials. But my husband Clint and I have always been big on DIY projects, real estate, and travel. So when we moved to Brown County, Indiana in 2016, it didn’t take long for us to start looking at short-term rentals.

Brown County is a huge regional tourist destination, but finding accommodations here for large groups was nearly impossible. Hotels meant splitting up, and local Airbnbs were either too small or capped at 10 guests due to zoning restrictions. We’d both grown up taking big family trips — road-tripping across the U.S., renting houseboats, and cramming into cabins — so we knew firsthand how difficult it could be to find a place that was large enough, well-designed, and didn’t require booking multiple properties just to keep everyone together.

That’s what led us to create the Brown County Barn Burner — a short-term rental and event space designed specifically for big groups. We bought the property in 2018 and spent nearly two years finalizing plans, securing funding, and lining up the right contractors. We officially secured our construction loan in March 2020(just days before the world shut down) and then broke ground in April 2020. Despite all the challenges that year brought, we finished construction in seven months and welcomed our first guests in November 2020.

Since then, we’ve hosted hundreds of families, wedding parties, and retreat groups. Along the way, I also launched Tanglewood Hideaway, a local travel blog to help guests plan their trips and experience the best of Brown County.

What started as a solution to a problem I had personally experienced has grown into something much bigger — a business I love and a space that’s helping people create lasting memories together.

What led you to first start becoming an Airbnb host?

It was a mix of timing, opportunity, and wanting to solve a problem we had personally experienced. We love to travel, and as a “planner” myself, I know how exhausting it can be to organize a trip — especially for a large group. Finding a space that actually works, keeping everyone comfortable, coordinating meals, and making sure the trip feels fun instead of stressful…it’s a lot.

When we moved to Brown County, it was clear that there was a huge demand for short-term rentals but very few options for large groups. We saw an opportunity to create the kind of place we love to stay: spacious, well-stocked, and designed to make group travel easy. The Barn Burner was built with all of that in mind: separate units for privacy, shared gathering spaces, full kitchens in every unit, plus plenty of beds, bathrooms, and thoughtful details to make a stay seamless.

Beyond just hosting, we also wanted to be part of the community in a meaningful way. That’s why the Barn Burner includes a commercial retail space that we lease to a local bike shop and an Event Space. The mix of spaces allows us to host workshops, pop-up markets, collaborations with other local businesses, and support the kind of creative, small-town culture that made us fall in love with Brown County in the first place.

For me, hospitality isn’t just about providing a place to sleep — it’s about making people feel welcome, making travel easier, and creating spaces where people can truly connect.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started this?

I mentioned earlier that we finally signed our construction loan on March 11, 2020, which felt like a huge victory after nearly two years of navigating financing roadblocks. Then, four days later, everything turned upside down. Schools shut down, businesses closed, and suddenly, we were trying to figure out whether construction was even considered an “essential industry” and if we could move forward at all.

At the time, it just seemed like an awful joke. After all the hurdles we’d already cleared, we were finally ready to break ground, only to be thrown into the chaos of a global pandemic. It was stressful, exhausting, and honestly a little terrifying. But looking back, I can see how fortunate we actually were.

Because we had everything lined up, we avoided the worst of the supply chain shortages and inflation spikes that hit later. And while we had always planned the Barn Burner as a space for large groups, designing it as four separate units ended up being a built-in contingency we never could have predicted needing. Even while group travel was on pause, we were still able to host individual unit bookings, which helped keep us going.

On the personal side, having our girls home from school meant they got to be a part of the process in ways they never would have otherwise. I like to joke that their homeschool science curriculum that spring was “Introduction to Construction Management.” One day, we’d be explaining how a concrete pump truck works; the next, they’d be helping pick out tile samples.

It wasn’t easy, but honestly? Any construction project is stressful. And in the end, we got through it on time, with our health intact, and with a business that we’re incredibly proud of.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

I haven’t really shared this story very widely, but if we’re talking actual “you have to laugh or you’ll cry” moments, it would have to be last fall during our peak season. My husband was in Colorado on a hunting trip with zero cell service, and we had a school group staying with chaperones. One morning, while I was out hiking, I got a call from the owner of the bike shop downstairs, letting me know an alarm was going off in one of the units.

By the time I got there, the whole place was filled with smoke — like, billowing-out-of-the-windows levels of smoke. Turns out, someone had stored food (a giant box of Cheerios, of all things) on top of the glass stovetop, and when they left for the day, they must have accidentally bumped a burner knob. The burner turned on, the box caught fire, and it was evidently a full-on blaze for a bit.

I joke now that if we had to have an indoor fire, this was the kind to have, because, by some miracle, it didn’t spread. The microwave was ruined, and the side of a cabinet was scorched, but it never fully caught. And because our building has a sprinkler system (thanks to the commercial space downstairs), if the fire had gotten any worse, the sprinklers would have gone off and flooded the entire unit.

Instead, we had a smoke-filled mess, bedding that had to be washed multiple times, a microwave to replace, and some cabinet paint to touch up. But after dealing with all that, and a few days of running ozone machines, you’d never know it had happened.

Lesson learned? Tighten up rental policies and maybe leave a note somewhere that says, “Hey, don’t store your food on the stove.” Oh, and always be ready to roll with the unexpected (especially if your back-up is out of state with no cell service). It was an absolute disaster at the time but in hindsight? It could have been so much worse.

Honestly, I think every host eventually has a nightmare lesson learned — hopefully not as dramatic as this one. But if you can avoid it, more power to you.

What are some of the common mistakes you have seen people make when they first start hosting with Airbnb?

A lot of the mistakes new hosts make go back to one thing: not thinking like the owner of a hospitality business.

Too many people approach Airbnb hosting like it’s just an easy way to make extra income, aka set it and forget it. But the truth is, whether you manage everything yourself or hire a company to help, you’re still responsible for the experience your guests have. And in this industry, experience is everything.

One of the first places that mindset shows up is in how the space is set up. I see a lot of new hosts treating their rental like it’s just a version of their own home. When you live in a place full-time, you learn how to work around its quirks — a finicky faucet, a sticky cabinet door, a light switch that doesn’t do anything. But Airbnb guests are total strangers in your space. If something doesn’t work clearly and intuitively, it’s going to cause confusion, frustration, or a late-night message you could’ve avoided.

Another big misstep? Skimping on basics or overloading the stay with unnecessary rules and fees. Guests want to feel welcomed, not nickel-and-dimed. Cutting corners, like providing thin, scratchy sheets or limiting toilet paper to two rolls for a weeklong stay, sends the message that the guest’s comfort isn’t your priority.

All of those decisions — how you set up the space, how you communicate, how you stock it — stem from whether or not you truly see yourself as someone in the business of hospitality. And if you don’t, it shows.

What are some of the things that can be done to avoid these errors?

Start by shifting your mindset: you’re not just providing a place to sleep, you’re curating an experience for someone who’s likely never been in your space, or maybe even your town, before. That means:

• Think like a guest. Walk through your space as if it’s your first time there. What’s obvious? What’s unclear? Fix anything that could cause confusion or friction.
• Make everything easy. Label key items, provide simple instructions (especially for appliances), and make sure all your basic amenities are stocked. A well-organized space with clear communication makes a huge difference.
• Don’t cut corners on comfort. You don’t have to go ultra-luxury, but a quality mattress, soft bedding, and a clean, fresh space are non-negotiables. People won’t always remember your décor — but they’ll definitely remember if they slept terribly or found someone else’s hair in the shower.
• Update as you learn. If guests ask about something more than once (how to use the thermostat, where the trash bags are), treat that as useful feedback. Add signage, clarify your welcome guide, or rework the setup so that question never comes up again.

At the end of the day, good hospitality isn’t about being flashy — it’s about caring enough to anticipate your guest’s needs and smooth out their stay before they even arrive. That’s what separates a decent host from a truly great one.

Can you share with our readers about the innovations that you are bringing to the Airbnb experience? In your opinion, what makes you different from the rest?

At the end of the day, what sets us apart is our mindset. We think like travelers, design like hosts, and lead with hospitality. That’s what keeps guests coming back, and what makes it fun for us, too.

When we created the Brown County Barn Burner, we weren’t just trying to build something pretty. We wanted to solve the real pain points of group travel — spaces that don’t flow, kitchens that barely function, and hosts who treat it like a side hustle instead of a service.

So we started from scratch, with a layout that makes sense for groups, a guest journey that feels smooth from booking to checkout, and thoughtful details that actually make a difference (like extra towels, clearly labeled supplies, and a kitchen you can really cook in).

While I think we have a phenomenal space, it’s not all about big bells and whistles. It’s about being intentional. About anticipating needs, removing friction, and creating a space where people can connect, celebrate, and feel taken care of.

We also go beyond just the stay. Through our blog and local travel guide, Tanglewood Hideaway, we help guests make the most of their trip, even if they’re not staying with us. It’s all part of the same goal: making travel to Brown County easier, more enjoyable, and a whole lot more memorable.

Can you share “5 Things You Need To Become A Highly Successful Airbnb Host”?

There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for Airbnb success, but after years of hosting hundreds of guests, I can say with confidence that these five things make all the difference:

1. Offer Something Unique if You Can

You don’t have to have the most jaw-dropping property on the internet — but you do need to either offer something unique or at least make sure your space aligns with what guests expect when visiting your area. If everyone else nearby has a hot tub, fire pit, or killer view, and you don’t? You’ll need to deliver value in other ways.

When we built the Brown County Barn Burner, we noticed a big gap in the market: no one around here was offering large-group lodging. Most rentals capped out at 10 people due to zoning or size, and we saw the opportunity to create something from the ground up that was actually designed for extended families and groups of friends. That decision alone made us stand out in a saturated market.

Even if your space is more standard, put yourself in the shoes of a guest. What would make their trip easier, more comfortable, or more fun? If you can anticipate their needs, you’ll already be ahead of most hosts.

2. Treat Hosting Like a Business — Because It Is

Even if you’re renting out a single spare room, you are in the hospitality business. That means answering messages quickly, keeping your calendar accurate, and actively improving based on guest feedback.

I can’t tell you how many hosts take guest messages personally, but the truth is, most guests aren’t trying to be difficult. They just want to enjoy their trip without hassle.

Example? We once had a guest who messaged us saying they couldn’t figure out how to use the thermostat. At first, my reaction was, seriously? It’s a thermostat. But I quickly realized that if one guest struggled with it, others probably had too. So instead of rolling my eyes, I helped the guest figure it out and then added thermostat instructions to our guest book. Problem solved before it became an issue again.

Your job isn’t to judge what guests “should” know, it’s to make their stay as easy and seamless as possible.

3. Invest in Two Things: Quality Bedding & a Great Cleaner

If you only spend money on two things, make it these:
1) Great mattresses and bedding (because, if nothing else, guests will remember if they slept terribly).
2) A fantastic cleaner (because nothing grosses people out more than someone else’s dirt).

We invested in high-end Tuft & Needle mattresses, Parachute linens, and allergen-proof pillow protectors — and you know what? It’s one of the most common things guests compliment.

And cleaning? Non-negotiable. A great cleaner doesn’t just “tidy up,” they make sure the place feels truly fresh and welcoming for every single guest. No hair in the shower, no weird smells, no streaky mirrors. If you can’t clean to that standard, hire someone who can and be ready to pay them accordingly.

4. Get Familiar with Your Area from a Guest’s Perspective

Just because you live somewhere doesn’t mean you actually know what it’s like to visit. If you want to be a great host, it’s worth going out and doing the “touristy” things.

Eat at the popular restaurants. Hike the well-known trails. Visit the shops and galleries. Not only will this help you make better recommendations to guests (which they’ll appreciate), but it might even spark ideas for amenities to add. Maybe you’ll realize bikes are the best way to get around town, and you’ll add a few to the garage.

For us, this is what led to Tanglewood Hideaway. What started as a way to help Barn Burner guests plan their trips turned into a full Brown County travel resource, which now serves as a great way to connect with other travelers coming to Brown County (and introduce some of them to the Barn Burner in the process).

You are a “travel insider”. How would you describe your “perfect vacation experience”?

Honestly, it depends on my mood! One of the reasons we moved to Brown County is because it’s the kind of place we’d often vacation, with a mix of nature, small-town charm, and plenty of opportunities to slow down and connect. But when I travel, I tend to bounce between two very different travel styles:
1) Immersing myself in nature — hiking, exploring, and finding hidden outdoor gems.
2) Go all-in on big cities — major culture, food, and energy.

No matter where I go, I love a mix of exploration and downtime — enough structure to experience a place fully but enough flexibility to soak it all in without feeling rushed. Some of my favorite trips have been to walkable destinations, where I can just set out and wander…find a great café, pop into a local shop, and see where the day takes me.

I also care a lot about where I stay. It doesn’t have to be luxury, but I love spaces that feel thoughtfully designed, distinctive, and connected to their location. Not just a place to sleep, but an extension of the experience itself. That’s exactly what I aim to create at the Barn Burner: a space that enhances the experience of being in Brown County, not just a place to crash at the end of the day.

At the end of the day, the best vacations are the ones that leave me both inspired and recharged, with a balance of new experiences, great food, and the right pace to actually enjoy it all.

Can you share with our readers how you’ve used your success to bring goodness to the world?

First off, I think there’s real value in simply creating a space where people can come together and connect. In today’s world, it’s so easy to be busy, distracted, and pulled in a hundred directions. But when families, friends, or coworkers gather — whether it’s for a family reunion, retreat, or milestone celebration — that’s where the best memories happen. Being part of making those moments possible is a huge part of why I love what I do.

Beyond that, I believe in using my time and expertise to help build the kind of community I want to live in. Because of the flexibility this business gives me, I’ve been able to:

• Serve on local boards and committees to support businesses and initiatives I care about.
• Host community events and meetings in our Event Space, providing a welcoming place for local groups to gather.
• Launch the REIGNITE Retreat, a women’s art and creativity retreat that I host each June (the next one is June 8–11!). It’s been incredible to see how this event helps women reconnect with themselves and their creativity.
• Create Tanglewood Hideaway, a resource that helps visitors experience Brown County like a local and highlights other small businesses doing the hard work of creating something special here. Even if guests don’t stay at the Barn Burner, I hope they find value in the blog and fall in love with this place, just like we did. Who knows, maybe they’ll even decide to make it home one day too.

I’ve always believed that business should contribute to the community, not just exist in it. That mindset was built into the Barn Burner from the very beginning, and it’s something I’ll continue to prioritize as we grow.

You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

If I could start a movement, it would be this: Come together — and take action.

I believe deeply in the power of hospitality, of opening your doors and creating space for others. Whether it’s around your dinner table or in your business, welcoming people in and making them feel seen and supported is how strong communities are built.

I also believe in the power of perspective — and nothing gives you that quite like travel. When you step outside your usual surroundings and immerse yourself somewhere new, you quickly realize that so many of the things we think are just how things are are actually just how things are here. Travel breaks those assumptions open and reminds us of the vastness, complexity, and beauty of other ways of life.

And most of all, I believe in taking action — even when it’s imperfect, small, or a little messy. Big problems can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to solve everything. You just have to start. I love the quote, “Do what you can, where you are, with what you have.” That mindset has guided so many of my decisions, in both business and life.

So if I could spark a movement, it would invite people to:

• Open their doors — create space for connection in whatever way they can.
• Step outside their bubble — travel, explore, and keep learning.
• Do the thing — take the first step, even if it’s small.

Because when people come together and take action — especially at the local level — that’s where real change begins.

How can our readers further follow you on social media?

You can find me on Instagram at @tanglewood.hideaway and @bcbarnburner — I love connecting with new people there and am always chatting in DMs, even though I don’t post a ton of day-to-day content.

Most of my energy goes into more in-depth resources — like on Tanglewood Hideaway (www.tanglewoodhideaway.com) or for Airbnb hosts who want to elevate their guest experience or build a business rooted in real hospitality.

If you’re a host who wants to chat ideas or hear more about what I’m working on, feel free to send me a DM — or email me directly at kara [at] bcbarnburner.com. I’d love to hear from you!

This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!