FAIRHOPE — Tucked away on 10 acres just off Mary Ann Beach Road you will find the most hospitable Airbnb host in the state, deemed so by the homestay and experience company themselves.

Listening to Rachel Clarke's Airbnb origin story isn't what one might expect from a host who has four Airbnb rental units on her 10-acre farm, collectively called Stay in Fairhope. She never set out to turn the picturesque property into a vacation destination.

Clarke lived in the area for many years and 20 years ago had a training barn in Robertsdale where she trained and taught dressage students, but she moved away after meeting her husband, Uli Stich.

A little over five years ago while living in South Florida, Clarke and Stich evacuated to Baldwin County with their horses during a hurricane. She saw someone she knew at the store and made up her mind.

"I was like I am not moving back down there. I hate it," Clarke said. "I started driving around, and I found this farm, and all that was on it was the barn and this cottage."

The original plan was to live in the barn loft until renovations were complete on the cottage, but when the time came, Clarke didn't want to leave her horses. She has spent her whole life riding, training and teaching dressage.

Her love for her horses is evident after just a few moments of speaking with her. She said she loves to be near them and hear them. When they were trying to figure out what to do, Stich suggested turning the cottage into an Airbnb.

"I didn't even know what it was," Clarke said. "It just took off. Then COVID-19 hit, and we thought it was going to be a loss, but we stayed busy. People just wanted to come here to get away. We even had people from Fairhope. I think people were stir crazy, and it is really peaceful out here."

Peaceful it is.

The property has an Olympic-sized dressage ring. Organic blueberry bushes are planted around the property. There is a greenhouse with herbs and vegetables that guests can pick and eat.

When asked why she thinks she has won most hospitable host — twice — Clarke said she honestly doesn't know. But by spending time with her and hearing stories of her past guests, it becomes clear. She cares. She cares about her guests, cares about their experience and cares about their opinion.

"I think it's people that are like-minded. They like nature, they love being here, they relax, get peace and get rejuvenated."

Stay In Fairhope offers guests four different accommodation experiences. The cottage offers two bedrooms and a front porch with sunset views. Then there are three Airstream trailers. Each is different in style and size and has its own outdoor living space.

Something that isn't advertised is the large outdoor communal space available to all guests. It has a ping pong table, a large kitchen and living space as well as two full spa bathrooms for camper guests wishing for more elbow room and a washer and dryer.

One thing Clarke said that makes them different from other Airbnbs is that they offer guests extras at no additional charge. Guests can borrow kayaks, beach chairs, umbrellas and more.

Clarke said some guests come to stay in one of the campers because they are considering buying one. She and Stich told a story about one guest who was interested in van life. Stich gave her counsel on what would serve her best and even went to look at the van she was thinking of buying to make sure it was in good repair.

Going above and beyond seems to be the status quo for Clarke and Stich.

"We have been fortunate to have such wonderful guests. I have made lasting friends," Clarke said. "Every week, I get a text from a past guest about something like the baby was born, I got pregnant there or a picture of a butterfly from a child guest I connected with. I love that part."

LEARNING FROM THE BEST

Do you own an Airbnb and want some tips to up your game? Or are you interested in starting one?

Top tips for the aspiring Airbnb host

We asked Clarke and Stich their top tips for people interested in owning an Airbnb.

• Be prepared because it is a lot of work.
• Have something you love to share with guests. For Clarke, that means horses. Guests can schedule a time to visit the horses during their stay.
• Be open to everyone.
• Don't expect to get rich.
• You must like people.

What makes your Airbnb special?

Clarke said living on the property and being available to guests to try to make their visit special is what makes them stand out.

She also asks guests what she can improve upon and takes their comments to heart. One guest mentioned they would have liked to have a juicer in the cottage during their stay. She purchased one for the cottage immediately.

LIVE LIKE A LOCAL

The Airbnb itself has raked in the accolades for Clarke and Stich, but Gulf Coast Media wanted to go deeper and see what they recommend to visitors wanting to get a taste of the Eastern Shore locals have come to love.Stay in Fairhope offers guests a digital guidebook they can view before arriving that has restaurants and places to visit. But some of their favorites are:

Top 5 restaurants

• Jesses Restaurant in Magnolia Springs for lunch
• The Tin Top Restaurant & Oyster Bar
• Master Joe's Sushi
• Sunset Pointe
• Dragonfly Food Bar

Top 5 activities

• Kayak to the Cole Hole on the Magnolia River
• Visit the Fairhope Tea Plantation
• Spend a day on Johnson's Beach and then grab a drink at the Flora – Bama
• Walk the Point Clear Promenade
• Visit Oak Street in Magnolia Springs