Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika And Casey Goddard.
Hi Erika and Casey, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
We are Erika and Casey of Stay.Shire and we love creating and hosting in our favorite places ! Our journey into short-term rentals began in 2018 when we purchased and completely renovated our first home in Western Massachusetts, just outside the storybook town of Shelburne Falls. We envisioned a warm, open space where families could reconnect—a 5-bedroom home with a hot tub and an open floor plan perfect for gathering after days of hiking, skiing, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
That first transformation lit a spark. Soon after, we tackled our next project: a full gut renovation of a 5-bedroom home in Wilmington, Vermont—walking distance to downtown and minutes to Mount Snow. Again, we added a hot tub and curated the home with families and friend groups in mind, always designing for togetherness and comfort.
Next came a dream project in our happy place: the Outer Banks of North Carolina. We bought a home just a few houses back from the beach in the quiet town of Rodanthe. Not only did we renovate the main 4-bedroom house, but we also converted the detached garage into a charming 2-bedroom guest house. The result? Two cozy rentals that can be booked separately or together as one extended family retreat.
Our most recent finished project may be our favorite yet. Located just a mile from Berkshire East in Charlemont, MA, this 5-bedroom property embraced a moody, vintage 1920s design aesthetic, something a bit different from our usual clean and airy style, but one that brought new life and character to the home.
Throughout this journey, our process has remained the same: Casey handles most of the rebuild and construction, while we work together to bring our design vision to life. We aim for spaces that feel like home the moment you walk through the door.
We truly love to create and host vacation homes that welcome families, friends, and adventure seekers across Western Mass, Southern Vermont, and the OBX. And with our latest project wrapped up, we’re already dreaming about what’s next.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like any entrepreneurial journey, ours hasn’t been without its bumps in the road. One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced has been navigating the ever-changing rules and regulations surrounding short-term rentals. From town permitting to tax requirements, staying compliant while running a growing business has required flexibility, persistence, and constant learning.
On the renovation side, projects always take much longer than expected—no matter how much experience you think you have. We’ve run into our fair share of delays, contractor hiccups, and those inevitable “surprises” you uncover once walls start coming down.
Working together as a husband-and-wife team also means we’re constantly collaborating, problem-solving, and (yes!) compromising. Our design tastes don’t always align perfectly, and sometimes construction and functionality come up against aesthetics. But we’ve learned how to navigate those moments and find a balance that reflects both of us. It’s all part of what makes the finished product feel so personal.
Despite the setbacks and growing pains, we wouldn’t change a thing. Every challenge has helped us grow as business owners, as creators, and together. With each completed project represents not only a new space for others to make memories, but also a milestone in our journey together.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We’re Erika and Casey, a husband-and-wife team passionate about transforming properties into welcoming, design-forward short-term rentals for families, groups, and adventure seekers. Our business began in 2018 with a single home renovation in Western Massachusetts, and has since grown to include multiple properties across Southern Vermont, Western Mass, and the Outer Banks of North Carolina (OBX). Erika also co-hosts a growing portfolio of homes for other property owners in Southern Vermont.
We specialize in large, family- and group-friendly rentals with thoughtful layouts, stylish design and hospitality. What sets us apart is our hands-on approach; Casey brings years of architectural and construction experience, while Erika’s focus is on design, branding, photography, and the guest experience.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of how our rentals reflect our personalities and values the warmth, adventure, and attention to detail. We don’t aim for cookie-cutter properties; we build spaces that feel like home but better. Whether you’re looking for a family ski retreat, a summer beach escape, or a cozy fall foliage weekend, our homes are designed to help you Escape, Explore, and Enjoy in our favorite areas.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Likes :We love spending time with our daughters, vacationing and making memories !!
– German Shephards, Cozy spaces, The beach! Designing new spaces
Erika has a strong Dislike of Lighting tones that do not match i.e. cool and a warm bulb in one fixture !!
Casey dislikes over regulations
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theshirehomes.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stay.shire/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Stay.Shire/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/stay.shire?fbclid=IwY2xjawPI3tRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEzYTNNTGxzd3IzYzJXRUNnc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHsarMnscZvdkMuA6G4oHup4OocXLDD4xlaGjEqHpT0GIFeWLGaq36Ns0eizk_aem_OloEIa3W6fOUNcgHEz6DVg
Image Credits
Photo credit – Shire Photography by Erika Goddard
