Link to my tiny house if you'd like to come and stay! - www.airbnb.com/h/georgestinyhouse Hope you all find this update interesting. Shoot me any questions you have! 🤠

You took a dilapidated building and transformed it into a small, family-run, respectable business. Your situation is completely different from regular landlordism in Scotland and wholly more positive. The property is beautiful and looks like it was made for holidays/short stays; that's what it does best. I'm currently looking at dates. I hope you see the fruits of your labour soon and may you blossom in all that you do.

As someone who has stayed in a lot of airbnbs, I wish everyone cleaned and tidied their properties as well as you and your mum do in this video!

Absolutely no need to apologise for making a derelict property into an Airbnb. Great job mate!

As someone with food allergies who hates eating in restaurants and staying at crowded, noisy hotels I am glad there are people like you renting out cozy little places to travelers.

My guess is that, for better or worse, you are one of the very few men on the planet who have given so much consideration to the ethics of your activities, whether they be Airbnb or cage fighting.

In my opinion, what you are doing is absolutely ethical. You’re giving travelers the opportunity to explore your village at a reasonable price, in a clean home, in a safe location. Due to your videos, they know exactly the product they are purchasing. You are employing your mom & providing an investment opportunity for your brother. The home is not sitting vacant, collecting dust bunnies, waiting for the right buyer. Also, you’re providing hours of entertainment to those of us who may never get the opportunity to visit Scotland. If the opportunity ever arises, I’d be more than happy to hand over my hard earned shekels.

Few businesses begin with a profit. Even if you’re not covering all your expenses yet, at least a good chunk of the expenses you would otherwise have paid yourself were covered. Chin up and carry on and remember not a lot of people travel in the winter. 😊

I definitely don't see anything wrong or morally questionable about this. Your neighbours should be happy that you did such a beautiful job fixing up an abandoned building. The neighbourhood should count that as a win. I'm sure that the bookings will pick up come spring when the weather is better and more people are on holidays.

I’m not a native English speaker and first time commenting. The renovation project you undertook is absolutely brilliant. And you are such a person with a strong ethical and moral values which is a rarity in todays ruthless world

I think it's awesome you are trying to build a business with your family and considering ethics while you do it 😊

You are providing a valuable service for people who want to visit families in the area. Not all families have room for everyone when they visit, so this is a wonderful option for them. I live in California and it’s always so great to find a clean cozy place when visiting areas. Hang in there, your tiny house looks so clean, cozy and inviting.

Not only has George improved his neighborhood, he has brought tourists to the area that will spend money in his neighbour's shops and restaurants. Those people will tell their friends about what a lovely area it is and more people will come and spend their money on goods and services.

George, the tiny house looks great, and I love watching the care and attention both you and your mom lavish on that beautiful space. I always enjoy your sense of humor, and in this video laughed out loud at the “not fixing the potholes” comment.😂

Hey George! I usually don't comment, but just wanted to oneup on the ethical side of renting out in this manner. You are only adding value to your area by offering what you offer. Keep up the great work, this was a lovely way to spend nine minutes of my sunday afternoon!

Love that you addressed the ethical issues. I totally agree with you. My landlord kicked me out of a house I rented for two years to put it on AirBnB for four times the price; what you’re doing is totally different. That being said, it’s my absolute pet peeve when landlords count their mortgage as an outgoing. You’re building equity through that mortgage - it’s not a 100% loss in the same way that my rent payment is!

"... and not fixing potholes" --- LOVE IT, you are so refreshingly honest 👏😂. I wish you the best of success with your enterprise and future plans. It takes time to get it running more profitably. As to the critics - I think a great deal of it is envy and the reluctance to see how much time and work you put in it. Ethical or no isn't the question. The same could be said about most every profession or business. You don't have to defend yourself, you are doing a great job and you are very thoughtful and respectful in everything you showed us here. Also, Scotland offers only so much opportunities to make a living. Criticism is so easy online - I'd suggest for everyone to check their own circumstances first. Unless they are 100% flawless themselves, they might want to stop trying to give you a bad feeling. I for one enjoy this channel very much and it's obvious why your channel grows so nicely, I don't stand alone with my opinion, it seems.. I like how you and your family work together to make things happen. I enjoy your honest and kind personality along with this lovely Scottish accent, of course. I'm old enough to be your grandma and I'd be very proud of a grandson like you. Best wishes to you and your loved ones on 2 and 4 legs, hugs and smiles from the Bavarian Highlands, the alpine region that's indeed called Oberland 🙋🏻‍♀️❤️ Lisa

I love the total transparency in your videos, it’s so refreshing. You seem like such a lovely person, thanks for sharing 🖤

Me and my husband also did what you did. We bought a house that had been abandoned for 8 years. It took us on and off 4 years to totally remodel. We did all the work We put our house on airbnb/vrbo in June and did well up until winter Good luck with your business.

I think your channel is a great 'cosy' one - your voice, the content and editing are all very soothing. Can't remember how I found your channel but glad I did!

You're not losing money, the guests are paying off your mortgage

Hey George love your sense of humor. The business will pick up and you will see the fruits of your labor. I wish you nothing but the best in this adventurous endeavor.

I've been to scotland holiday homes a few times and yours looks like a A+ place, I'm sure it'll have more visitors this year. I just wanted to suggest adding something old fashioned to the place: A binder with information. All the things about the house that are listed on the website, the WI-Fi password, tourist leaflets and maps, personal recommendations and an emergency page with the next pharmacy, doctors, hospital translated into at least french and german as well. It's nice going through these together in the evening planning your next day. Less phone scrolling, too.

I love your videos as they are honest and well filmed

On your airbnb listing, there are other areas to fill out that don't show on your listing. 'Where you'll sleep' is one I always look for, to check out the size of the bed! 'The space' and 'Guest access' are two other descriptions it would be good to add. Your photos are stunning! Perhaps move one of the view pics to the first 5, so that it shows up on the main page? The view of the stairs and the corner of the bed don't do the place justice, OK to have but feature one of the better pics that tell more of a story in the first 5. Keep going! It's fun, you're providing a unique experience, and reviews and word of mouth (or the YT videos) will generate interest and guests.

I think Airbnb is an excellent stream of income. My Brother and sister-in-law have a Condo on the island and some months are not busy, but the summer, easter winter, and spring break are really awesome. You just have to stick with it. I am happy to hear that you are not letting the Tiny House just sit there.

Thank you for sharing this important information. Not everyone realizes what kinds of costs are involved in an adventure like this. Yes, I agree you fall somewhere in the middle of that "should I or shouldn't I " argument. I agree with you about it being wrong to buy up lots of start-up houses and turning them into AirBnB's. I also agree there is nothing wrong with renting out the room over the garage or your own home if you do not live in it full time. I think you are doing an amazing job trying to create a family business with your Mom and Brother. Not everyone thinks about things like that. You have put a lot of research and effort and money into this adventure. I can not wait to see what you accomplish next. 😀 Thank you for sharing your world. See you in the next one.

As far as whether it’s ethical or not to rent your home out on Airbnb I would suggest you do what feels right for you. It’s not up for others to judge whether you’re being ethical, that’s your call, and if you feel good about it then let that be your ethics barometer. I loved this video, I can only imagine your listing being profitable for you and your family, I mean it’s a lovely home and you are such a likeable guy! Cheers😊

Good luck with your bookings, George. Your mum's doing a great job with the changeover tasks. Loving her perfectionism with placing blankets and cushions and towels.

Good video. Speaking as someone who uses Airbnb not only for family get together in different locations, but for business stays. It’s really great to stay in a place that is a house instead of a hotel room when I’m away on business trips. So for people like you who take the time to put effort into making an Airbnb special and home it actually means a lot when I stay somewhere and you can tell the individuals who are renting the Airbnb care aboutthe place. There’s no need for you to feel any type of guilt. Just aim to be a super host or a guest favorite on Airbnb. Keep up the good work and don’t get discouraged because of a bad month.

Hi George, I can’t think of any other YT vlogs where the person is so concerned about the ethical outcome of their business. You seem to be a very honest person. I hope the Air BNB goes well for you.

Not fixing potholes seems to be a universal human experience. 🤣 And the ethics of your enterprise seem pretty clear to me: you took an abandoned property and through hard work and perseverance turned it into a lovely home. Nothing was lost to the community, which instead gained. I've no time for moralizing from people who largely, I suspect, don't themselves make significant efforts in the areas of their feigned upset. Lovely channel and always a treat to watch.

The problem with AB&B stateside, and in Mexico, are excessive cleaning fees. It's gotten to the point where you are asked to leave the apt/room in the same condition as received, meaning clean sheets, clean bathrooms, and it's ridiculous. This is on top of $50-$100 cleaning fee ALREADY ADDED ON. I stopped using them, because hotels do not charge you extra to clean your room.

Hi George. I genuinely look forward to watching your videos. You get a real sense of what type of person you are, and that’s someone that is warm and charismatic. Thank you for the videos, you’ve got a knack for creating easy viewing content, but with a subtle, humorous under tone. Thank you. All the best with your endeavours.

This is a lovely little home. You have done quite a service fixing it up. Don't think otherwise. I enjoy your videos..."from across the pond."

Hi George! I looked up the location of your tiny house. I’m from the US, but I want to go to Scotland this year or next. My sister did our genealogy a while back, and found out we are descended from the Adair clan that owned Dunskey castle and built Castle St. John in Stanraer. I think your village may be a little far from there. But I had fun checking it out. We always use airbnbs when we travel. I much prefer it. And your tiny house would be my cup of tea. I think give it a year and see how it goes. I believe good things come to those who work hard and are kind. ❤

I think that you rescued this building and you deserve to make money on it to continue to own and maintain it. Even if you had purchased it for the purpose of renting it out, people in the housing market would have had the same opportunity to purchase as you did. People wanting a starter home can buy a small bit of land and build an affordable home. You also shared your journey by posting it on KZfaq so people can get ideas how they, too, can get a starter home. It’s no different than if you had decided to create a hotel. You invest your time and money trying to make something nice, and most of the people who say negative things are usually people who never bother trying to make anything for themselves.

If we ever plan a trip to Scotland we’d love to stay in your house!!

You are so considerate of others George. Your actions only follow your heart and your heart is clearly in the right place. You are making a beautiful contribution to a world that can be quite ugly and doing it with style.

Love your honesty George, i would love to stay in your lovely home

I absolutely love your sense of humor . This will pull you through & see you rise through everything life throws at you . George , you rule !

Your comments are just hysterical! Thank You!

Looked up your site. The area where you live looks stunning! You are probably THE most ethical renter I’ve seen. Hope all goes well for you….and your mom. A lovely lady I’m sure!

Keep at it mate, you'll get there. Ethically, you brought a house TO the market so neutral effect. Could always switch it to a long term rental to avoid council tax, electricity costs etc. Forgot to tip on last vid - Happy belated birthday!

We've loved following your journey! Great channel! 👏

Honestly George, opening for business last minute in December isn't going to give you the best idea of what kind of booking numbers to expect! I think having it open at this point has just given you a bit of income in preference to it sitting empty - I'm sure it'll really pick up as we get out of winter/closer to easter!! Seriously though, if you want to make any money at all you're gonna have to stop getting the little treats from the House of Bruar 😅😂

You bought it as an uninhabitable abandoned space and developed it from scratch as a home for you to live in. You're now moving on so it's completely ethical and moral to air b n b it and offer it as an affordable holiday home for people to enjoy. You're also providing us viewers with informative entertainment. I think you're fab! X

Well if you did that well in your first month, and it's winter - not traditionally the top month for rentals, I think you are doing very well, and you know it! When you re-do this topic at the end of, say, September, and review your total income and expenditures, I'm sure it'll be a different story. Of course nobody makes a profit in their first month. 😊 Kudos to mum - she does a beautiful job!

The townhouse next door was recently rented out as an airbnb. Result noise and constant comings and goings. At the moment it's empty at a time when properties close to the city are desperately needed. Airbnbs can be disruptive and deprive people of proper neighbours. Council rates are applicable whether the property is occupied or not. There are laws which areas can have them and there's been trouble with people flouting the laws. As to the owner of the townhouse next door, he's gone back to live with mum.

I don’t think you’re removing homes from people that are looking to buy… it’s too small for a family, and like you said, it’s been renovated very heavily. Most don’t buy to renovate to the extent you’ve had to, especially that size. I think you’ve added value to the existing homes in the area, frankly 🎉

Thank you for the update, George. I love your place and you and your mum are doing a marvelous job. I wish you the best and feel your bookings will pick up this year!

When you're calculating profits and losses, you have to consider fixed costs (mortgage/minimum utilities/property tax,etc) vs adjustable costs (Netflix/guest amenities/extra utility costs from guest usage and cleanup/differential council tax as airbnb vs residence,etc). So in the short run you're only losing the the additional costs of running it as an airbnb but you're gaining in equity every month and then there's the value you're adding to the community economy by bringing in tourists, not to mention the experience you're gaining running the airbnb. And when you do start making profits, that could potentially be used to renovate other buildings in the area. Best of luck and stay conscientious!!

Congrats on the first month of your rental! We wanted to offer our converted horse truck in north East Scotland as a rental. The new requirement of Scotland holiday rentals to buy that license you mention is making it hard for people like us who have an unusual small rental like a shepherds hut much harder. It seems it's for people with large rentals and unfortunately will result in less small quirky Airbnb experiences in Scotland.

I live in a small Can city where properties, from houses to apartment buildings, are being bought up and turned into short term rentals and modern boarding houses. Some landlords do keep them as long term rentals, but double or triple the rent when a tenant moves out. That you have turned an empty building into a tiny house and actually lived there, while being transparent about finances from the beginning, puts you in the more ethical group of owners.

Your tiny home is beautiful George.I love to see you taking care of it. I'm sure many will get great pleasure from staying in such a peaceful and lovely part of Scotland.

I like your channel and this calmness of yr voice makes you so lovely. I also mention the great content. Blessings to u, George!

As you covered, the morality comes down to how many affordable & maintained homes there are in fife & the surrounding areas for local residents looking to buy. In Dundee & St Andrews, the high student population means its actually pretty hard to find a small & affordable flat to buy if you want to live & work there as a couple. Landlords will buy up any & all properties they can rent to students, so if you're not looking to start a family in a larger home, you struggle to find something even close to affordable. People may start looking closer to tayport & fife for these smaller homes to get on the "ladder". This comes back to your point on the affordable housing & your property being valued higher, this valuation could affect surrounding homes in the area, driving the price of smaller homes like yours in small villages in fife upwards. This can in turn cause young couples to struggle to even find somewhere here too, because home owners are always looking for a line to go up & profit to be made. You are in the grey area in the middle because you didn't buy this place to rent out for profit, but you also aren't selling it as an affordable home for the local people...

I appreciate your video. Your sense of humor is quite refreshing along with your honesty and the fact that you are morally trying to do the right thing which is also refreshing. I think that's a lovely b&b you and your mom have done a beautiful job. Keep the faith

George, clearly you are a good man. You have added value to your whole community, and beauty! You have nothing to be concerned about. Keep up the good work!!

I'm so glad you rescued this building. If you hadn't it would have continued to fall into disrepair and possibly been demolished. It adds such character to the area. Also, I agree that it is ethical, for the reasons you have mentioned.

Hi! I'm new to your channel (started with your buying your tiny home) I love the variety of your content! However, what I enjoy most is your "cheeky" way of explaining everything ❤❤❤

The place looks great George!

Don't be discouraged, it will pick up when more people are travelling. I will stay there for sure if I get to Scotland! The place looks great, you and your mom did a fantastic job! 🥰

I predict it will be a roaring success!! Thanks for the update. We look forward to them.

I think "not fixing pot holes" is a worldwide thing. Sure is here in the U.S. 🤣

It's such a splendid space, so light and airy. Prediction: Spring, Summer and Fall will be fully booked. Cha-ching, Patchy!!

Lovely and pragmatic optimism! And, always delightful to see someone reflect on ethical aspects and their position relative to them 😊

You are a damn genius. Love your Mum and looks like you are booked almost all year. Congratulations you utter legend!

I live in the USA and I just wanted to tell you what a great job you did on this cottage -you are so young !! It’s beautiful you should be very proud!

Such a lovely tiny house! Well done. Appreciate your sincerity, and your moral dilemma, too! You come across as a good person.

I love how you and your Mom work together. A fan from Montana.

A bit of spraypaint around the potholes helps to draw the attention of the local council.

You have spent time in thinking through the pros and cons of Air B&B location, community impact and your own perspective. As someone who lives on the NW coast in the U.S., we who live here have had very serious concerns, discussions and various regulatory responses all down the coastline of Oregon. You have made a thoughtful choice and shouldn't feel any doubts. It is now a charming and welcoming space for others to visit which also brings money into that community. Well done!

So awesome. Really enjoy your videos, humor, creativity and willingness to share so we can learn!

Very satisfying to watch the cleaning of the house.

I just love your place so much! It's so clean and organized! You are very lucky to own it. Best of luck to you always.

Your mother has to be so proud of you! You have made the area better in so many ways. Take off the ethical hair shirt and breathe easy knowing you are on the side of doing the right thing!

I hope you make a great success of it. You took the financial risk in the first place to renovate a derelict space, so I really feel that if you can make money for you and your family from your initial ideas and plans then that is perfectly ethical. Besides you're bringing in tourists/visitors who will spend a bit of money locally as well, it's a win/win really. I'd love to book a stay, alas traveling from New Zealand is just a bit far atm :)

I remember watching when you were having the place renovated It’s really a very lovely place and you’ve done amazing job There’s no guilt in doing up an old property and letting it out It does help the local community by bringing people to that location and using local shops and amenities Please don’t let negative comments and reviews on here get you down you come across very well and are doing well. If my child had achieved this and was as polite and kind as you are I’d be very proud

Hi George, I started watching your channel when you first took on the tiny house and started renovation. I thought it was a gorgeous little place that would make a home for "one man and his cat", but not really big enough to make a home for someone who hadn't invested in moulding it around him. I still don't see it as a place to make a home - the size and location are against it, but it's beautifully cosy as a base to have a holiday from.

George, we all have to make a living somehow, and you have tastefully rehabilitated a formerly useless property, adding value and tax dollars to your community. Your guests have enjoyed their stays and left positive comments, which will lead to more bookings. I'd say you're off to a great start and can't see anything ethically wrong with what you're doing. Keep up the good work!

I love this channel! You're doing a great job George, and I'm pretty sure that it will get busy very soon. I hope to stay myself one day!

3:30 "and *not* fixing pot holes" lol, I feel you, I just bought a place and the street it's in is a roller coaster ride.

Love to see how clean you and your mom keep this place , hope it works out $$

Usually most star-ups start with a negative balance, I'd say it's expected I know it's not great, but the fact that even in that first month people were interested is good! I hope it gets even better!

I watched all of your vids the past days... From your first till the last. I love the way you talk, explain, givin' tips and share how to do renovation. Greetz from Sweden Olivia 🐱, Carl 🐱, Winston 🐶 and Timo 🧑🏼‍🦲

🎉renovating property ( which i am currently doing)...and breathing new life into it an the surrounding businesses that will profit from new touristic faces is a win, whichever way you slice it.

it will definately keep going up , its so nice you are making it a family business

The thought of you as Don Corleone made me LOL! You are much to nice and genuine. Slow start is probably to be expected. Just give it time. The word needs to get out.

Just started watching your KZfaq videos and already hooked. Keep up the good work

I love your sensitivity and humour ❤ and hope you get lots more bookings xx

Love your honesty in videos

bro- you good on the ethics. salute to you for even asking and thinking about these questions

This place is fabulous and I hope it's available when I finish my online studies at St. Andrews. I have tons of allergies, so I appreciate the attention to cleanliness, too. I can't wait to be there!

I really like what you've done. It has been nicely refurbished and has given life to an abandoned property. I hope it becomes profitable as it is a good family business.

Very glad you mentioned the moral/ethical perspective of Airbnb rentals. Short term rentals have caused some big problems in the Australian housing market. Good to see some responsible opinions and perspectives on the issue. Beautiful property as well! 😍

For the first month, it's not too bad George! You did well. And you'll do great cause its a wonderful space :)

I love the cleanliness of this place. Very nice.

As for ethics - my opinion is that I'd rather rent from an individual than line the pockets of a conglomerate, so thumbs up to you and what you're doing

Your tiny house is gorgeous & the bookings should pick up - especially with the few changes to the duration of stay options etc 🏡 - I'm really enjoying your video's 😊