What makes John and Jenni Faison with Hospitable Homes a good neighbor?

The Good Neighbor Podcast recently featured John and Jenni Faison, the dynamic husband-and-wife team behind Hospitable Homes and Honeysuckle Springs. Their journey into the vacation rental business offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs and travel enthusiasts alike. The Faisons have created a unique hospitality experience nestled in the breathtaking Smoky Mountains, combining faith-based principles with exceptional customer service to create memorable stays for their guests.

The Faison's entrepreneurial journey began in 2015 when John stumbled across Airbnb while traveling in Washington DC. Faced with expensive, fully-booked hotels, he discovered the platform and was immediately intrigued by its business potential. This chance encounter sparked what would become a family venture, starting modestly with renting out their basement in Raleigh, North Carolina. Their operation gradually expanded to include a townhouse, and eventually, they relocated to Tennessee where they now operate cabins, glamping tents, and a campground in the Great Smoky Mountains.

What sets Hospitable Homes apart is their comprehensive approach to accommodation options. Unlike typical campgrounds that focus on specific camping styles, the Faisons offer a spectrum of experiences. At their 40-acre property (with 32 acres of woodlands), guests can choose from bringing their own tent, staying in a glamping tent with amenities, or booking a cabin. They even have a designated spot for small RVs. This variety allows visitors to experience the Smoky Mountains at their preferred comfort level, making outdoor adventures accessible to everyone from camping novices to seasoned outdoorspeople.

The concept of "glamping"—glamorous camping—is central to their operation. As Jenni explained, their glamping tents feature real queen-sized memory foam mattresses, indoor seating, mini-fridges, lighting, and outdoor screen gazebos with solar lighting. These accommodations offer the immersive natural experience of camping without sacrificing essential comforts, making them perfect for first-timers, families, or couples seeking a romantic getaway in nature. The strategic placement of these tents near bathhouses with hot and cold running water further enhances the experience.

Building this business hasn't been without challenges. The Faisons candidly shared their financial journey, including mortgaging their home twice to fund their expansion, navigating property purchases during economic downturns (including buying property in 2008 just before market values plummeted), and the constant learning curve of property management. One particularly telling story involved their glamping tents collapsing under heavy snow—an unexpected setback that required resilience and problem-solving skills to overcome.

What truly distinguishes Hospitable Homes is the family's commitment to genuine hospitality. The name itself reflects their biblical inspiration, as John explained that hospitality is a calling they take seriously. This isn't merely a business strategy for positive reviews but a deeply held value that permeates every aspect of their operation. Their hands-on approach means they're readily available to assist guests, answer questions, and share their knowledge of the area's attractions and natural beauty.

The family aspect of their business adds another dimension to their story. All four of their children are involved in operations, learning valuable life lessons about work ethic, problem-solving, and customer service. Jenny emphasized how they teach their kids to "put their hands to the plow" and give their best effort in all tasks, creating not just a business but a formative family experience that builds character and skills.

For those interested in experiencing Hospitable Homes' unique blend of comfort and nature, their properties can be booked through their websites (hospitablehomes.com and honeysucklesprings.com) or through platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and Hip Camp. Whether you're seeking a cozy cabin, a glamping adventure, or a spot to pitch your own tent, the Faisons offer a warm welcome and insider knowledge of one of America's most beloved mountain regions—all delivered with genuine, faith-inspired hospitality.

To learn more about Hospitable Homes go to:

 https://www.hospitablehomes.com/website

Hospitable Homes

919-345-9575