Beth Rutledge is offering a chance to experience a getaway in small-town America. Her company, Runaway Rentals, recently listed a historic house on Airbnb, an online booking company for short- and long-term home stays and experiences. The charming home, located in downtown Arcadia, has been in the family for many years.
Rutledge was attending the University of Evansville when she got engaged. It was important to her to finish her degree before she got married. During this time, her husband-to-be, Mike Rutledge, had the opportunity to purchase the quaint two-bedroom house. The plan was to remodel the home and move into it after the couple was married.
“I graduated, we were married and then we finished it together, but we never moved in,” says Rutledge. “Our house turned into a long-term rental for the next 40 years. I wanted to update our business model because I saw a need for leasing short-term for our growing town. Thus the creation of a new Airbnb.”
“Runaway Rentals was created as a family passion project to connect families and local businesses within our community,” she adds. “Our name stems from when Mike’s father ran away from Tennessee to Indiana for a better life of working as a farmhand.”
The house is one of the oldest homes in Arcadia. The interior expresses this with original woodwork, plus columns from a local bar. The unattached garage has the fireplace where the neighborhood blacksmith worked. It is a historical home with modern amenities.
“I had a vision of interior decorating that would make anyone’s stay affordable, relaxing, comfortable, and have a genuine feeling of homeyness,” says Rutledge. “Tapping into our youngest son Levi’s previous experience in high-end hotel management/customer service, and our oldest son Nathan’s expertise on house functionalities, we combined our skills to create Runaway Rentals – a home away from home.”
There are several nearby attractions that highlight the best of Midwest living. Within walking distance is El 5 De Mayo, a Mexican restaurant, and across the street is Remnant Coffee Shop. A couple blocks over is Northbrook Brewing Company. Just a short drive away, A Lit’le Bit of Heaven Farm raises alpacas and angora rabbits. In-season shearing exhibitions are hosted in the farm store, which carries a variety of merchandise including knitting supplies. Finally, Wilson’s Farm Market is a must-stop for delicious baked goods, scrumptious fried chicken and much more. Surrounding towns like Tipton, Westfield and Noblesville also have farmers markets every Saturday through the summer. Grand Park is a short, 15- to 20-minute drive for families coming to town who don’t want to stay in an expensive hotel.
Guests can enjoy the entire house, front porch and backyard. The home can sleep six guests, and has a newly remodeled kitchen plus WiFi. The economical pricing varies slightly with the season. A door keypad allows for self-check-in, but Levi is available via messaging to answer any questions.
“We currently have some reservations booked,” says Rutledge. “We encourage family, traveling nurses, friends, business associates and out-of-town guests to experience a delightful atmosphere in a safe neighborhood. I hope, with the success of our Airbnb, we can bring visitors into our community and Runaway Rentals will continue to grow.”
Email Runaway Rentals at runaway.rentals.in@gmail.com. For more information or to book a stay, use this QR code or go to airbnb.com.
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