Here’s to living in the sharing age. We put our lives out on social media, use Uber for rides, and lease apartments/homes for vacation, through apps like Airbnb. Now, some enterprising people have created a new app that will assist you in hiring out your “rooftop or backyard by the hour.”

Best Hot Tub’s co-owner, Bill Renter, was eager to check out this new sharing app. “I was keen to see how it all works and went to their Nookzy site. My wife and I have become empty nesters and our backyard isn’t being used like it was in years past. We feel that’s a shame.”

Bill Renter's Backyard

Bill Renter’s Backyard

The couple has a lot to be proud of. They have a Bullfrog Spa beside the back deck, a freeform vinyl pool with waterfalls and water slide, a bank of sun umbrellas, outdoor kitchen and swim up bar, raised in-ground spa, and stunning side yard complete with green rolling slopes, pond and waterfalls.

“I can really see the value of a ‘backyard sharing’ venture like this. While Nookzy’s app is not yet flush with options and may need time to grow, we know first-hand the value of using someone’s property for a special occasion or party.”

Bill Renter is referring to a time when his nephew’s birthday was approaching. “My sister lives in Brewster, NY, and the birthday-boy asked if he could have a pool party at ‘Uncle Bill’s house.’ My wife and I said we’d love for them to do that. Over 15 of his friends came with the family. They had quite the splash party as you can see in his birthday video: 37 Cannonballs.

 

 

The pond area on the side of Renter’s property is also exquisite. One can easily imagine a family reunion with a picnic and/or barbecue being held there around the pond.

In addition, any Long Islander with a fish pond might want to offer after-school educational tours of their water feature. This is not only a great opportunity for kids to feed koi, but because a pond attracts all kinds of interesting wildlife, the children will have a lot to discover. With so many children unable to enjoy nature up close, local teachers might want to add such a visit to their curriculum.

 

“We hope this idea takes off in some form,” says Renter. “We know we’d like to participate in some way so that others get to enjoy what we have. We suspect there are lots of empty nesters with fabulous spaces to share. Also, those wanting to upgrade their own property might want to share their yards to earn some of the income to do it.”

Renter is certain there are many apartment dwellers, for example, who would be happy with just a hammock under a large pretty tree to read away the hours while hearing birds singing around them.

What are your thoughts? We’d love to get feedback, e.g., Would you be interested in leasing out a yard, or hiring out yours? Tell us in the comment section of this blog, or visit our Facebook page and share your thoughts there.”

 

Rent A Backyard:

Rent A Backyard:

Depending on the reason for the party, evening can also be an ideal time to bring friends together. Bill Renter’s family pool (shown here) has a special glow at night with the aid of landscape lighting and natural gas campfires.

 

Pool Waterfalls:

Pool Waterfalls:

Pool waterfalls and water slides are an appealing option when looking for a property to rent out.

 

Young People Love Spas:

Young People Love Spas:

Hadn’t considered the treasures you have in your yard? This is a photo of Bill Renter’s nephew’s birthday party. While the boys were cannonballing, the young ladies were laughing it up in the in-ground spa just above them.

 

Share Your Pond:

Share Your Pond:

Bill Renter’s pond is a wonderful example of a place beautifully suited to a family reunion picnic or barbecue. With an outdoor kitchen just around the corner (not shown), you can visualize the blankets and lawn chairs positioned to take in the scenery. Ponds would also make great teaching aids for school curriculums.

 

Backyard Hot Tubs:

Backyard Hot Tubs:

Bill Renter imagines that to get into the renting business, one wouldn’t need a pool or even a huge yard — just an amenity or two. This photo of the Renter children with their folks, for example, is an old one, yet it shows how great being outdoors is, even in a small hot tub.