OUR COMMUNITY

Uncommon Accommodations boasts a collection of unique tiny houses and glamping sites that offer a truly memorable experience. Situated against the backdrop of the Green Mountains in Johnson, Vermont, guests can revel in sweeping views while taking in the serenity of a quaint farm across the river. The property features an impressive 2,000 feet of river frontage, with multiple swimming holes and access to the magnificent Dog's Head Falls. Whether relaxing by the riverside, casting a line for fish, or immersing oneself in the wonders of nature, Uncommon Accommodations has something for everyone.

Up End This SATELLITES perfectly complement Uncommon Accommodations' commitment to offering guests a one-of-a-kind experience in nature. UET SATELLITES modules showcase the seamless integration of functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. With minimal impact on the environment, these architectural spaces have become a plug-and-play solution to sustainable accommodations in the region.

UET: Up End This Satellites are atypical accommodations in the hospitality and travel industry. How did you learn about Up End This?

Tyler: Johnson is a compact community that is home to a number of unique businesses and heritage buildings and its village has long been a center for educational, agricultural and cultural advancement. Mountains and forest dominate Johnson’s landscape and the Lamoille and Gihon rivers are a major recreational and scenic resource that draws people who share the values I and Michael Zebrowski, Up End This’ founder have. When I met Michael and toured his facility, I was inspired by his vision and approach to designing innovative spaces for living, learning, working and play. I knew immediately that my property’s unique guest experience and “Uncommon Accommodations” would exceed expectations with the SATELLITES onsite.  

What specifically about A SATELLITE worked for you and what inspired you to acquire it? 

Tyler: Ease of access and a seamless acquisition process were critical initially. The fact that I could buy a SATELLITE “off the shelf” and have it installed in just one day were major factors in my decision . Unlike other accommodations on my property that required extensive design decisions and coordination with various contractors, Michael's crew took care of every aspect. I didn't have to worry about endless design decisions or wasted time following up with subcontractors’ timelines, change orders or unavailability. The convenience and time-saving aspects were very appealing to me as a hospitality entrepreneur and their customer service is outstanding.

What are your guests’ reactions to their stay in their SATELLITE? 

Tyler: My overall approach to Uncommon Accommodations is to create unique spaces that allow guests to connect fully with nature and enjoy all that Vermont has to offer. Our SATELLITE’s large windows frame the picturesque views of the Green Mountains and the open, comfortable space enables guests a safe, relaxing, and restorative escape from their busy lives. 

How do the specific features and benefits of the Up End This SATELLITE address the needs of your guests? 

Tyler: The UET SATELLITE helps our guests experience the cozy and carefree tiny house lifestyle. At Uncommon Accommodations, each SATELLITE features a beautiful deck where guests can greet or end their day of adventure. There’s radiant floor heating to ward off any seasonal chill, furnishings to ensure comfort, and even a record player and LPs for music lovers. 

What makes a stay at Uncommon Accommodations special, and who is your ideal guest?

Tyler: Uncommon Accommodations offers an eclectic destination travel experience due to our multiple tiny houses surrounding a common area with a fire pit and hot tub. This arrangement is perfect for groups of friends who want to gather yet also have their personal spaces and solo time in nature. At the same time, each unit ensures privacy for couples or single guests seeking a quiet retreat. The property's rural location provides opportunities to gaze at the stars, observe wildlife, kayak, fish, and explore nearby attractions. Our ideal guests are those who appreciate nature in any season and want to enjoy a peaceful getaway.

Could you speak to the ease of delivery and connection to utilities for the Satellite? 

Tyler: The delivery and installation of the Satellite were incredibly convenient. In just one day, the unit was ready for occupancy. Since I already had power at the site, connecting to utilities was straightforward. We simply buried a line for about 10 feet from the pole. While this particular unit doesn't have running water, the next unit I'm getting will have a water and sewage septic hookup in place, making the process even smoother.

What are your future possibilities with new modules, and how has the service response been when you encountered issues? 

Tyler: I plan to expand the Uncommon Accommodations brand by collaborating with Up End This to create unique units at my other properties in Cambridge and Jamaica, Vermont. As for service response, I haven't had many issues with this unit. The only minor concerns were a frozen front door in winter, which was promptly addressed, and a buckled vinyl floor that was fixed by a technician sent by Michael. The unit is well-made, so there haven't been many service calls. The return on investment has been strong, making it an attractive option for investors seeking accessory units.

Is there anything else you would like to mention?

Tyler: Many people are interested in Airbnb or generating supplementary income. Up End This Satellites offer a strong return on investment compared to other options. Unlike renovating basements or hiring contractors for backyard construction, the set price and lack of cost overruns make it an appealing option. It's a hassle-free investment that provides a unique experience for guests and a great opportunity for those looking to add an accessory unit to their backyard.

Up End This, much like many other Vermont businesses, is a testament to the power of perseverance and the strength that lies within a united community. The floods may have tested our resolve, but they have not shaken our determination to overcome this adversity. As we move forward, we are reminded of the importance of supporting one another and coming together in times of crisis.

In the spirit of supporting the community's recovery, Up End This is offering Satellite logo stickers, available at Tuesday Night Live in Johnson, VT for $1 each. The proceeds from this initiative will go towards aiding the flood recovery efforts of United Way of Lamoille County, @uwlamoille. 

Change is never easy, especially when it comes unexpectedly and inflicts such profound damage. However, such change also presents an opportunity – an opportunity to grow, learn, and come back stronger. The flooding disaster has taught us that it's not about what happened, but about what we decide to do after the fact.

As a community, we welcome this opportunity to rebuild, to come together, and to support each other. We are determined to navigate these challenging times, supporting our neighbors, local businesses, and organizations that play a crucial role in uplifting the region.

Let us remember that in unity lies our strength. Together, we can rebuild, restore, and emerge from this disaster with newfound resilience and hope for the future. It's a time of opportunities, and we are eager to embrace them, hand in hand.

If you wish to support the community's flood recovery efforts, don't hesitate to grab the new Satellite logo stickers from Up End This or get in touch with us for mail delivery. Your contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference in the lives of those affected by the floods.

Together, let's rise above the waters and pave the way for a stronger, more connected Johnson community.

With hope and determination,

Your Up End This Team