Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathy Hansinger.
Hi Kathy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The Fab 4 Village is the dream venture for my husband and I..
I am an avowed mid-century modern/Beatles fan and wanted a place to showcase the beauty of the era and its unique design. I came across a charming 1960s-era 4 bedroom house and knew it would be perfect to remodel in mid-century modern style. Plus, it was just around the corner from the village of historic Saxapahaw. That, coupled with the scenic beauty of the area and the laid-back peacefulness of the Haw River, made the house an excellent choice for an ideal pairing of old and new. With the Haw River Ballroom just a mile away, featuring live music venues and event space, I realized that there was a need for people to stay who wanted individual accommodations for the night. I always wanted to convert shipping containers to tiny houses, so I bought 3. Each one features a queen-sized bed, full bath, kitchenette and living area. Making it a family affair, my brother came in from Chicago to paint the Yellow Submarine on the side. I just finished the containers when Covid-19 hit and everyone stopped travelling. At that time, “We all lived in a self-quarantine.” I then came across an enclosed lifeboat that looked like a yellow submarine. I just had to have it. But that is another story!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The original 60’s house was an easy convert to the Fab 4 House. But then I had to make things difficult for myself. I bought 3 shipping containers and tried to convert them to tiny houses. I was the first in Alamance County to do such a project so it took a long time and many drafts to meet all residential building codes and get a permit to build. When we finally completed, Covid hit and everything came to an abrupt stop.
When we opened again, it was smooth sailing until I saw the enclosee lifeboat and knew it needed a new home, I had to find a long hauler low enough to get it on the road and a crane big enough to move it into place which was in a 4′ deep hole inP the backyard. Once we remove all the seats and the heavy deisel engine, it started to take in ground water everytime it rained, I never expected to deal with a boat that flooded. It took 2 years to get things completed enough for people to stay in it. No one could figure out how to solve the water problem. We had to dig down 4′ trenches to divert the water and poured cement into the bottom for weight. But people love it, especially kids with the dolphin picture over the bed. Just a great place to stay!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I do not have any formal training as a designer. I guess I just have an eye for creativity. I love challenging projects and seeing people enjoy the places I have created.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I inherited my outgoing personality and quick wit from my father. I always saw the humor in life which got me in lots of trouble with the Catholic nuns that taught me during elementary and high schools. I just I was just too quick to laugh.
Pricing:
- $325/night for the 4 bedroom home
- $100/night for each container
- $90/night for the yellow submarine
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fab4village.com
- Instagram: Fab4village
- Facebook: Fab4village
