Inside the Glamping Collective
The Unique Hospitality Podcast is back with another inspiring story. In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, host Connor Schwab sits down with Matt Baer, founder of The Glamping Collective near Asheville, North Carolina. Matt opens up about the extraordinary challenges and triumphs of building a five-star glamping resort on 130 acres of rugged mountaintop land.
A Vision on the Mountain
When Matt and his team launched the Glamping Collective just three years ago, they weren’t simply building accommodations, they were creating an immersive experience. With geodesic domes, glass cabins, private hot tubs, and sweeping 40-mile views, the property has quickly become one of the most celebrated glamping destinations in the country. Today, it holds a perfect 5-star rating across 450+ Google reviews and has cultivated a vibrant community of fans and followers online.
The Hard Reality of Development
What most guests don’t see is the journey it took to get there. Matt recalls how the utilities alone far exceeded budget, with over a mile and a half of buried power lines, deep wells drilled more than 1,000 feet, and carefully engineered septic systems. Just getting a road to the site cost nearly $1.5 million, thanks to steep topography, rock blasting, and dirt removal.
“People don’t realize when they drive up the mountain, that road alone was a million and a half dollars. And you feel that when guests say we’re expensive, because the infrastructure costs are real.”
By contrast, zoning turned out to be surprisingly smooth. The land was unzoned and adjacent to a protected watershed, meaning the main condition was simply to keep development 50 feet from the property line. A week of due diligence and one meeting with the county gave them the green light, a rarity compared to other regions where zoning battles can take years and hundreds of thousands in legal fees.
Financing the Dream
Matt’s earlier ventures in Charleston real estate paved the way financially. When short-term rental rules shut down his downtown properties, he leveraged the proceeds through a 1031 exchange into the Glamping Collective’s land purchase. Strong banking relationships then made financing construction possible — with an interest-only loan during the COVID era when rates dropped near zero.
Construction: Grit and Creativity
From there, the pace was relentless. They closed on the land at the end of May, broke ground on roads June 1st, and began unit construction by July. The entire property opened just 14 months later, on Labor Day weekend.
But it wasn’t without grit. With roads unfinished, crews strapped lumber to four-wheelers to haul posts up steep trails. Rock blasting was required in several places. And inspectors often threatened to halt progress, challenges only overcome by what Matt calls his “godsend engineer,” who repeatedly provided creative, code-compliant solutions.
Building with Excellence
Despite the obstacles, Matt refused to compromise on the details that matter most: privacy, views, and guest experience. Units were spaced farther apart, even when each additional foot added significant utility cost. Domes were chosen for their strong ROI potential and low site impact. Glass cabins were designed with full wall-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass systems, creating seamless indoor-outdoor living.
The most popular amenity? Hot tubs. Initially, only half the units included them, but the data quickly showed 20% higher occupancy and $100+ higher ADRs. Within months, nearly every unit was retrofitted, many with hot tubs recessed into decks for a sleek, integrated look.
“Hot tubs were a no-brainer. The numbers paid them off in less than three months. But beyond revenue, they’ve become one of the most loved guest experiences.”
Lessons for Aspiring Developers
Matt is candid about the hidden realities of development:
- Horizontal costs (roads, utilities, grading) can easily match or exceed vertical construction.
- Local relationships matter. A supportive county or town can mean the difference between smooth approval or years of gridlock.
- Engineers are worth their weight in gold. A strong, solutions-oriented partner can turn “impossible” roadblocks into green lights.
- Commitment to excellence pays off. Privacy, orientation, and quality touches create not just happy guests, but enduring success.
Looking Ahead
The Glamping Collective is already expanding, with plans for additional wellness amenities like saunas and a spa. And the team has their sights set on new markets, including Chattanooga, Tennessee, one of the nation’s top outdoor destinations.
But at its core, the Glamping Collective is about more than accommodations. It’s about creating a space where people can disconnect, find peace, and experience nature in a transformative way.
Listen Now
Catch The Unique Hospitality Podcast – Mountaintop Escape in NC (Part 1) wherever you listen to podcasts. Stay tuned for Part 2, where Matt shares even deeper insights into operations, growth, and the future of glamping.
Learn more about the Glamping Collective:
Website | Instagram