Welcome Beyond expands in the US with acquisition of Stays

Holiday accommodation specialist Welcome Beyond has acquired US-based Stays, in a move to expand its collection of holiday house rentals, B&Bs and boutique hotels in North America.

It is ah timely move, just days ahead of the US opening borders to fully vaccinated travellers from 33 countries, including the UK, on 8 November.

The acquisition will bring a clutch of designer properties to the brand’s seven strong collection of hand-picked holiday houses, B&Bs and small hotels in the US.

As part of the acquisition, Stays founder Chelsi Everhart will support the Welcome Beyond team as a Director of New Properties, and is currently reviewing new additions to the Welcome Beyond collection in countries including Australia, New Zealand and Japan, as well as continuing the company’s growth in North America.

"We are excited to grow our collection in the US with the purchase of Stays. Chelsi has created a wonderful portfolio of one-of-a-kind places to stay across the country, with the same passion for architecture and design as we ourselves harbour at Welcome Beyond," says Welcome Beyond co-founder, Chris Laugsch.

US properties newly added to Welcome Beyond’s collection as part of the acquisition include:

Ozarks Retreat, Ozarks, Arkansas

A modern holiday hideaway with two double bedrooms in rural Arkansas The building was designed by an architect who specialises in passive solar design, and trained under Fay Jones (who was an apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright and whom the University of Arkansas’ School of Architecture is named after). The owner has sought the most environmentally friendly materials possible – recycled and chemical free. There’s a kitchen and a light-filled dining area, a living room, as well as a desk space with comfortable chairs for work. The two suites have ensuite bathrooms with walk-in showers and heated toilets – the queen suite has a Japanese soaking tub while the king suite has an oversized bath tub. There’s also a gym, meditation and yoga room. Outside are three patios and a fire pit that’s stocked with wood, plus a barbecue grill for outdoor cooking.

Welcome Beyond offers nightly rates at Ozarks Retreat from £216 per night. Sleeps 4. Minimum stay 2-3 nights depending on dates.

The Camp at Gash Creek, Victor, Montana

If you’re looking to get back to nature but aren’t ready to give up all creature comforts, this charming glamping spot in rural Montana fits the bill. A luxurious 16×14 feet canvas tent, with memory foam-topped queen bed, and curated vintage items collected by the owners makes a comfortable, elegant glamping retreat with few distractions – there’s no Wi-Fi or electricity in the tent, for instance. Around 100 feet away is the bathhouse with fluffy towels, shower, toilet, and washer and dryer. There’s also a camp kitchen with stove top, mini fridge, coffee maker and toaster for camp meals, and a patio area with a picnic table, lounge chairs and a large gas fire pit. Guests can explore the surrounding wilderness at leisure – there are amazing hikes throughout the valley and some beautiful waterfalls, as well as great fly fishing. It’s possible to swim and raft in the Bitterroot River, and there’s sailing, kayaking and cycling on the doorstep too.

Welcome Beyond offers nightly rates at The Camp at Gash Creek from £146 per night. Sleeps 2. Minimum stay 3 nights. Open seasonally from May-October.

Fahnestock House, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

A beautifully renovated house in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Fahnestock House comprises four separate apartment spaces for holiday rental – The Matilda Suite (sleeps 2), The Suite (sleeps 2), The Elizabeth Flat (sleeps 2), and The George Flat (sleeps 4). The house itself was originally built in the Second Empire architectural style, and the renovated interiors, which have been a personal labour of love of the owners, can be described as rustic meets Scandinavian with modern touches. Natural wood features throughout the property and most of the decor is antique or thrifted, with a few new pieces added. The apartments offer some extra touches including bathroom toiletries and complimentary beers from local breweries. Fahnestock House is located near the downtown area of Lancaster. Within a 15 minute walk of the house, there are restaurants, art galleries, and great shopping, including Lancaster Central Market. Lancaster is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Philadelphia and three hours from New York City.

Welcome Beyond offers nightly rates at Fahnestock House from £105 per night based on two sharing the Matilda Suite. Minimum stay 2-3 nights depending on dates.

Welcome Beyond is a global collection of holiday houses, B&Bs and boutique hotels, all with unique architecture and design. The company features properties in over 43 countries around the world, at all price points and to suit every holiday vibe.