Additional Coverage:
- A couple bought a run-down RV park for $1.23 million and turned it into a boutique hotel (businessinsider.com)
From RV Park to Boutique Bliss: How One Couple Transformed an Oregon Coast Gem
WESTLAKE, OR – For many, the thought of trading a demanding 9-to-5 for a passion project remains a distant dream. But for Robin Singh and Sharan Samra, that dream became a vibrant reality on the picturesque Oregon Coast. In less than a year, this dynamic duo transformed a dilapidated RV park into the stunning Florentine Waterfront Hotel, a boutique destination that’s already garnering rave reviews.
Singh, a 32-year-old engineering lead at Google, found himself yearning for a creative outlet beyond his tech career. His long-held ambition?
To open a bed and breakfast. His partner, 28-year-old Sharan Samra, head of marketing at a startup, was initially skeptical but quickly fell in love with Singh’s vision – and the property that would become their labor of love.
A Diamond in the Rough
Their search led them to Fish Mill Lodges and RV Park in Westlake, a property dating back to the 1940s, nestled on the shores of Siltcoos Lake, just a short drive from Florence, Oregon. Despite its prime location, the 2.5-acre site was in considerable disrepair.
Cabins suffered from rotting walls, creaking floors, and algae-ridden toilets. Outside, blackberry bushes grew nearly ten feet high, obscuring the property, and the docks were unsafe.
“As soon as I pulled up, I was in love with the place,” Singh recounted, even as he acknowledged the immense work ahead. Samra admitted to initial doubts, citing their lack of hospitality experience, existing full-time jobs, and the geographical distance from their San Jose home. “Everything seemed so impossible,” she said, until she saw the potential firsthand.
Overcoming Obstacles
Securing financing proved to be the first major hurdle. Banks were hesitant to lend to a hospitality venture in what they deemed a “tough time.” Undeterred, Singh and Samra utilized a hard money lender, closing on the $1.23 million property in November 2024 – just days before Singh proposed to Samra.
With the property secured, the couple embarked on a rigorous renovation schedule. Singh, despite his lack of design background, had a clear vision, sketching out designs that Samra playfully described as “a 3-year-old scribbled something.”
These “scribbles” were then brought to life by professionals, with Singh even flying to India to work with custom furniture designers. They focused their efforts on the existing cabins and a larger house, opting not to revive the RV hookups.
Transforming Spaces with Unique Flair
The one-bedroom cabins, originally unappealing with kitchens directly at the entrance, underwent a dramatic refresh. A key improvement was replacing small windows with floor-to-ceiling glass, maximizing the stunning lake views. This process revealed some structural issues, requiring entire walls to be replaced, a task handled by their contractor, Rafael Gonzalez of Home Remodel Specialist.
The main house, once home to managers and even birds, was also in rough shape but held immense potential. It became the “Funky Fortress,” now a vibrant, colorful rental boasting panoramic lake views and sleeping up to eight guests.
Throughout their frequent 10-hour drives between San Jose and Westlake, Singh and Samra meticulously planned every detail. These drives were “some of my favorite times,” Singh shared, as they brainstormed names, themes, and the overall story of their new venture.
It was during one of these trips that the name “Florentine Waterfront Hotel” was born. Samra took the helm of operations, developing efficient processes and ensuring an exceptional guest experience.
A Community Endeavor
By April 2025, rooms began opening for testing, with all rooms fully operational by June 15. Their tech and startup backgrounds enabled them to adapt quickly, refining operations – such as streamlining cleaning processes – as they went.
Each cabin now boasts a unique theme and aesthetic, from the retro “Record Room” to the tranquil “Sage Suite.” The goal was to appeal to diverse tastes and offer a distinct experience in every space. Cabins currently average $237 per night, while studio apartments are $137.
Even the smaller details were carefully considered. To avoid walking directly into the kitchen, a small archway now creates an inviting entryway. DIY epoxy countertops, a cost-saving measure, mimic the elegance of marble, and bathrooms were reconfigured with separated vanities for added convenience.
The exterior also saw a major overhaul. Overgrown blackberry bushes, some nearly ten feet high, were cleared, revealing seven hidden metal boats.
“It became a passion project for everyone,” Singh noted, reflecting on the community support that rallied around them when the budget grew tight. Friends, family, and even their contractor, Rafael Gonzalez, stepped in to help bring the vision to fruition.
A Summer of Success and Future Dreams
Their first summer, the busy season on the Oregon Coast, was a resounding success, with the hotel booked to capacity for most of the season. For Singh and Samra, however, the financial returns are secondary to the fulfillment of their dream. “It was a passion project, and it was so gratifying,” Singh said, emphasizing the “heart and soul” poured into the venture.
Looking ahead, the married couple, who tied the knot in November 2025, are focused on sustainable growth and community engagement. They are actively collaborating with local businesses and officials to enhance the entire area, aiming to attract visitors year-round.
This shared endeavor, they agree, has only strengthened their relationship. “Creativity is his zone, and thinking of the big ideas and bringing them to life is my zone,” Samra concluded, highlighting their complementary strengths.
The Florentine Waterfront Hotel stands as a testament to their vision, resilience, and unwavering dedication to a dream come true.
Read More About This Story:
- A couple bought a run-down RV park for $1.23 million and turned it into a boutique hotel (businessinsider.com)