How This Host Rebuilt Her Business—and Her Systems—After a Hurricane

Catherine Morris didn’t expect a hurricane to hit her mountain.

As the owner of Edenwood NC—a pair of thoughtfully designed vacation rentals outside Asheville—Catherine had built a hands-on, full-time hosting business from the ground up. She managed everything herself: cleaning, messaging, inspections, guest prep. But when Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina, she was forced to navigate a situation no host wants to face: disaster mid-stay.

In this episode, Catherine walks us through the reality of hosting during a regional emergency—what worked, what didn’t, and what she wishes she had in place before the storm hit.

From Corporate Life to Full-Time Host

Like many hosts, Catherine’s journey began with the search for a better work-life balance. After spending years in corporate America, she and her husband purchased six acres on their own mountain in hopes of creating a more flexible lifestyle.

The result: two custom-built properties—the Barn, featuring a 150-gallon loft soaking tub, and the Treehouse, complete with a cedar wood-fired hot tub and views of Mount Pisgah. Both homes were designed exclusively for short-term rental, and Catherine chose to self-manage every guest-facing detail: cleaning, inspecting, messaging, and maintaining.

When the Storm Hit

September and October are typically Edenwood’s busiest months of the year. But in 2023, Hurricane Helene delivered a curveball: record-breaking rainfall, widespread flooding, and a regional state of emergency.

Catherine had guests in-house when the storm hit. She prepared by stocking extra food and water, and when roads became impassable and power went out, she hiked to the properties on foot to check on them personally. One guest stayed two additional nights because they physically couldn’t leave.

In the middle of it all, Catherine remained calm and communicative, checking in with guests, preparing meals, and ensuring safety. At the same time, she was canceling upcoming bookings, managing Airbnb’s evolving policies, and trying to assess the full extent of the damage.

What Hosts Can Learn

Catherine shares practical takeaways from the experience:

• Have two weeks of revenue in reserve—especially during high season
• Know your insurance inside and out, including how civil authority clauses work
• Keep guest communication personal during disruptions
• Stock basic supplies at each property: water, lights, backup meals
• Build your business for sustainability, not just scale

She also reminds us that recovery doesn’t end when the power comes back on. Business was down nearly 20% for months afterward—and the emotional toll was real.

Final Thoughts

This is a must-listen episode for any host who wants to prepare for the unexpected. Catherine’s story is one of resilience, responsibility, and showing up for guests when it matters most.

To support tourism recovery in Western North Carolina—or to learn more about Catherine’s properties—visit edenwoodnc.com or follow @edenwoodnc.

Download a transcript of this episode.

Resources:

• Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!
• Airbnb Business Loss Coverage Info: https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1320/extenuating-circumstances-policy
• FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers | Hosts in disaster-affected areas can seek assistance from FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers.
• Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.com

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@edenwoodnc

Edenwood NC is a pair of design-forward stays tucked into the quiet mountain landscape just outside Asheville—and the details don’t disappoint. The Barn features a 150-gallon soaking tub perched in a loft made for long, luxurious baths. The Treehouse offers a cedar wood-fired hot tub and views of Mount Pisgah, creating a true off-the-grid feel without sacrificing comfort. What sets @edenwoodnc apart is the way each space invites you to slow down and connect—with nature, with your partner, or with yourself. Catherine’s feed is full of peaceful moments: sunlight pouring into the tub, cozy fireside scenes, and guests savoring the stillness. If you’re dreaming of a rustic-meets-intentional getaway, give them a follow and start planning your stay in the North Carolina mountains.

We would love to feature YOU! Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.com.