No nuns? No problem. Turn convents into Airbnbs

This summer’s hottest vacation isn’t a party house on the beach, but the quiet solitude of a convent or monastery. Airbnb has noticed an uptick in religious retreats, particularly among Gen Z, embracing the TikTok trend of taking a summer “vow of silence.” What better place is there to quietly contemplate the Meaning of It All than a church pew?

Still, renovating a house of worship into a vacation-worthy rental can take divine amounts of patience and work to do right. Here’s how rookie real estate investor Krista Crawley ended up converting Maine’s Downtown Bar Harbor Convent into her first Airbnb, and what she learned along the way. 

How did you end up buying a convent? “We live in Virginia, right outside of Washington, DC. During Covid, I decided to take my kids on a road trip up to Maine for whale-watching, but the tour was unexpectedly canceled. We decided instead to spend the day at Acadia National Park, and that detour led us to Bar Harbor. We fell in love with the area instantly. On a whim, we started browsing local real estate listings and stumbled upon St. Edward’s Convent, famously known as the former residence of St. Katharine Drexel—the second American-born saint to be canonized by the Catholic Church. The property had been serving as a museum. Finding a place with such rich history and character felt like fate, and it wasn’t long before we knew it was meant to be our next adventure.”

What inspired you to turn it into an Airbnb? “There’s a kind of poetry in converting a house once home to nuns back into a house for people. In many ways, the core function hasn’t changed all that much; it’s still a place where people can gather and find comfort.”

What challenges did you face with the renovation? “The biggest challenge was Bar Harbor’s location. It’s an island, which complicates a lot, especially when trying to manage a construction project from several states away. The nearest hardware store is more than an hour and a half drive, so forgetting even a single nail could set us back by hours. On top of that, skilled tradespeople are in short supply, with wait times for work sometimes stretching over two years. To give you an idea of what we faced, one time, we had contractors show up to tile the kitchen at midnight while we were sleeping in the house. For the brickwork, we had to fly in masons all the way from Virginia to keep the renovation on track. My husband, David, once had to fly back to the property for 12 hours to finish the back porch before our first official rental. Despite these hurdles, the project was absolutely worth every challenge.”

What did you make sure to preserve at the property? “We did not have historical restrictions because the majority of the renovation was interior. But we really tried to preserve as much as possible. There is a secret confessional panel that slides down in the chapel. The stained glass windows are original, and the bell system for each of the rooms. One of our favorite transformations was turning the old chapel into a stunning living room. The space is still deeply spiritual; when walking into it, you can feel a sense of peace. The windows are an experience all their own: clear and bright by day, shimmering emerald green at night. It’s truly the coolest room I’ve ever seen, and it sets the tone for the entire house.”

How much did this convent cost to renovate, and how does it perform as a rental? “Our renovation costs almost equaled the amount that we paid for the house. Since then, the recent appraisal for the house has increased 400% from the original purchase price. [As a short-term rental] I can say that it performs really well, and the ROI has been absolutely worth it.”

What type of guests does your convent attract? “We welcome many visitors seeking religious and spiritual experiences. Many Catholics come specifically to see the former home of St. Katharine Drexel, as it’s a deeply meaningful and holy place for them. We’ve also hosted nuns, young women on yoga retreats, and others drawn to the spiritual atmosphere. With such a serene environment, we truly believe this is an ideal place for anyone seeking peace and reflection.”

Was this your first real estate investment property, and what have you learned from the experience? “Yes, this is my first real estate investment. I definitely didn’t start small! I’ve learned that a unique property stands out from the competition. Since then, I have invested in multiple other properties. We want to look internationally next, and we were in Greece looking last week.”

Have you—or any of your guests—taken a “vow of silence” at your convent? “I certainly haven’t taken a vow of silence myself—I’m a lawyer and a parent to eight kids, so quiet moments are few and far between. That said, my Gen Z daughter often mentions how much she values sanity and peace, which seems to be a growing trend among her generation. I wouldn’t be surprised if we start seeing more Gen Z guests seeking out the serenity this space offers in the future.”

Check out the full story and photos of Crawley’s awe-inspiring renovation below.