In Danville, Virginia, a creative visionary is transforming the landscape of short-term rentals. Barry Davis, a man with a background as diverse as his imagination, is crafting extraordinary themed properties that transport guests to worlds beyond their wildest dreams. From a rustic ranch house to a futuristic space station, Davis’s unique approach to hospitality is redefining what it means to “get away from it all.”
A Lifetime of Inspiration
Davis’s journey to becoming a pioneer in themed short-term rentals is as colorful as the properties he creates. Born into a business-oriented family, his early years were spent in a whirlwind of diverse experiences. “Being born in a business family which included owning a hotel, working at service stations and working with horses for many years, a touch of art with decorating and having a love for music all started my creative mind,” Davis reminisced.
But it was his foray into the entertainment industry that truly ignited his passion for creating immersive experiences. With over 150 movie projects under his belt, some of which became major box office hits, Davis found himself surrounded by the magic of set design and prop creation. “I have and continue working in the business of movies, commercials and in many forms of the industry,” he explained. “It inspired me to be creative and create something magical.”
From Silver Screen to Dream Stays
The spark that led Davis to his current path came from an unexpected source. “It started when I first went to Disney World and saw all the different places themed,” he recalled. This experience, combined with his work on movie sets, planted the seed for what would become his signature style in property renovation.
Davis’s unique approach blends the fantastical elements of movie magic with the comfort and practicality required for short-term rentals. “I wanted to add some comical aspects along the way but wanted to make people really feel the theme portrayed,” he said. His background in acting and stunts provided invaluable insights into creating believable, immersive environments. “It is amazing the work and little behind the scenes things it takes to make something seem real and believable,” Davis added.
A Portfolio of Dreams
Davis’s portfolio of themed properties reads like a travel brochure for the imagination. Each location is carefully crafted to transport guests to another world, time, or place.
The Ranch House
Inspired by Davis’s love for horses and farm life, The Ranch House offers guests a taste of the rustic cowboy lifestyle. This property, a new construction, faced its share of challenges. “Permitting was a challenge and construction due to weather conditions and sometimes their time commitment,” Davis noted. Despite these hurdles, the end result is a slice of Western paradise.
The Ski Lodge
For those yearning for the crisp mountain air and the thrill of the slopes, The Ski Lodge provides a cozy retreat. “I love to ski. Snowshoe and Wintergreen are the inspiration,” Davis explained. This renovation project transformed an existing house into a haven that makes guests feel as if they’ve just come in from a day on the mountain.
The Space Station
Perhaps the most ambitious of Davis’s creations, The Space Station, is a testament to his lifelong fascination with flight and space exploration. “The Jetsons was and is a cartoon that I watched in my younger years, and I have always been interested in space,” he shared. Inspired by personal tours of the Blue Origin Space Center and NASA, Davis went all out to create an out-of-this-world experience.
The attention to detail in The Space Station is staggering. “Instead of regular beams for the walls I wanted to add curved headers that would be something as you would see on a spaceship,” Davis said. The property features everything from satellites and a rocket to a space suit and UFOs. Guests can even watch TV in seats from a 737 jet or play on a space arcade machine. Even the doorbell chime is The Jetsons’ theme song, a nostalgic touch that Davis hopes will intrigue younger generations to explore the classic cartoon.
The Creative Process
For Davis, each project begins with a spark of fantasy. “First and foremost is imagination. My mind is like an amusement park running 24/7,” he said. This constant whirl of ideas is tempered by practical considerations. “You must draw up your plans keeping in mind the parking, safety and comfort of the area for your guests,” he added.
The process involves careful planning, from obtaining necessary permits to working with architects to ensure his visions are structurally sound. “First is the theme, second is the permits and approval and then the process of bringing your idea to life,” Davis outlined.
Balancing creativity with practicality is an ongoing challenge. “Creativity is beyond at times what the prices will permit,” Davis said. However, his determination often leads him to find innovative solutions or negotiate for unique items that perfectly fit his vision.
Looking to the Future
Davis’s creative well shows no signs of running dry. His next project, tentatively titled “Jurassic Place,” promises to be his most ambitious yet. “And yes, I will have dinosaurs that will give you the feel of living with them from the doorbell that will make the sound of a T-Rex to the large wall and gates along with many other surprises,” he said.
Always thinking ahead, Davis even ponders more ethereal concepts. “Let’s say I’m not dead yet and anything can happen. How would a Heaven Airbnb work? Fluffy big clouds and the Golden Gates,” he mused, demonstrating that for this imaginative entrepreneur, the sky is truly no limit.
Advice for Aspiring Renovators
For those inspired by Davis’s success and considering entering the short-term rental market, he offers sage advice. “Stop and think about what you are wanting and willing to do with the project,” he cautioned. “There is always lots of work and unexpected things that can occur.”
Davis emphasizes the importance of understanding guest expectations. “Please remember that people want a nice and comfortable place to stay with up-to-date appliances and a must for most is a new, nice TV,” he said. “They want the new smell, new look, and comfort that Grandmother’s house may not have provided.”
A Vision for the Future
As the short-term rental market evolves, Davis remains ahead of the curve. He recognizes the importance of location, noting the value of properties near attractions like outlet malls, amusement parks, and in his case, the local casino. But true to his unique style, Davis doesn’t focus on following trends. “I don’t try to keep up with people, people try to keep up with me. I do my own thing, and I never know what my mind will think up next.”
For Barry Davis, each property is more than just a place to stay—it’s a portal to another world, a canvas for his boundless creativity, and a gift to his beloved hometown. “I love my city and am excited to do my part in keeping it alive and prospering,” he said. As Danville continues to grow and evolve, one thing is certain: wherever Barry Davis’s imagination leads him next, it’s sure to be an adventure worth experiencing.
