Why We Chose to List Our Family Cottage on VRBO

We’ve been spending summers at Camelot Cottage for four generations. For most of that time, it was just family, friends, and the occasional hand-written agreement with annual renters. But once we decided to open it up to more guests (via the powers of the internet), we knew we needed a simple, secure way to handle bookings — and VRBO fit the bill.

Here’s why we list Camelot on VRBO, what it means for you as a guest, and how it helps us keep the cottage experience personal while staying organized behind the scenes.

1. It’s Easy for Guests to Use

VRBO makes it simple to:

See up-to-date availability
Book and pay securely online
View real-time rates and fees
Get reminders and trip info automatically

It gives guests a clear, reliable interface — and gives us peace of mind that the logistics are covered.

2. It Handles the Paperwork (So We Don’t Have To)

Insurance, taxes, rental agreements, emergency contact info — VRBO keeps it all in one place. That lets us focus on keeping the cottage clean, cozy, and ready for you — not buried in spreadsheets.

3. It Keeps Things Personal, Not Chaotic

We’re not a property management company. We only rent Camelot for part of the year, and we’re picky about doing it in a way that still feels like our place — not just a listing on a calendar.

VRBO helps us strike that balance. It takes care of the booking backend while we focus on the experience.

4. It’s Safe — for You and for Us

VRBO’s platform protects both parties. Guests can read reviews, see photos, and book with confidence. And we can trust that payments, communication, and policies are all handled consistently.

5. You Can Still Reach Out to Us Anytime

Just because we use a platform doesn’t mean it’s impersonal. If you have questions before booking — or after — you can always reach out directly. We’re happy to share more about the space, the island, or whether you really need to bring that extra sweater. (Answer: probably. But seriously, no more than two.)

We chose VRBO because it keeps things simple, transparent, and safe — for you and for us. It’s not about outsourcing the experience. It’s about making it easier to say yes to your own Southport Island summer.

Want to see if Camelot’s available? Check out our VRBO listing here, or read more about what to expect during your stay.

Why We Chose to List Our Family Cottage on VRBO