**From Tech to Magic: Pigeon Forge’s New Fantasy Retreats Capturing Hearts**
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In the picturesque town of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, a new venture is casting a spell on visitors with its enchanting holiday rentals. Justin Kersey, formerly a tech consultant, has swapped his corporate career for a whimsical project that pays homage to beloved fantasy worlds. Alongside his uncle, Joe McCarthy, he founded Mountain Shire Fantasy Houses, which boasts striking cottages inspired by the Harry Potter universe.
Kersey’s journey into the realm of fantasy accommodations began with a solid background in technology. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Towson University and an MBA from Duke University, he enjoyed a successful stint working for major corporations such as UPS and S&P Global. However, despite his corporate success, Kersey felt the pull of creativity and adventure.
The idea for Mountain Shire was born when Kersey and McCarthy discovered a commercial lot that could transform into a refuge for fans of fantasy. While they initially planned to establish traditional vacation homes, they soon realised that they wanted to create an experience as immersive and captivating as the stories that inspired them. Kersey explains, “We wanted to give guests instant familiarity through stories they already loved, introducing them to houses unlike anything else out there.”
Their first venture involved eight properties inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s *The Lord of the Rings*. However, as the business grew, the duo found themselves drawn to J.K. Rowling’s *Harry Potter* series, recognising a unique opportunity to craft something special. “It was really our existing guests and social media followers who inspired the shift,” Kersey notes, nodding to the enthusiastic demand from fans for a Harry Potter-themed experience.
The end result includes three cottages, each named after a beloved character from the series: The Wizard’s Retreat, which reflects Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley; the Wizard’s Library, inspired by Hermione Granger; and the Wizard’s Herbarium, a tribute to Luna Lovegood. Each cottage is distinctly designed to mirror the personality traits of its corresponding character.
Inside, the cottages are filled with unique touches such as custom chandeliers, antique furnishings, spell-binding murals, and enchanting decor featuring potion bottles and gnome dioramas. Specialty lighting enhances the magical atmosphere that guests can revel in. Kersey and his team dedicated around three to four months to design each cottage, followed by an additional six to seven months of construction.
The financial investment was significant, with the total cost of the three Harry Potter-inspired houses nearing £700,000. Custom carpentry was a key expense, but it was not without its challenges. Kersey recalls setbacks during construction that included a need to replace elaborate spiral staircases with standard ones when original plans did not hold. “Our team probably lost over 100 hours collectively just looking for tools that hadn’t been put back in the right place!” he shares with a chuckle.
Once completed, the cottages have become popular destinations, with rates ranging from approximately £200 to £570 per night. The peak season tends to align with holidays and festivities, such as Halloween and Christmas, while occupancy rates hover around an impressive 90% throughout the year. Visitors often choose the fantasy houses for celebrations, from anniversaries to micro weddings, with a nearly perfect 4.97 rating on Airbnb stemming from over 1,800 reviews.
Social media has played a pivotal role in the success of Mountain Shire. Videos showcasing the cottages have gone viral, garnering millions of views and demonstrating the power of visual storytelling. Kersey notes that many bookings come directly from platforms like Instagram and TikTok, with guests saying they were convinced to book after seeing a reel.
Looking to the future, Mountain Shire plans to expand its offerings with at least two additional properties slated for completion by mid-2027. One of the upcoming projects, titled Sanctum Patronus, will feature concepts inspired by magical creatures, such as a white stag and a phoenix. Kersey has also hinted at a potential future property based on either Hagrid or the Weasley family’s Burrow.
Importantly, Kersey clarifies that while the cottages draw inspiration from familiar tales, they are unique interpretations rather than official adaptations. “This isn’t a typical Airbnb stay; it’s designed to be the highlight of someone’s vacation,” Kersey insists, aiming to ensure that guests feel they received more than just a place to sleep.
Ultimately, the magic lies in the details, with Kersey emphasising that guests often discover new surprises during their stay. “That sense of discovery is a big part of what makes people fall in love with the houses,” he reflects, underlining the impact personalisation can have on creating memorable experiences.
With each passing season, Mountain Shire Fantasy Houses continues to weave dreams into reality, proving that the allure of fantasy can be a compelling draw for those seeking adventure away from the ordinary.