Developing STR-Friendly Townhomes in the Smoky Mountains — Lessons Learned So Far

[Reece Milton]

I've been working on a ground-up townhome development in Sevierville, TN and thought I'd share a few observations for anyone looking at STR-focused projects in high-tourism markets.

One thing that's become very clear is that designing specifically for long-term operational durability matters just as much as initial projections. We've been focusing heavily on simple HOA structure, materials that hold up well in a heavy-turnover environment, and layouts that are investor-friendly without feeling overbuilt.

Another challenge has been balancing local development realities with investor expectations. In markets like the Smokies, a lot of outside buyers assume STR demand alone solves everything, but construction efficiency, maintenance planning, and site flow end up being just as important to long-term performance.

I’m curious how others here approach development decisions when the end buyer is primarily an investor rather than an owner-occupant. What design or planning choices have you seen make the biggest difference after stabilization?