From Hobby Homestead to Profitable Rural Luxury Accommodations

How Dean and I turned our self-reliant homestead into multiple income streams while staying true to our roots.

The Homesteader’s Dream Realized

When we started homesteading, Dean and I were just like many of you — passionate about growing our own food, raising animals, and living more self-sufficiently.

Then we discovered something incredible:

Our homestead could become more than a place to live sustainably —
it could become a thriving business that supported our homesteading dreams.

“Since we're going to be gardening and raising animals anyway,” I thought,
“why not create meaningful spaces and experiences for paying guests doing what we love?”

What started as a hobby homestead is now our “Cash Cow” a profitable rural luxury accommodations business with multiple income streams, rooted in authenticity.

The Seven Pillars of Our Success

1. Vision First: Writing Down the Dream

The foundation of our success wasn’t money or perfect infrastructure. It was clarity.

We learned early that both homesteading and business require discipline and vision.

Key insights:

• Our self-reliant homestead wasn’t separate from the business, it was the heart of it.
• Guests don’t want “any rental.” They want authentic, hands-on experiences.
• People are craving connection to the land and sustainable living in action.

2. Planning with Purpose

Running a rural hospitality business takes the same planning that makes a homestead run smoothly.

Our approach:

• I assign tasks to Dean and helpers
• Weekly project lists that evolve daily
• “Snowball method” do the next thing, build momentum
• We plan like farmers and think like hosts

3. Stewardship and Smart Spending

We run our business with the same frugality and intention that guides our homestead life.

Money-smart strategies:

• List our suite on free marketing platforms
• Bargain hunt for decor and furniture
• “Frugal doesn’t mean cheap, it means wise”
• Stay debt-free and prepare for tough seasons

4. Building Community Through Hospitality

Hospitality isn’t just about guests, it’s about connection and friendship.

What we’ve learned:

• Visit other hosts to learn and grow
• Build a network of rural entrepreneurs
• Return guests come from authentic experiences
• “Hospitality + friends = thriving homestead business”

5. Growing Our Reach

Even as “older” entrepreneurs, we embraced the digital world to tell our story.

Our online presence:

• Website: Prominence Homestead
• Social media to attract aligned guests
• Share our journey honestly
• Foster community with like-minded homesteaders

6. Smart Business Practices

We didn’t just treat this like a side hustle. We took it seriously, like a real business.

Essential steps:

• Hired professional tax help
• Learned deductions, write-offs, and financial organization
• Protected our self-reliant lifestyle through intentional business planning

7. Sharing the Wealth of Knowledge

Now, we’re passionate about helping others turn homesteads into income-generating legacies.

Our mindset:

• Be outrageously generous with time and wisdom
• Help other homesteaders avoid common mistakes
• Leave a legacy of empowered rural entrepreneurs

What This Means for Hobby Homesteaders

Our story proves:
You don’t have to choose between homesteading and financial sustainability.

The very skills that define your life, simplicity, stewardship, and resilience are what people are hungry to experience.

Takeaways:

• Any size works — from 1 acre to 100
• Any stage works — from beginner to seasoned
• Your lifestyle is valuable
• Homesteading skills transfer beautifully to hospitality
• People are looking for real connection and peace

Your land offers more than just food. It offers a feeling.
And people will pay to experience it.

Ready to Start Your Own Homestead Income Journey?

If our story has inspired you, I’d love to help you begin your own profitable journey.

We offer one-on-one consultations for aspiring homesteaders who want to build income while staying grounded in values.

Homestead Business Consultations

• Strategy Session – $150/hour
  Focused answers, planning support, and key insights
• Deep-Dive Planning – $400 (3 hours)
  A full roadmap tailored to your land, goals, and timeline

Whether you're interested in agri-tourism, guest stays, or cottage business ideas, we’ll help you build something lasting.

What’s Next?

Reach out to schedule your session:
Email: angelamilliken@yahoo.com
Text: 870-577-3095

Or stay as a guest and experience our homestead firsthand:

Let’s build something rooted, resilient, and real.
Dean & Angela