The Speed Family's Unique AirBnB in Ozark

Sometimes the Ozarks just call to you. At least that was the case for April and Paul Speed. After decades of working as creative directors in the Chicago advertising scene, the two decided to move closer to family in the Ozarks and start a family of their own. “The Ozarks is such a rugged, beautiful place and rich in history,” says April. “I have experienced a lot of places but there is just something uniquely ‘Ozarks’ about the Ozarks.”

In 2006 the couple stumbled on an old parcel of land in Ozark next to the Finley River. It was a rare find: a wooded property with a water feature in the middle of a historic town with convenient access to Highway 65. April knew this was where they wanted to raise their sons.

Tax records on the land date back to 1833, about the same time the Ozark Mill was established. The property had a 100-year-old Craftsman home and an old barn. They immediately began renovations. “Being preservationists, the restorations on the historic house and structures were just another creative outlet for us,” says April. “We also restored and repurposed the barn as a commercial photography studio, complete with all the modern amenities.”

Many years later the Speeds became the proprietors of the huge flea market, Camp Flea Antique Mall and Antique Market, at 1900 W. Elm St. in Ozark, MO.

Their new endeavor seemed to align perfectly with April’s deep love for the Ozarks. “I like the history and the campy playfulness of this region,” says April. “It’s got a sense of humor.” As business boomed at Camp Flea, the barn they used as the photography studio wasn’t getting much use. It was then that April’s sister-in-law, Jennifer Jackson, recommended they turn the barn space into a short-term rental. Jackson, owner of the Springfield Business Journal, also owns several successful Airbnbs in the Springfield area and mentored the Speeds on getting started. “It was a great suggestion,” says April.

“We’ve been fully booked since opening last March.”

When the Speeds converted the barn into a studio back in 2006, they had wanted a wide-open floor plan with high ceilings. They took out a majority of the expansive hayloft but left about a third of it for an office. That space is now used as a bedroom, and they retained the narrow wooden staircase leading up to it. “When you are high up among the original rafters, you are completely surrounded in aged barn wood and beams,” says April. “It is here that you feel the most connected to the barn.” April especially loves being in the hayloft while it rains. They also added a state-of-the-art kitchen to be used for food photography.

The furnishing and the decor of the barn have a Joshua Tree Motel vibe. April says she did a photo shoot for Nintendo in Joshua Tree National Park in the 1990s, and there was only one motel in the area for the crew to stay in—and it was in the middle of nowhere. Her room had trippy roadside interior and a buzzing ice machine glowing neon green outside her window. The aesthetic left an impression. “I think that experience along with spending the summers at my parents’ 1960s Table Rock Lake cabin was the visual catalyst for most of my designs,” she says.

Naturally, a good portion of the barn’s kitschiness has been found at Camp Flea. “Above the main cocktail lounge in the barn, we hung an enormous vintage electric moving waterfall scene, complete with chirping birds and a babbling brook,” says April. “Funky details like this help tell our story.”

Layers of other elements give the barn a campy style, like piles of vintage Pendleton camp blankets and brightly colored crocheted granny afghans that guests are able to use. April says everything in the space is functional and has a purpose, yet it is intended to make you smile.

From housing cows and hay to being the hot spot for the Speeds’ hootenanny parties and photography sessions, the old barn has lived many lives. The Speeds are happy to share their little slice of heaven with guests near and far.