Testimonials - The Bradford Stardome

Bradford, ON

20’/6m 4-Season Glamping Package Dome

Diameter: 20'/6m

Center Height: 11.5'/3.5m

Floor Area: 290sqft/27sqm

Triangle Glass Window

   

“Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway for two, a solo remote work week in solitude surrounded by nature, or a family adventure, this 4-season geodesic dome is just the right place. Explore picturesque trails of Scanlon Creek Conservation Area, enjoy inground pool in summer, experience breathtaking sunsets over the farm fields, the starry skies by the bonfire, mesmerizing dance of fireflies in June, and let the frogs and crickets lull you to sleep in the place where time stands still…”

   
As one of their (exclusively) 5-star reviews exclaimed, “Buckminster Fuller, the original architect behind the geodesic dome, would be proud of this setting.” Nestled along the edge of a picturesque nature preserve,
Dave and Daya’s luxury glamping dome is second to none when it comes to deep relaxation.
   
   

     

This spot really has everything. Check it out:
   

“Our 4-season dome, with year-round heat and AC, is located on a 2-acre property surrounded by farmers' fields and Scanlon Creek Conservation Area forests. We have a solar-heated swimming pool operational during the warm months of the year, 2 firepits, and a heated/air conditioned barn converted into a creative space with woodworking tools, pottery wheel and art & photo studio.

The deck is equipped with Muskoka chairs, barbecue grill and propane stove with an oven for outdoor cooking, and a private firepit with firewood. The guests have access to the backyard with the pool and picnic table, Scanlon Creek trails and Holland River at the end of the road. Kayaks and a canoe are available for rental.” 

Inside the dome you’ll find a queen-size bed, an electric fireplace, a starry sky projector, and a bluetooth speaker. Within the kitchenette in the foyer there’s a kettle, coffee maker, 2-burner induction cooktop, pots pans and utensils, a waffle maker, fridge, and microwave. For breakfast there are local eggs, seasonal fruits and veggies, pancake/waffle mix, coffee, milk/cream, and other cooking essentials. They also managed to fit a small bathroom with a composting toilet and washbasin, with a shower in the barn on the way!

  

   

   
Not everyone in the Airbnb world goes the extra mile and actually includes breakfast as part of the package… Dave and Daya are not everyone! With a waffle maker as well as farm-fresh eggs and veggies, you’re guaranteed to start your day off right. If you’d like to take things to the next level though, or for when it comes to lunch and dinner, they also offer homemade meals upon request! Unsurprisingly, they make their guests feel incredibly taken care of, which you’ll see confirmed in their glowing reviews.
   
“If you are looking for a quiet and peaceful getaway solo, with a friend, partner or with kids, this is the place! My kids were thrilled about this experience and will remember it forever.”
   
“Excellent value for the supreme amount of privacy, conservation area across the street with endless adventures, no vehicle traffic noise, endless hot waffles with real maple syrup and thick slices of bacon… WE WILL BE BACK!”
   
“The place was super cute and clean. We enjoyed watching the stars in bed with the A/C. We spent the day at the pool and in the nature around. Highly recommended.”
   
“We feel very relaxed and refreshed after months cooped up in the city, we will definitely be back.”

   

Impressive early reviews after less than a month in operation! Weekends are booking solid, and more and more weekdays are filling up as word starts to get around. At just an hour’s drive away from the Toronto city center, it’s an ideal location for folks who need a break from the concrete jungle. While it does have some rustic flavour, it’s still only a few minutes’ drive away from downtown Bradford as well as a wide variety of local restaurants and farms!

   

"We are both well travelled and as a result know how sporadic guest accommodations and amenities can be. We resolved to have everything possible for our guests. While nothing is ever perfect, we always make every effort to improve the guest experience.

Since we listed on AirB&B in September the dome has been a tremendous success. Bookings continue to grow and our clientele are universal in their praise. 5 Star all the way. We both take great pride and satisfaction from guest reactions. It’s incredible…just like the pictures…we don’t want to go home…Clearly, we’ve done something right."

Clearly you have! All in all, a very inspiring offering. The lists of thoughtful amenities above pretty much read like a how-to guide for success on Airbnb. We'll check in again next year for an update on how bookings continue to shape up, but we really have no doubt that the 5-star reviews can only continue to accumulate.

Huge congratulations to Dave and Daya for crafting such incredible spaces and experiences for their guests!

   

Quality of Materials: 9/10
Customer Service: 9/10

What sparked the idea?

"A few years ago we were visiting a mutual friend at his farm. One of his new acquisitions was several yurts. I was fascinated. Having said that, the layout was all wrong and there was no privacy between the three structures. We could do so much better at home.
I mentioned the idea to a friend currently living in BC. Stay away from yurts he said. They’re a nightmare. If you’re going to do it look into geodesic domes. Buckminster Fuller, you know. I met him once he tells me. So I started doing my research. My friend was right. Yurts are not the way to go, but where could I acquire a dome?
It didn’t take long before I came across Phoenix Domes and Freyja Skye."

 

Why Phoenix?

“We wanted to support a Canadian business, the price was reasonable and Freyja was exceptionally helpful, supportive and patient. The quality is very good.”

Advice to share?

"When we started looking for a heat source we noticed so many people putting wood-burning fireplaces in their domes. Understandable in a more remote location or without a power supply, but that leaves very hot summer days and nights unaddressed. We opted for a mini split heat pump by Daikin. 18000BTU's of cooling and 17900BTU's of heat. Essentially double what is needed for the interior dome space. The result has been incredible. Wonderful cool air in the summer and warm toasty comfort in the winter. The dome deck is also insulated with spray foam directly under the dome. Every little bit helps on cold winter nights."

   

Would Dave recommend taking a similar route to those considering getting into the glamping and rentals space? 

“Yes, it’s a great source of supplemental income! The greatest benefit of the business though is meeting new people and sharing their enjoyment of the dome.”

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Website: www.airbnb.ca/h/bradfordstardome