Henry County receives an estimated 218,000 visitors annually and needs more accommodations to cater to them. The historic New Castle Fieldhouse alone attracts visitors annually for the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame Classic, state tournaments, championship games, and more. These events bring money into the local economy, and more accommodations allow even more people to visit and enjoy all that Henry County offers.
When local F.C. Tucker/Crossroads realtor Jon Kindred saw a need for short-term housing, he and his wife, Ashlee, decided to create their own homestay experience through Airbnb. As a Realtor, Jon would have clients needing a place to stay for a few days before or after closing on a property.
Sometimes prospective homeowners are relocating for a job and want to familiarize themselves with the area before making an offer on a home. Staying at a homestay location allows them to get a feel for the community and get a general idea of the demographics, local activities, and schools in the area. Visiting for a few days gives them a chance to see the neighborhoods, businesses, and amenities that are available. Working with Jon as a host gives prospects the opportunity to talk with someone who lives and works in the area.
The Kindreds entered the world of short-term rental entrepreneurship with this in mind, launching their first Airbnb in December 2021. Today, they own three New Castle homestay locations and are Superhosts on Airbnb, a status given to the platform’s most experienced and top-rated hosts.
Jon and Ashlee’s rental properties are comprised of two entire homes with two and three bedrooms each that can accommodate up to six guests and a one-bedroom apartment perfect for an individual or couple looking for a cozy stay. They have invested in the Henry County community by offering visitors a “home away from home” lodging option. The Kindreds endeavored to provide safe and comfortable places to stay, with quality sleeping arrangements and modern amenities.
Guests praise the cleanliness and beautiful design, and quality of the Kindred’s properties, according to positive reviews on Airbnb. Many guests have stated that they have returned to the properties, which is a compliment to their business and is beneficial to Henry County.
The Kindreds see their Airbnb endeavor as a way to move into entrepreneurship. Jon says about being an entrepreneur, “I love that there is so much creative freedom; it is not something that comes with a step-by-step guide. I think that is the best part. Two people can see the same problem and then solve it in their own way. Both solutions can have a unique positive impact on the community.”
Jon finds that working with the community is the most rewarding aspect of being a business owner in Henry County. He says, “The city of New Castle, EDC, Chamber of Commerce, and individual citizens work together well. I think a huge strength of our community is the collaborative effort that is present across so many different organizations.”
The Kindreds are a great example of how entrepreneurs can positively impact their community by addressing local needs. Their homestay locations are a valuable resource for visitors to Henry County and help support the local economy.
Jon and Ashlee’s Airbnbs are available for preview and booking here: https://bit.ly/3r3csp7
See all current Henry County homestays and lodging options here: hoopsinhenry.com/placestostay
