The cabin dream made possible through rental income: Now the rental covers all expenses

When Ronny Weum and his family decided to realize their cabin dream, they had a clear plan: The cabin would be a gathering place for the family, while also being adapted for rental to help cover costs. With two daughters aged 9 and 12, the family wanted a place where they could create lasting memories together. The solution was a cabin from Fjellstø on an attractive plot.

Why choose the right cabin location?

For the Weum family, travel time was a key factor. They wanted a destination within easy reach from home, so weekend trips wouldn’t be too time-consuming. Their choice fell on an area that is not only popular in winter, but has proven to be just as attractive throughout the rest of the year.

– We knew the area was great in winter, but we’ve been surprised by how much it has to offer all year round, says Ronny. – With beautiful natural surroundings and great activity options nearby, there are endless possibilities.

We knew the area was great in winter, but we’ve been surprised by how much it has to offer all year round.

Ronny’s best tips for renting out your cabin

For those considering financing their cabin through rental, Ronny has some clear advice:

Have clear and written agreements to avoid misunderstandings
Provide guests with good information about the cabin and the area
Use a professional rental platform with high-quality photos and detailed descriptions
Respond quickly to inquiries
Think about what attracts renters – extra features like a hot tub can be a valuable investment

For those considering financing their cabin through rental, Ronny has some clear advice:

Have clear and written agreements to avoid misunderstandings
Provide guests with good information about the cabin and the area
Use a professional rental platform with high-quality photos and detailed descriptions
Respond quickly to inquiries
Think about what attracts renters – extra features like a hot tub can be a valuable investment

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Rental as a financing solution

From day one, it was clear that the cabin would be designed with rental in mind. It was therefore planned to accommodate 12 people, with multiple living areas and features such as a hot tub to increase its attractiveness.

– Rental is a win-win solution. It allows us to operate the cabin without putting too much strain on our finances, while others also get to enjoy it. I like the sharing economy and see it as a smart way to utilize the resources we have, he says.

He emphasizes that rental has made it possible for the family to realize a more premium cabin than they otherwise could have afforded. Today, the rental income covers all ongoing expenses, including the mortgage, and the cabin generates an annual income of around NOK 200,000.

Positive experiences with renting

Many people are hesitant about renting out their cabin, but for Ronny it has been a hassle-free experience.

– I had some questions in the beginning about how to best facilitate everything, for example regarding insurance. But there have been minimal challenges. The key is good information, clear agreements, and open communication with tenants, he says.

To ensure a smooth rental process, he recommends using a professional rental platform, having high-quality photos, and writing an informative listing. He also emphasizes the importance of being responsive – quick communication increases the chances of filling your calendar.

Strong demand all year round

Even though many areas are known as seasonal destinations, Ronny has experienced strong demand for cabin rentals throughout the year.

– We thought winter would be the best season, but the interest is steady year-round. The area offers fantastic nature, great hiking opportunities, and is perfect for both short and longer stays, he explains.

Pricing varies somewhat, with higher rates during school holidays and peak seasons, but overall demand has been stable. Many guests return year after year – some have already stayed three times.

Ronny is very satisfied with the follow-up he received from Simen Gjelstad and Fjellstø.

The sharing economy creates more opportunities

For Ronny, it’s not just about the financial aspect, but also about making better use of resources.

– In Norway, we have over 500,000 cabins, and I believe it makes sense to share what we already have. Whether through renting or shared ownership, more people can enjoy cabin life, he concludes.

For the Weum family, rental made their cabin dream possible – while also giving many others the opportunity to create great memories in an attractive cabin.