Ep 43- From One Cottage to a Global Portfolio: How Kim Steele Built Seabrook Stays

In this episode of Superhosts Down Under, Ray and Silvia sit down with Kim Steele, founder of Seabrook Stays, to explore her 16-year journey in short-term rentals—from one coastal cottage to managing 60+ properties across Australia and the United States, all while keeping a hands-on, family-run approach. The conversation opens with a jaw-dropping guest story involving a homeless intruder, a loft bedroom, and an unlocked door—a cautionary tale about smart locks, clear house rules, and proactive safety. Kim then shares how she transformed underperforming listings with better photography, marketing, and dynamic pricing; scaled operations with systems and a reliable team; expanded to the U.S. during COVID; and later refocused on a curated mix of owned and rental-arbitrage properties. Pre-Airbnb origins: agents, Stays.com.au, and DIY hospitality What actually moves the needle: photos, pricing, and messaging Scaling without losing quality: team, tech, and playbooks Risk and prevention: ID verification, access control, and guest screening Actionable advice for new and growing hosts Whether you’re managing one home or many, you’ll find practical insights, cautionary tales, and inspiration to build a sustainable hosting business. Links Seabrook Stays: seabrookstays.com.au Follow us on Instagram: @superhosts_down_under Ray’s South Yarra Property: Airbnb link Silvia’s Property: Airbnb link North Melbourne Property: Airbnb link