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Poplar Farms, Tennessee – From a “Big Tiny” House to a Thriving Agritourism Business with Airbnb, Farm Experiences, and a Family-Driven Entrepreneurial Spirit
When Agriculture and Tourism Join Forces to Shape a New Future
At a time when the global tourism and agriculture sectors are searching for sustainable, human-centered, and distinctive business models, agritourism is emerging as a promising and viable direction. Beyond offering supplementary income to farmers, this model provides authentic experiences for visitors, allowing them to reconnect with nature, better understand the food value chain, and embrace a lifestyle rooted in simplicity and sincerity.
A leading example of this trend is Poplar Farms, a family-run farm in Tennessee (USA) operated by Amy and Chris Burr. Beginning with a used camper and a modest tiny house known as “Big Tiny,” Poplar Farms has evolved into an agritourism case study worth emulating.
A Humble Beginning: From an Old Camper to the “Big Tiny” in Rural Tennessee
Poplar Farms’ story didn’t start with a major investment, but with a bold lifestyle choice. Amy and Chris, along with their children, left city life behind and moved to a rural property, initially residing in an old camper for nearly a year.
Later, the family built a 55.7-square-meter house affectionately named “Big Tiny,” designed and constructed by their eldest son with help from other family members.
For over 18 months, the Burrs lived in this small space while steadily working to turn the farm into their primary source of income. Like many small-scale farming families, Chris continued working off-farm jobs to support household expenses.
An Unexpected Turning Point with Airbnb
A friend suggested listing “Big Tiny” on Airbnb. Initially skeptical, Amy wondered, “Who would drive out here just to stay in a tiny house?” But the response was astonishing. Guests came regularly, drawn to the house’s simplicity, privacy, and feeling of total escape.
Today, income from Airbnb not only covers their mortgage but also empowers Amy to fully commit to developing Poplar Farms’ agritourism model. She notes:
“I’m an introvert. Hosting on Airbnb works well for me—I communicate with guests beforehand, set expectations, explain the farm sounds… and then give them their space.”
The success of “Big Tiny” sparked ideas for expansion: building more tiny homes to create a fuller farm-stay experience.
Add-Ons: When a Farm Becomes a Living Destination
Poplar Farms offers more than just accommodation. They’ve curated a suite of interactive experiences (“add-ons”) that bring the farm to life for guests. This is the very essence of agritourism—transforming agriculture into a tangible, emotive, and educational journey.
Notable activities include:
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Guided farm tours (led by family members)
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Goat milking lessons
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Feeding farm animals
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Gardening basics and hands-on practice
During these visits, the Burr family shares their honest journey—how they came from non-agricultural backgrounds, learned everything from scratch, embraced mistakes, and adapted with resilience.
The 11-Year-Old Tour Guide and the Spirit of Youth Entrepreneurship
One of the most memorable aspects of Poplar Farms is Maisie, the Burrs’ fifth child, who at just 11 years old leads the farm tours.
Her one-hour tours follow a handwritten checklist. Maisie speaks with confidence, clarity, and infectious energy. Guest feedback consistently praises her knowledge, charm, and strong sense of responsibility.
When asked why she enjoys giving tours, her candid answer was: “To make money.” Maisie is saving up to buy a pony. Beyond financial motivation, she says she enjoys meeting new people and sharing what she knows about the farm.
These experiences not only impress visitors but also provide meaningful learning opportunities for the children—instilling life skills, work ethic, and entrepreneurial thinking from a young age.
From “Big Tiny” to a Sustainable Agribusiness Model
Poplar Farms proves that agritourism doesn’t require grand beginnings. A single tiny home, a modest-sized farm, and a family willing to experiment can build a sustainable, impactful ecosystem.
The Burr family’s model not only diversifies income but also:
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Strengthens family bonds through collaborative work
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Provides rich, informal learning for their children
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Inspires others in the community to reimagine rural livelihoods
Poplar Farms: A Testament to the Power of Small Beginnings
The Poplar Farms story offers a compelling reminder: you don’t need to be a professional farmer to grow food, nor a tourism expert to craft memorable experiences. All it takes is an authentic space—and a genuine story—just like the Burrs created with Big Tiny.
In doing so, they’ve built more than a tourism venture. They’ve invited guests into the real, resilient world of rural America—where meaning is found in simplicity, persistence, and trust in goodness.
