When a military couple relocated to Colorado Springs, they saw an opportunity to build a high-performing short-term rental (STR) ADU near downtown. Through a realtor referral, they found the perfect home just east of downtown — zoned for an ADU — and reached out to us to bring their vision to life.
Unlike many homeowners who rely on a contractor's recommendations for design, this client had a very clear aesthetic vision from the beginning. She described it as "moody and luxurious", and was extremely hands-on throughout the process. Her goal was to create a boutique, high-end feel on a reasonable budget, ensuring that the ADU would stand out as a top-tier Airbnb rental in Colorado Springs.
The result? Casita Noir, a stunning, highly rated Airbnb (airbnb.com/h/casitanoir) and a popular feature on Instagram (@casitanoir).
A Collaborative Design Process
From the beginning, the client played a significant role in the design and material selection process. Our team took her stated vision and developed multiple floor plan concepts and layout options. She selected elements she liked from each, and we continued to refine the design until she absolutely loved it.
Once the layout was finalized, she was eager to personally select every material, ensuring the space reflected her desired high-end, modern aesthetic.
High-End Aesthetic on a Reasonable Budget
Despite working within a reasonable budget, we were able to create an elevated, high-end feel without relying on expensive materials.
- Custom Cabinetry: We installed basic wood cabinets and had them painted to achieve a luxury, custom-built look. We even framed the refrigerator with custom cabinetry for a seamless aesthetic.
- Full-Height Quartz Backsplash: Unlike the standard backsplash height, we installed a full-height quartz backsplash — a detail commonly found in luxury homes and hotels.
- High-Contrast Design: The combination of black walls with warm wood accents created a sophisticated, high-end feel that guests love.
Exceptional Short-Term Rental Performance
From the start, this ADU was designed to be a top-performing short-term rental. The client's attention to detail and strong marketing strategy played a huge role in its early success.
- 80% average occupancy rate since its launch.
- Reached near-full occupancy within just a couple of months — a direct result of the client's strong marketing efforts and strategic pricing.
- The Instagram page (@casitanoir) played a major role in building visibility, helping to attract early bookings and establish a loyal following.
Site & Permitting Challenges
Like any custom ADU project, Casita Noir had its share of site and permitting challenges.
1. Grade Differential & Retaining Walls:
- The property had a significant grade differential, requiring carefully planned retaining walls to level the build site.
- This required structural planning and precise grading, ensuring the home had a solid foundation while maintaining usable outdoor space.
2. Unique Permitting Hurdle:
- A major obstacle involved tracking down a deed from 1913, which was required to proceed without a waiver of replat process.
- By successfully locating this historic document, we saved the client time and money, avoiding additional bureaucracy that could have delayed the project.
Top Instagrammable Features
Casita Noir wasn't just designed for functionality — it was designed to be visually stunning and shareable on social media.
- The Patio: A stylish, inviting outdoor space that guests frequently showcase.
- The Front of the House: The bold, modern black exterior with warm wood accents makes for a striking, picture-perfect look.
- The Fire Pit & Fireplace: These features make for cozy, atmospheric content, perfect for Instagram posts.
- The Kitchen: The sleek, full-height quartz backsplash and custom cabinetry give the kitchen a high-end, designer feel.
The Takeaway
Casita Noir is the perfect example of how a well-designed ADU, paired with strong branding and marketing, can become a high-performing short-term rental. From navigating site challenges to delivering a high-end aesthetic on a budget, this project demonstrates StreamHome's ability to bring a client's vision to life while ensuring long-term rental success.
