By: Georgette Virgo

The pandemic reshaped travel habits, igniting a surge in outdoor adventures and nature-focused getaways. People, once confined to their homes, now crave fresh air, open spaces, and the serenity of lakeside retreats. This shift in travel preferences caught the attention of cottagers David and Stephanie Ciccarelli, who saw an opportunity to improve the vacation rental industry.

Driven by their own experiences and passion for lakeside living, the Ciccarellis founded Lake, a vacation rental platform designed to be a reliable partner for adventure seekers looking for the right waterfront escape and lakeside properties. Their journey from avid cottagers to entrepreneurs highlights a unique method of building a business that resonates with property owners and vacationers alike.

Curating Experiences, Not Just Destinations

David and Stephanie Ciccarelli know the fierce competition in the vacation rental market. With industry giants dominating the industry, they recognize the need for a distinctive perspective to carve out their niche. Their strategy? Using their experiences as avid cottagers to create a platform that caters exclusively to lakeside properties.

This laser-focused technique sets Lake apart in a crowded marketplace. David and Stephanie have positioned their platform as the go-to destination for water enthusiasts and nature lovers by concentrating solely on lakeside properties such as cottages, cabins, and vacation homes. 

Their firsthand knowledge as cottagers informs their curation process, allowing them to identify properties that offer both accommodation and experiences. 

“We’re listing properties and curating experiences for couples, friends, and families,” David explains. “We shine a spotlight on hidden gems that might otherwise go unnoticed. We believe each lakeside property has its character, activities, and attractions. We aim to showcase and match these unique aspects with the right travelers.”

From stunning waterfront views to access to water sports and outdoor activities, the platform’s lakeside properties are tailored to meet the specific desires of lakeside vacationers. 

This specialized focus resonates with property owners, who benefit from targeted exposure to their ideal guest demographic, and travelers seeking authentic lakeside getaways. The Ciccarellis have transformed their passion into a unique value proposition, creating a vacation rental platform that caters directly to lake lovers everywhere and taps into the growing demand for nature-centric vacations.

Streamlining the Booking Process with Insider Knowledge

The Ciccarellis’ experience as frequent travelers informed their point of view when designing Lake’s user interface. They understand the excitement of planning a lakeside getaway and, simultaneously, the potential stress in searching for the perfect lakeside property. 

Often, these frustrations can ruin the anticipation of an upcoming vacation. This insight led them to design Lake as a lakeside vacation rental platform that streamlines the entire process of finding and booking the perfect lakeside retreat.

“We’ve been on the other side, spending hours searching for the perfect spot,” David recalls. “That’s why we’ve prioritized features like dynamic pricing, instant booking, and detailed property listings. We want the excitement of planning a vacation to start when you visit our site.”

The Ciccarellis wants users to have a vivid picture of each rental to make informed decisions quickly and easily. However, this user-centric method extends to property owners as well. 

Lake offers flexible fee structures, allowing hosts to choose between a pay-per-booking model or an annual subscription. This data-driven slant extends beyond just matching guests to properties. Lake’s algorithm considers factors like seasonal trends, local events, and even weather patterns to optimize pricing for property owners.

David mentions, “It’s a win-win for all different types of property owners, from casual renters to dedicated vacation rental businesses. Guests find better deals, and property owners maximize their income.”

From One Traveler to Another

As Lake continues its growth, with over 500,000 annual visitors to its website, David and Stephanie Ciccarelli are aware of the work that lies ahead. They understand the need to continuously expand their portfolio of lakeside properties, mainly focusing on hidden gems that have yet to be discovered by the masses. This strategy broadens Lake’s offerings and aligns with its mission to share the joy of lakeside living with a varied and growing clientele.

The Ciccarellis’ commitment to uncovering lesser-known but beautiful lakeside destinations serves multiple purposes. It allows the vacation rental platform to differentiate itself in a competitive market and contributes to sustainable tourism by encouraging the exploration of underrated locations and lakeside properties.

David shares, “We’re not just building a business; we’re building a community of lake enthusiasts and introducing them to the beauty of lakeside properties across North America. Each new destination we add to our platform is an opportunity to share our passion for lake life with others, just as we’ve enjoyed it ourselves.”

Published by: Nelly Chavez