Client Spotlight - Peak Properties
Tell us about Peak Properties and how you got started in the vacation rental business.
A few months after we met in 2013, we were living in Chicago and took our first out-of-state trip together to Breckenridge for a summer escape. Although we had both been there separately before, it quickly became “our” spot. We eventually got married in Breck in the summer of 2018.
Mike always had an interest in real estate. We figured if we could short-term rent a place there, given how much we paid each visit, we might be able to break even while still enjoying our favorite place. In 2019, we dove in and launched what would become Breck Peak Retreat.
In 2020, we took our first COVID trip to Glacier National Park and fell in love with the town of Whitefish, just 30 minutes from the park entrance. It’s truly out of a Hallmark movie! We closed on Glacier Adventure Loft in the fall of 2020 and have since expanded to Driggs, ID in the heart of the Teton Valley with our Teton Basecamp, and in 2024, launched The Hilltop A-Frame, set on 5 acres in Fairplay, CO with 360 degree mountain and valley views.
When we launched our fourth property, we figured it was time to button things up and form an actual company/brand – thus The Peak Properties was born. Kevin created our company logo and the individual property logos, which helped us bring everything under one cohesive look and feel. Our newly built website offers guests and returning guests the best rates (and sometimes discount codes!)
What is the best way to book a stay at one of your rentals?
We’re listed across all the major platforms, including Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com, but the easiest – and typically most affordable – way to see all of our properties in one place is to visit our direct booking website: www.thepeakproperties.co.
We’re also happy to offer a discount code for anyone reading this: use code CAITLIN10 for 10% off your stay booked on our direct site. All our properties are all-season properties with incredible Summer weather near national parks, ski resorts nearby for Winter (and Spring!), and incredible foliage in the Fall.
What do you think makes your properties stand out?
We try to take a “guest first” approach when setting up our vacation homes and think deeply about what people will actually need and want. We try to leave no small detail unturned. Whether it’s fully stocked, well-equipped kitchens, Moccamaster coffee machines for great drip coffee, sound machines, board games galore, modern yet cozy furniture, or comfortable towels and bedding – we’ve thought of it all.
On top of that, our responsiveness to questions is unmatched by other hosts. We provide our guests with extensive recommendation books to help them plan where to dine and hike, address common national park questions, and find where to rent winter or summer gear, and more. Over the last six years of hosting, we’ve received about 750 reviews on Airbnb alone, averaging 4.99 stars (we’re still bummed about the three 4-star reviews – even though two of those guests returned for a second stay!). The results really speak for themselves.
(If you're unsure, text Caitlin and she can share more about her 5 star, AMAZING experiences at their rentals ;))
What’s next for Peak Properties?
We are excited to announce the upcoming launch of our newest property, The Blue Tail Chalet in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania! Yes, we’re finally moving over to the East Coast.
This charming 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home sleeps up to 7 guests and is in the heart of the Poconos near hiking, lakes, ski resorts, indoor/outdoor waterparks, Pocono Raceway, shopping, and so much more. We spent eight nights prior to Thanksgiving out there doing our full install and are so happy with how it turned out: wallpaper on ceilings, moody paint, a Golden Tee arcade game, foosball table, reading nook, private hot tub, an outdoor fire pit, and more, all in an amenity rich neighborhood offering and indoor and outdoor pool, lakes, & beaches.
What’s your favorite part about running the business?
For Mike, it’s the pleasure of helping others have a great time and plan their trips. Prior to his current role in big tech, which is now 100% internal, he worked with external clients to help their businesses grow through online ads. Now that he’s internal-only, managing guest communication, answering questions, and making sure everything is perfect fills that void. He genuinely enjoys helping guests have the best experiences and vacations possible. Reading guest reviews after each stay always brings a huge smile to our faces.
For Kevin, it’s getting to shape the overall experience – both visually and behind the scenes. From designing our branding and property identities to coordinating with our local teams, contractors, and vendors, and even serving on the HOA board in Breckenridge, he loves making sure every home not only looks great, but runs smoothly. Seeing guests call out the little touches we’ve obsessed over in their reviews is incredibly rewarding.
Outside of booking stays at your rentals, how can someone support your business?
While we’d love to host each and every one of you at some point, we know that may not always fit your schedule. You’re more than welcome to follow us on Instagram at @the.hilltop.aframe, where we share updates and have links to all our properties as well.
It’s also incredibly helpful when people share our listings with friends or family planning trips to Colorado, Idaho/Wyoming, Montana, or Pennsylvania. And if you have any questions before booking, you can always email Mike at [email protected]. (Make sure you notice it’s .co, not .com for both the email and our website!)
Anything else you’d like to share?
We are so thankful to Caitlin – not only for thinking of us for this spotlight, but also for representing us on the buying side of our primary home purchase in 2021. After moving from Chicago to Denver just months prior, we didn’t know many people, and we put our trust in her. We couldn’t be happier that we did.
She found us an incredible home in our favorite neighborhood in the city (which just so happens to be across Caitlin’s back alley!) and has welcomed us with open arms. If you haven’t used Caitlin yet, stop debating and just do it!
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Experience Caitlin Clough's dedication and expertise in real estate. Caitlin brings unmatched negotiation skills, empathetic communication, and a deep understanding of Denver's neighborhoods to guide clients seamlessly through their home-buying or selling journey, making dreams come true one key at a time.
