This A-Frame Airbnb in Virginia Is Booked Solid

Luray, Virginia — Perched on a remote mountain ridge outside Shenandoah National Park, there’s a 4-story A-frame cabin lighting up Instagram and dominating Airbnb’s search results. It’s called AVA Shenandoah — and it’s not just where people stay.

It’s why they come.

This custom-built property features a hidden spiral staircase, a stargazing loft with eight skylights, and a design so unique it’s almost always booked.

Why it matters: In a saturated short-term rental market, average homes don’t stand out. But AVA Shenandoah shows what’s possible when experience becomes the amenity.

Want to book a stay? Visit: https://www.avashenandoah.com
Want to build one like it? DM @shenandoahdreams on Instagram or contact Chris Colgan.

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The Backstory

Most people who dream of building an Airbnb don’t do it. Amar did.

He bought a steep, challenging lot in Luray, VA — and when no builder would take the job, he designed the home himself and managed construction start to finish. From the custom spiral staircase to the Moroccan tilework to the imported furniture (shipped in a single container), Amar created a home that now ranks among the most unique short-term rentals in the Shenandoah Valley.

“If it doesn’t cash flow on weekends alone, I don’t build it.”

That’s Amar’s model. It’s simple, scalable, and built on results — not hype.

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Inside AVA Shenandoah

4 finished levels with 2 queen bedrooms, 2 full baths, and a hidden basement theater
Stargazing loft with 8 skylights and a sunken bed
Secret spiral staircase hidden under a kitchen island
Custom furniture and clean design throughout
5-bedroom septic system for future expansion
Tesla charger, mountain views, and glass everywhere

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Why It’s Always Booked

AVA is more than a place to stay — it’s the destination itself. Amar built it for people who want an experience: friends reconnecting, couples unplugging, and city-dwellers escaping D.C.

Guests have come from across the country — and even from Korea — just to stay here.

Meanwhile, many average homes in the area are struggling. One riverfront rental nearby hadn’t had a single booking in over a month, despite being nicely furnished. The difference? It was forgettable.

In 2025, uniqueness is the new location.

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Shenandoah Dreams: Now Building for Clients

AVA was just the beginning. Amar now builds full-scale, STR-optimized homes through his company, Shenandoah Dreams — a Class A licensed construction firm.

They offer:

Full custom design build for Airbnb or residential use
Land acquisition support
STR-specific design that attracts bookings (not just likes)
Realistic cash flow planning (no AirDNA fluff)

Follow their builds at instagram.com/shenandoahdreams.

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Airbnb Investors: Take Note

If you're planning to build a short-term rental in Virginia, here’s what this project teaches:

Don’t build generic. People scroll past “normal.”
Design around experience. Make the home the headline.
Know your numbers. Amar’s rule? If it doesn’t cash flow from weekends alone, it’s not worth it.
Track bookings directly. Amar manually monitors Airbnb listings for performance data — not projections.

This is how Airbnb investing works in 2025.

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Want to See It?

You can book the house directly at www.avashenandoah.com or send Amar a DM at @shenandoahdreams.

Thinking about building your own? Reach out to me anytime — I can help you find land, coordinate with builders, and analyze short-term rental cash flow.

Contact Chris Colgan at www.colganteam.com or DM @chriscolganteam
Subscribe to our local real estate newsletter: www.realnovanetwork.com

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FAQs About AVA Shenandoah and Building an Airbnb in Virginia

Where is AVA Shenandoah located?
It’s in Luray, Virginia — about 70 minutes from Prince William County and Northern Virginia, close to wineries, Shenandoah National Park, and Skyline Drive.
What makes this Airbnb so different?
Everything from the design to the amenities. The hidden spiral staircase, stargazing loft, theater room, and massive windows all create a wow-factor that guests remember and share.
Is the home available to rent?
Yes. You can book directly at https://www.avashenandoah.com. It tends to fill quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.
Does the owner build for clients?
Yes. Amar and his company Shenandoah Dreams are actively building new Airbnb homes and custom cabins for investors and private buyers throughout Virginia.
How much did the build cost?
Exact numbers weren’t disclosed, but Amar sourced furniture overseas to cut costs and handled construction himself to avoid general contractor markups. The septic and grading were major expenses due to the slope.
Is this type of home profitable?
Yes. Amar’s benchmark is weekend-only profitability. If a home can cash flow just from Friday–Sunday bookings, it’s a winner. Weekdays are bonus income.
Is this home eligible for traditional financing?
Yes. Although Amar initially considered a treehouse-style home, he pivoted to a more lender-friendly design. This A-frame qualifies for conventional, VA, or investor loans if purchased as a second home.
What are the biggest challenges of building a rental like this?
Land prep, septic approvals, and finding experienced subs. Amar had to coordinate nearly every trade himself and deal with steep grading issues.
Can I tour the property before booking?
Because it’s a private Airbnb, in-person tours are limited to booked guests. However, you can view photos and availability online at AVA’s booking site.
How can I start building a similar property?
Start by finding a buildable lot with a view, road access, and flexible zoning. From there, work with a STR-focused builder like Shenandoah Dreams and partner with a local agent (like Chris Colgan) who understands land and permitting in rural Virginia.