Bryant Gingerich, a former mechanical engineer, and his wife Amy bought a 34‑acre wooded parcel in Hocking Hills in 2020 and began converting it into a vacation‑rental business. The first project was a dilapidated cottage that required extensive renovation; its opening in 2021 proved the viability of the concept.
The couple added a sleek A‑frame with hot tub and fire pit, and a cavernous cave home built into a sandstone recess, each designed to blend modern comfort with rugged scenery. By 2023, all three units were listed on Airbnb and the company’s own website, attracting travelers who hunt for unique stays.
Social media became the engine of growth. Influencers were offered complimentary stays in exchange for posts that showcased the properties’ striking architecture, creating a viral buzz that shifted Dunlap Hollow from a niche listing to a destination in its own right.
The design aspect of the business proved surprisingly lucrative. Gingerich sold architectural drawings and CAD plans for the A‑frame and cave, generating roughly $220,000 in passive income over three years, according to a Fortune report.
Leaving a stable engineering career for the uncertainties of hospitality was a calculated risk. The mortgage on the property represented a large portion of Gingerich’s former salary, yet the combined rental revenue, design sales, and direct marketing payments stabilized cash flow and allowed the couple to remain self‑employed.
Looking ahead, the Gingers plan to add a fourth rental unit and to expand the design‑plan catalog, targeting homeowners who wish to replicate the Hocking Hills aesthetic in their own backyards.