The Airbnb experience is quickly transforming the travel industry as people seek alternatives to a traditional hotel experience.
Darlla Trevino-Bennett brings the “home away from home” trend to Nashville, Georgia—population less than 5,000—with a stunning new loft apartment for guests to enjoy a rural town experience.
In 2019, Trevino-Bennett and her husband, Casey Bennett, purchased a two-story building—constructed in 1900—and opened Southern Landmark, a local vendor shop on the first floor.
The following year, the couple started on the second-floor renovation to include a studio loft for short-stay rentals.
In keeping with the building’s turn of the century architectural charm, the loft features a high ceiling and the original wooden beams accented by exposed brick walls.
“It has a vintage farmhouse feel,” says Trevino-Bennett. “I spent a year looking at local antique shops trying to find the right pieces.”
With a perfect view of the town square, the loft includes a king-size bed, a luxurious bathroom fitted with an antique sink and rainfall shower, and a mini-kitchen complete with stove and refrigerator.
After finishing renovations in October 2020, Trevino-Bennett was ready to start booking business. “It was slow at first, but I left it all in God’s hands and never worried. I found the more I trusted God through the process, everything fell into place from getting the right contractors to each particular piece.”
Now with a stream of reservations on the books, Trevino-Bennett has started on a second rental unit. “The upstairs had two apartments, and we started with the smaller and are now renovating the larger space that will be a two-bedroom rental.”
As a way to give back to the community, Trevino-Bennett says, “I love this town and thought this would help create a weekend experience and bring people to Nashville.”
Situated in the heart of downtown Nashville with shops and restaurants within walking distance, Southern Landing is a perfect choice for weekend getaways.
Small towns like Nashville offer city dwellers an escape from the crowds and are the perfect place to slow down and unwind.
Just steps from Southern Landing’s front door, there’s an abundance of locally-owned restaurants and shops.
Located in Georgia’s Scenic Southwest region, Nashville is convenient to Horse Creek Winery, which offers wine tasting events and tours. About 20 miles west is Reed Bingham State Park, a 375-acre lake for fishing and boating. The park has canoe and kayak rentals and multiple trails for biking and hiking.
Southern Landing is available to rent through Airbnb.com.