Eleven years of living on the road in an RV is a long time to be a traveler. The couple behind @OutliersOverland say they have now planted roots in a place that has been welcoming travelers since the 1950s. In a full tour posted online, they announce that they bought a historic motel and RV park, and they walk through the rooms, the RV rows and the grounds of their new business.
From Looking At Houses To Owning A Motel
The couple say they set out looking at houses and ended up with a motel. They describe the signing as the biggest check one of them had ever held, and then make the announcement in simple terms: they bought a hotel. The purchase is the Evergreen Inn, a motel and RV park on US Highway 54 in Pratt, Kansas. They say they have lived full time in an RV for 11 years, with two dogs along for the ride. The price and the loan amounts were not disclosed.
They explain that they stayed at the property while the deal came together but waited until after the signing to tell their audience, because they did not want to have to say oops if it fell through. Insurance, they say, took the longest, begun the week of the offer about three months earlier and finally bound on the morning of the signing at the bank. They describe the sellers as some of the most amazing, kindest people and the property as a successful, thriving business.
A Tour Of The Property
The couple say the main building dates to 1957, with a second building to the east added in 1977. There are 16 motel rooms, one RV row from the 1950s and two more rows added around 2007 to 2008, and a cottage that was added later. The original build also included a house across the street and the restaurant next door, but those were split off and sold separately, so the couple bought the motel and RV park only. The land covers about nine acres.
Inside the rooms, they point out original 1950s and 1970s tile, original sinks and fixtures, a fridge and microwave in every room, and heating and air conditioning in each one. They say a building inspector told them the bathrooms were built like a tank and could serve as tornado shelters. The park at your door layout is classic for a roadside motel, and the property is pet friendly.
Out in the RV park, they tour by a utility vehicle that came with the property. They say a new septic tank was installed right before the sale, because tree roots had damaged the old one, and there is an underground storm shelter built by the previous owners after the 2007 Greensburg tornado. The guests are a mix of travelers and contractors, including workers tied to wind farms and oil.
Big Plans
They have a long list of ideas: updating the RV park showers, merging narrow sites into larger 50 amp sites, replacing a deluxe site with tiny home rentals, and adding glamping platforms, safari tents, a dry camping area and an overlander site. They also talk about fire pits, Adirondack chairs, a jacuzzi, a sauna and pickleball courts. They say utility bills run about $4,600 a month, so solar is on the docket. They also describe a meet up weekend they called The Homecoming, with pizza and an outdoor movie by the heated pool.
They explain how they found the place. Last summer the RV park where they were staying sprayed for burrs in the grass, so they booked this motel to get away with the dogs. They had been looking at hospitality businesses since 2022, and when they showed up in town looking for a home base, they saw it for sale. A general inspector, an electrician and a plumber all praised the property. They also say the restaurant next door is for sale, but they do not plan to buy it, calling restaurants tremendous gambles.
What They Say About Staying Put
They say they will still travel, but with intention, and that they are committed to staying to run the upgrades. They add that everybody in town has an Evergreen story, from bridal parties to birthday swim parties.
Thinking About Buying A Motel Or RV Park
The couple’s story is a dream for plenty of travelers, so it is worth knowing what buyers should look at before signing.
Study the numbers. Ask for several years of income and expense records, occupancy figures and tax returns. A business can look busy and still carry heavy costs, especially with older buildings. Bring in an accountant who has seen hospitality businesses before.
Inspect the infrastructure. Septic systems, wells, electrical service, roofs, pools and underground lines are expensive to repair. The couple mention multiple septic tanks and wells, and a roof replaced after a hail storm. Every item like that can change the real price of ownership.
Check licenses, taxes and zoning. Lodging usually comes with local and state licensing, occupancy taxes and safety rules. Confirm that everything is transferable, and ask whether any expansion, such as tiny homes or tents, is allowed.
Price insurance early. As the couple found, coverage can take months, and property with pools, storm exposure and guests needs the right policy.
Learn the seasons. Roadside lodging often rises and falls with travel patterns and local industries. Talk to the sellers, staff and neighbors about slow months and steady customers, since long term contractors and highway travelers can behave very differently.
Making Updates Without Losing The Charm
One thing they seem to enjoy is the retro character. They plan to keep the old room keys as decor and plan to paint the trellises. Upgrading systems such as reservations, connectivity and locks while preserving the feel of a mid century motel is a balance many owners try to strike. Many travelers enjoy a place with history as long as it is clean, comfortable and reliable.
For a couple who have spent over a decade moving, the surprise ending is a base to return to. In their telling, a motel in Kansas is the home base they were looking for.
Leave a Reply