This cottage has access to a petting zoo — and is the top-ranked new Airbnb host in SC
A cottage nestled on a working horse farm has the top-ranked Airbnb host in South Carolina.
The Cottage at Dream Acres received the highest mark after making an impression on guests within months of opening, short-term rental company Airbnb said on Wednesday, Nov. 17.
The cottage, located in the Florence-area town of Timmonsville, offers a wild getaway while being close enough to major thoroughfares Interstate 20 and Interstate 95, according to an online listing.
“This cozy farm stay sits directly across from a large pond with beautiful views of our working horse barn and hobby farm animals,” the listing said. “Our petting zoo is open 24/7 and we will provide feed for you to hand feed our goats, alpaca, and sheep as you please.”
That setting also provides amenities such as a remote work space, grilling area and “farm fresh eggs,” according to Airbnb. And there are reminders that it’s still a working farm.
“The cottage is literally smack dab in the middle of our barnyard,” the listing said. “You will hear (animal) noises such as barks, brays, and neighs. Our sheep, donkeys and goats are noisy mostly at feeding time. ... If animals noises, animal smells, and the occasional insect are not your thing, the cottage may not be the right place for you.”
The Airbnb also encourages guests to ask about its “horse hotel,” which provides accommodations for up to four of the animals.
The cottage made Airbnb’s list of best new hosts after the company said it studied each state to determine those who started welcoming guests in 2021. Analysts also considered the volume of check-ins and whether those who made the listings had achieved Superhost status, a measure of cancellations, ratings and other factors.
For its part, The Cottage at Dream Acres earned 4.95 of 5 stars, with several guests raving about the chance to unwind and interact with animals during their stays.
Shannon Ahearn, the Airbnb’s host, said that while some travelers are drawn to the cottage’s proximity to I-95, others want an escape from city life.
“We want everybody just to come and have a really good not just stay but experience,” Ahearn told McClatchy News in a phone interview. “Nothing makes my heart smile more than being able to share my animals with other people.”
It’s not the first time a travel destination has earned statewide recognition.
In July, a Mount Pleasant host was named the most hospitable in South Carolina. The apartment’s owner, Perry Fant IV, made it to the top of the list after his historic space with modern touches outscored others in the state, McClatchy News reported.
This story was originally published November 18, 2021 at 1:28 PM with the headline "This cottage has access to a petting zoo — and is the top-ranked new Airbnb host in SC."
