Doug Beachy, a 61-year-old business owner from Cincinnati, transformed his family’s vacation experiences by purchasing a new home on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, in 2022. Instead of continuing to rent vacation properties, which proved expensive and logistically challenging, Beachy opted for a fractional ownership model through the platform Pacaso, allowing his family to gather more frequently.
For years, Beachy and his wife, Jamie, have been dedicated to creating lasting memories with their four children and 16 grandchildren. As the family expanded, coordinating vacations became increasingly difficult. They often rented large homes or cabins every couple of years, but the costs added up, and securing everyone’s schedules was a significant hurdle.
In early 2022, Beachy began exploring options for a shared vacation home. He discovered Pacaso, which specializes in fractional ownership of luxury properties. This system allows multiple families to co-own a second home, making it a financially viable solution for Beachy and his family.
Hilton Head Island has long been a cherished destination for the Beachy family, known for its stunning beaches and diverse recreational activities. After assessing his options, Beachy purchased a 5,000-square-foot home that features six spacious bedrooms, including five with king-sized beds, and seven and a half bathrooms. This setup accommodates the family comfortably, eliminating the need for costly restaurant meals.
Co-ownership through Pacaso means Beachy owns a 1/8 share of the home, which was valued at over $5 million at the time of purchase. With a significant down payment made, the family shares the property with seven other owners. Unlike traditional timeshares, Beachy appreciates the transparency of this arrangement and views it as a long-term investment.
The convenience of fractional ownership has allowed the Beachy family to spend more quality time together. The home comes with a full concierge service, which ensures that it is clean and well-stocked with essentials before their arrival. They are able to reserve the property for 44 nights a year, and while not every family member can join for each stay, the frequency of their gatherings has increased noticeably.
During peak summer months, the family typically reserves the house for a couple of weeks, allowing everyone to reconnect. Beachy noted that the grandchildren eagerly anticipate these trips, which provide a valuable opportunity for cousins to bond and create shared experiences. The house is equipped with amenities such as six beach cruiser bikes, a private pool, and a hot tub, which have all contributed to the family’s enjoyment.
Beachy emphasized that the family’s favorite activities include swimming, biking, and spending time on the beach. They have embraced the chance to make memories together, whether it’s watching sunrises or engaging in friendly games of pickleball.
The decision to pursue a vacation home rather than downsizing has proven to be a wise choice for the Beachy family, as they now enjoy a space dedicated to family gatherings. Through Pacaso’s innovative model, they have found a way to balance their desire for a larger holiday home with the practicalities of shared ownership, ensuring that family trips remain a cherished tradition for years to come.
