STR Glow Up:
Hopskip Home Designer Chalet 

We are excited to spotlight Krista and Graham Blundell’s Hopskip Home Luxury Chalet in Penn Estates, East Stroudsburg.

How long have you owned the property?
We purchased the property at the end of 2023 and welcomed our first guests in 2025 after completing an extensive renovation and expansion.

What did the property look like before?
The home had great potential but needed a major refresh. The faded beige siding, brown trim, deteriorating deck, lattice enclosure, and overgrown landscaping made it one of the less appealing homes on the block. Inside, much of the home was still untouched from the 1980s.

What improvements did you make?
We transformed the home from a 3-bedroom, 2-bath property into a 5-bedroom, 3-bath vacation rental. Updates included a new kitchen, renovated bathrooms, flooring, lighting, paint, furnishings, improved landscaping, a built-in fire pit, and welcoming outdoor spaces. A hot tub is planned for the next phase.

Who helped with the work?
We worked with Jack’s Landscaping in Stroudsburg, Bender’s Tree Service, and sourced materials through 84 Lumber in East Stroudsburg. Much of the renovation was completed with trusted contractors from previous projects.

How has the property improved the neighborhood or guest experience?
One of our other vacation rentals is just one lot away, so we’ve been able to revitalize two prominent corner properties in the same section of the community. Together, the renovations improved curb appeal and created thoughtfully designed spaces for guests to gather.

Why did you start your STR in the Poconos? What’s your back story?
My husband Graham and I spent years working in design, construction, and real estate investing in Northern New Jersey. Short-term rentals allowed us to combine renovation, design, hospitality, and guest experience.

This was the fourth vacation rental we added to our portfolio. We’ve welcomed thousands of guests to the Poconos and recently expanded into boutique hotel ownership with Lakelyn Lodge in Lakeville. In many ways, our vacation rental experience naturally prepared us for this next chapter in hospitality.

Check out Hopskip Home and get inspired by what thoughtful STR ownership can look like.: https://hopskiphome.com/designer-chalet/