Family Takes Barn-Style to Next Level for Airbnb Site
When not in use for weddings and other events, the spacious indoor room can be decked out for recreation, even a lively game of pickleball.
On a sprawling carpet of green off the beaten path in Jackson County sits a beautiful white barn. It can’t be seen from the road, and about the only reminder civilization is anywhere near is the occasional rumble of a train through the valley. But rather than a site for housing farm animals, this is Hollywood’s Barnbnb, an Airbnb retreat and event venue that can accommodate dozens of guests in modern comfort.
Built in 2023 to host weddings, this family-run enterprise got a huge makeover after guests wanted more sleeping spaces, becoming an Airbnb in April 2024. “The barn had a loft apartment to begin with, but there were only 2 queen beds there,” venue host Markita Cunningham says. After custom renovations by her fiancé, builder Mike Crouch, “now the barn sleeps 23, and you can seat 150 for gatherings.”
The Barnbnb can accommodate 23 overnight guests.
Next to the Barnbnb is an expansive Airbnb farmhouse that can sleep 21 guests. Owned by Cary and Michael Brooks, Crouch’s sister and brother-in-law, the house “was already booked out constantly, so there wasn’t an easy way to do a package deal where you rent both,” Cunningham says. “We decided to separate the properties and focus on how to make the Barnbnb a place where you can just come and have a great weekend or utilize the space as your wedding location, do your reception here and be able to have your whole bridal party stay on-site.”
Hollywood’s Barnbnb hosts plenty of weddings and events, but it also attracts a diverse range of guests — families who need a large space for reunions or just a getaway, golfers who spend long weekends to play nearby courses, friend groups wanting to catch up and fishing teams in the area for tournaments on Lake Guntersville, to name just a few. “Our focus now is on whatever your needs are,” Cunningham says.
Views from the loft include the expansive backyard and mountains beyond.
Outside of personal items and perhaps some groceries, guests will find pretty much all they need at Hollywood’s Barnbnb. There are 4 bedrooms — including a bunkroom that sleeps 15 and an accessible bedroom on the first floor — 6 bathrooms, laundry appliances, an upstairs kitchen, and room for extra guests. “We’ve had as many as 30 sleep here,” Cunningham says. “They’ll ask if they can bring air mattresses, and I’m like, I don’t care. If you’re comfortable with air mattresses, bring them.”
On the first floor is a large, fully equipped commercial kitchen. “We built it as a catering kitchen,” Cunningham says. “But if you want to have a private chef here for your wedding or just while vacationing, there’s plenty of space for them to cook. It has warming racks, a baker’s rack — whatever they need is here.”
The Barnbnb’s central hub is its large events area. The massive space can seat 150 and has plenty of room for indoor recreation. There’s an arcade machine with hundreds of retro games, pingpong and pool tables, an ax-throwing station, Pop- A-Shot arcade basketball, darts, cornhole, board games and even everything needed for an indoor pickleball match.
Hollywood’s Barnbnb sits on a secluded 130 acres and seats 150 for events.
If it’s raining or cold, you’ve got the games inside,” Cunningham says. “If it’s not, you’ve got the whole backyard to come outside, play baseball, or just sit and relax, enjoy the view of the mountains in the distance. It’s really pretty out here.”
The covered patio has a grill and a fire pit to gather around. The newly added pool is a cool option on a hot day, but it will be open all year. “If you like ice plunges, you’re welcome to get in the cold pool,” Cunningham says. “Otherwise, regardless of the season, it’s just pretty to look at.”
Adding to the view are wildlife like deer and turkeys, often seen wandering the property’s 130-plus acres, as well as the cattle that live on the neighboring farm. “We love the cows out here, and the guests really like to see them and watch the babies play,” Cunningham says.
“I post their photos on the Facebook page, but not on Airbnb, so it’s kind of like a little relaxing surprise when people get here and see them.”
Hollywood’s Barnbnb is located at 8001 County Road 33. For more information, call (256) 628-4464 or visit its Facebook page as well as the Airbnb website.