A completely vacant four-bedroom, three-bathroom home with a private screened-in pool, transformed into a fully furnished, welcoming vacation rental on Florida’s Nature Coast.
- 4Bedrooms
- 3Bathrooms
- 5Beds
- 9Guests
- PrivateScreened Pool
- BrooksvilleFlorida
How Blue Oak Retreat Began
This project holds a special place in the story of M&R Advisors because it was one of the first major opportunities that helped establish my business.
I originally met Michael Russo while working for his company, Printe. When I was hired, I had mentioned that I was building my own Airbnb co-hosting and short-term rental management business.
One day, Michael approached me about a property he owned and asked whether I thought it would be a better investment to sell the home or turn it into a short-term rental.
I arranged for my real estate agent to join me in touring the property, and together we met with the homeowner to evaluate its potential. After discussing the possibilities, Michael decided to move forward with transforming the property into an Airbnb.
We established an approximately $20,000 budget to get the home repaired, furnished, decorated, and ready to welcome guests.
— Mia, Founder, M & R Advisors
From a Vacant House to a Guest-Ready Airbnb
The property was a completely vacant four-bedroom, three-bathroom home with a private screened-in pool. Although the house had tremendous potential, it needed significant attention before it could operate as a successful short-term rental.
M&R Advisors took on the responsibility of coordinating the transformation, managing the budget, sourcing furnishings, organizing repairs, and overseeing the many details involved in preparing the property for guests.
The project included:
- Interior painting and property improvements
- Pool repairs and maintenance coordination
- Electrical and appliance repairs
- Professional cleaning and carpet cleaning
- Furniture sourcing, purchasing, pickup, and assembly
- Interior decorating and room setup
- Coordinating contractors, handymen, and other service providers
- Purchasing essential household supplies and guest amenities
- Preparing the property for professional photography
- Setting up and managing the short-term rental listing
Throughout the process, we worked closely with the homeowners and local professionals to address unexpected challenges, make practical decisions, and keep the project moving forward while remaining mindful of the budget.
See the Transformation
Drag the slider on each photo to compare the room before and after the makeover.
BeforeAfter
Living Room
BeforeAfter
Kitchen
BeforeAfter
Dining Room
BeforeAfter
Primary Bedroom
BeforeAfter
Pool
BeforeAfter
Lanai
Welcome to Blue Oak Retreat
What began as an empty house was transformed into a fully furnished, welcoming vacation rental designed for families, groups, and travelers visiting Florida’s Nature Coast, near Brooksville’s natural springs and river kayaking.
The finished property features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a private screened-in swimming pool, a dedicated office, an entertainment room with arcade games, and an EV charger. Every room was thoughtfully furnished and prepared with the goal of creating a comfortable, functional, and enjoyable experience for guests.
Private screened-in pool
With plenty of deck space and French doors back into the home.
Game room
A Simpsons arcade machine and a convertible multi-game table, including pool and ping pong.
Fire pit lounge
Outdoor seating under string lights for evenings outside.
Dedicated office
A workspace just off the dining area, plus Wi-Fi throughout.
EV charger
Available for guests during their stay.
Full kitchen
Stainless steel appliances, a center island and dining for six.
King primary suite
Double vanities, a walk-in shower and a separate soaking tub.
Laundry & self check-in
Full-size washer and dryer, and keypad entry.
A Furnished, Guest-Ready Short-Term Rental
The property successfully transitioned from a vacant residential home into a furnished, guest-ready short-term rental.
M&R Advisors continues to provide ongoing short-term rental management services, including guest communication, reservation management, pricing oversight, cleaning coordination, and property maintenance coordination.
This project demonstrates how M&R Advisors can assist homeowners beyond traditional co-hosting services. From the initial planning stages to furnishing, preparing, launching, and managing a property, we help homeowners navigate the process of turning their investment into a short-term rental business.
A Personal Note
This project was an important milestone for me as the founder of M&R Advisors.
I am incredibly grateful to Michael and Rawan Russo for trusting me with their property, investment, and vision, especially during the early stages of building my company.
I also want to recognize the contractors, local businesses, friends, family, and mentors who contributed their time, knowledge, and hard work throughout the transformation.
Seeing the finished property after everything that went into it was an incredibly rewarding experience.
This project represents much more than furnishing a house. It represents the beginning of what M&R Advisors is becoming and the level of dedication I want to bring to every homeowner who trusts me with their property.
— Mia, Founder, M & R Advisors
Blue Oak Retreat Photo Gallery
Tap any photo to view it full size.
Before the makeover
Want results like this for your rental?
We help owners in Hernando Beach, Spring Hill, Brooksville, Weeki Wachee and nearby turn their properties into guest-ready vacation rentals. Tell us about your property.
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