The First One. 

Okay, here it is. My first blog post. This whole process of building a blog and adding posts to it is incredibly foreign to me, but I want to have one, so I've got to figure it out. So far I can see the words I'm typing on my screen, and I see a little 'publish' button off to the right, also on my screen, so maybe I'm on the right track here? 

So let's get into it. I was thinking my first blog post could be about our first summer as owners and hosts of our short-term rental property, Casa Claxton. I'm saying 'our' and not 'my' because there is no way in the world I could have pulled this off by myself. So so so so many people have been supporting, guiding, and celebrating this whole experience. I am so so so fortunate to have these beautiful people on my team and in my circle: my spouse Matthew, my children Mady and Izaak, my Aunt Jeannie and Uncle Leonard, my new friend and the most amazing cleaner Shelly, our realtor Juliana, the house-builder Mr. Willette, my three brothers: Justin, Bill, and Nigel, my three sisters in law: Kristi, Sue, and Quinn, my cousin Stephen, my cousin Terrance, my Aunt Judy and Uncle Kevin, my nephew Keylin and his family. Whether they know it or not, these people have made my dream a reality. 

And what is that dream? If you and I have ever spoken in person, or if you've read the 'About' section of our website (www.staycasaclaxton.ca) then you already know I've been living away from home for about twenty years now. I think 23 years might be the exact number right now, but don't quote me. I had no burning desire to leave NL, life just took me that way. Over the years, I married and had children. I was able to get home every now and then, but by 2020 I realized I hadn't been home in like 7 years. Not by design, just the way life had gone for me. And when I did go home in 2020, it was because my Dad was sick and near the end of his life. At the time, my Dad was living in St. John's, clear on the other side of the island from where I was born and grew up. My brother set up a room for me in his new house and the head of the bed I slept in just so happened to be right under the window. Even though it was late fall, I slept with the window open every night so I could feel and smell the fresh air. I had forgotten how amazing the air is in Newfoundland. It shocked me to realize I had forgotten. Then, between the jigs and reels, I was able to take a few days on the west coast, in my home town, where my other brother and his wife live. Those few days were a whirlwind, but I did manage to steal an hour to visit Port Harmon by myself. And that visit was like medicine. It was so impactful, I need to say it again: that visit was like medicine. I didn't know how, and I didn't know when, but I knew I had to get back to Newfoundland. Fast forward to March of 2025, Mat and I found ourselves in a position to purchase a home right in Stephenville. Pretty much right in the backyard of the home I grew up in. And so my team rallied around me, bringing their support, their guidance, and their jubilation. Making my dream of owning a piece of home a reality. 

Buuutttt....We can't live there full time. Yet. So we rent it out for short-term vacation rentals. We purchased our home in March, it closed in April, and then in June we travelled down with a U-Haul full of furniture, and our nephew Keylin, who was keen to help us set up house. Another whirlwind of a week, but we got our home ready for opening. I forget the exact date, but we went live on Airbnb in the middle of June. By the end of September, we had a total of 17 bookings. We have had guests from Alberta, New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec, Ohio, and of course Newfoundland! The feedback we have received from our guests this summer has been amazing! Just look at these comments: 

"We really enjoyed our stay at Nicole’s place. It was extremely clean and smelt clean, such a pleasure to be in and very comfortable, from the beds to the furniture and the kitchen was inviting and organized. The folder of information was so useful and so well researched for all abilities.
Such a pleasant 3 days for 4 seniors!"

"What a lovely place to spend time with family! The “house guide” has everything you need to know about the house and surroundings if you’re not familiar with the region. The home was so cozy and we loved sitting out on the back deck under the gazebo, there were so many songbirds in the morning. The beds were comfy and everything was super clean and tidy. We will be back for sure! "

"Super clean, self contained unit in a cul-de-sac, meaning quiet location, traffic free. Thoughtful, high quality furnishings, a kitchen full of tools, and super comfy beds. A perfect end-of-day place to rest after our field work days. I have no suggestions for improvement, everything was great, and I felt supported by a proactive and communicative host."

"We really enjoyed the stay, the place was very clean and the patio and gazebo on the back was a major bonus. Nicole was a great host, she was always available to respond to our questions. Recommend this place as a great place to stay."

To say I'm grateful is an absolute understatement. I'm so grateful for this experience. I'm so grateful to share our home with others. I'm so grateful for all the people in my corner.

And I'm so grateful you're here. Thank you for stopping by.

With much love,

Nicole.