Today we’d like to introduce you to Allen Mederos.
Allen, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My wife, Elise, and I listed our garage apartment on Airbnb over 5 years ago and at one time it had the most stays in Fort Worth. This experience has allowed us to meet people from all over the world and we love being able to introduce them to Fort Worth and share our favorite things about the city.
The garage apartment led to several other short-term rental investments, including a Shipping Container duplex near 7th street in Fort Worth. In early 2015, a friend introduced me to a family who was selling their farm property in North Fort Worth. He had been telling me how unique and beautiful this property (a prior tree farm) was and once I finally went to see the property in person, I knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
I quickly put together a business plan to raise the money to purchase the property and begin operations as a short-term rental property and event venue. Elise and I were not in a position to acquire 100% of the property and we preferred not to finance with debt. I decided I would send the business plan first to family, then friends, then look to other outside investors. Luckily, 2 of the first 3 family members I shared the plan with were excited to invest as equity partners and the ownership structure has remained family-owned. We named the property Sanders Hitch in honor of Hardy Sanders, my grandfather and a well-known businessman and philanthropist in Tarrant County.
Sanders Hitch is a 117-acre property just 11 miles North of Downtown Fort Worth. Although there are plenty of restaurants and lots of activities nearby, once on the property you’ll feel like you’re away from it all. We call it a “Fort Worth Escape”. Family reunions, corporate events, weddings, yoga retreats and more – Sanders Hitch sleeps up to 28 people and we have had events with 300+ people on the property.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Having no real farm experience prior to this purchase, we had to learn a lot about how to manage cattle, large irrigation systems, gates and fencing, water wells, gardens, chickens, etc. While none of the individual challenges were extremely difficult or expensive, there were lots of time consuming tasks that took much more time and money than we originally expected. Luckily, the demand exceeded expectations as well!
Please tell us about Sanders Hitch.
Sanders Hitch is a very unique and special place for family reunions, company get-togethers, anniversary gatherings, small weddings, or other events. The Main House and Pool House provide ample overnight accommodations for 28 guests with plenty of room to spread out and relax or to gather together in one of the common areas designed for group fun.
Enjoy the outdoors while swimming in the large pool or lounging in the screened-in outdoor living room watching the big game on the flat screen tv, all while grilling in the outdoor kitchen. Two outdoor fireplaces make it the perfect spot in any season to gather with friends, family, or coworkers to enjoy some Texas air and wide-open spaces. Fishing, swimming, relaxing, watching movies and going on walks around the property are just some of the ways our guests spend time. Just over 10 miles from downtown Ft Worth and 5 miles from the Stockyards give you close access to lots of other activities should you decide to venture off the property.
We are a unique combination of a venue and vacation rental – we think we offer the best of both options. Beautiful property and setting for any event yet lots of sleeping accommodation options for guests who wish to stay a while.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to do it again, I would have started sooner. I waited until I was in my early 30’s to begin investing in real-estate and I wish I would have started 10 years earlier. I thought I needed to wait until I had enough money to invest, but I now realize that it’s not all about having the money – the opportunity, plan and execution are more important. There are plenty of people willing to invest in the right opportunity if the plan and ability to execute is there.
Pricing:
- $1600/night (not including event fees for guests over 30)
- 4 night minimum
- Daytime events/packages can be discussed for guests not needing overnight accommodations
Contact Info:
- Address: 7760 Blue Mound Rd
Fort Worth, TX 76131 - Website: www.sandershitch.com
- Phone: (817) 755-0083
- Email: allen@sandershitch.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanders_hitch/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandershitch
Image Credit:
Mike Lewis Photography
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