Small retreat house for group stays

Retreat leaders and teachers who book your venue for their groups, plus organizations such as nonprofits, faith groups and small companies booking off-sites.

A per-night or per-weekend venue fee, or a per-guest rate that includes lodging and meals, with add-ons like catering, extra meeting space or equipment.

• Hospitality and guest care
• Organizing bookings and schedules
• Basic cooking or managing a caterer
• Building relationships with retreat leaders

• This format assumes leasing. Buying a suitable property usually costs several hundred thousand dollars or more and is a much larger investment
• Zoning, short-term lodging or special use permits, which differ by county and city, and check that the landlord permits this use
• Fire safety, occupancy limits and any inspections for overnight guests, check with your local fire marshal
• Health department permit if you serve meals, or use a licensed caterer
• General liability and property insurance suited to overnight guests, and lodging or occupancy taxes in your state
• Septic or water capacity and ADA accessibility requirements for rural properties
• Seasonal gaps in bookings, so plan cash for quiet months

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $25,000 to $100,000 if you lease, depending on the property, furnishing and setup. Buying a property is a much larger investment. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on bookings.

Check zoning, short-term lodging or special use permits with your county and city, and that your landlord permits this use. Also check fire safety and occupancy limits with your local fire marshal, health department rules if you serve meals, insurance, and lodging taxes.

Useful skills include hospitality and guest care, organizing bookings, basic cooking or managing a caterer, and building relationships with retreat leaders. Estimates suggest at least about 25 hours a week. Plan cash for quiet months, since bookings can be seasonal.