A Tennessee woman turned a millionaire's private 55-acre playground into an Airbnb empire with a replica Noah's ark and a treehouse mansion where guests can stay from $97 a night

In 2017, Kelly Marie was living in Spain when a former business partner called with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. A 55-acre, 10-structure Tennessee property called Nostalgiaville, built by an eccentric millionaire, was for sale.

After 40 years of real-estate investing, Marie was taken by the unique property. The novelty of owning a lighthouse, country store, and ark appealed to her, as did the unspoiled surroundings. "You look out to see nature flourishing and a stream running, it's pretty fabulous," she told Insider.

The business partner purchased the site for $900,000 for them to work on together. Marie moved from Spain to the estate in Springfield, Tennessee, about 30 minutes north of Nashville.

Nostalgiaville needed work. "I showed up to a big headache," she said. Faucets were leaky and the grounds weren't kept. Some rooms hadn't been touched in years.

Marie's business partner eventually exited the deal because of all the work that had to be done. Marie, ever the believer in the property, bought her out and renamed the site Kelly's Jubilee.

Marie has been renovating each structure "little by little." She said it cost $30,000 to turn the leaky old general store into a two-bedroom cottage with a hot tub and washing machine.

The country store-turned-cottage now rents for around $132 a night.

(Source: Airbnb)

The Tree Fort, not to be confused with the Treehouse Mansion, was the first structure to open to guests. It's been converted into three separate accommodations.

The first is a Treehouse Suite that rents for around $143 per night.

(Source: Airbnb)

The second is the Balcony Suite that rents for around $180 per night.

(Source: Airbnb)

Both rentals share a jacuzzi on the deck.

The third is a Riverfront Bungalow overlooking Carr Creek, which runs through Tennessee and cuts through the property.

(Source: Airbnb)

It currently rents for about $145 per night.

(Source: Airbnb)

Marie lived in a log cabin on the property while the Tree Fort was being renovated.

Marie's former residence now rents for around $161 a night. She now lives on the first floor of a four-story lighthouse she's renovating on the property.

(Source: Airbnb)

Marie said living on an estate you renovate full time is no easy feat. "It takes a lot of money and a lot of blood, sweat, and tears," she shared.

(Source: Airbnb)

Altogether, her properties generate around $30,000 per month, according to documents reviewed by Insider.

The most unique structure, the Ark, took a total of two and a half years to renovate, costing nearly $100,000.

Marie changed the Ark's linoleum flooring to hickory wood and installed two separate heating and cooling systems before realizing a structural flaw.

The rounded structure had a 12-inch gap in the walls. "It was just open so all that cold air and heat was coming in," she explained. She righted it by installing insulation.

Now the Ark rents for around $170 a night for up to four guests. It has amenities like a full kitchen and WiFi.

The property's petite Civil War-era log cabin is advertised as "not for the faint of heart."

(Source: Airbnb)

With space for one queen bed, the tiny structure has no running water and "moderate" electricity.

For those chasing a rustic experience, the cabin is available for only $75 per night.

(Source: Airbnb)

In stark contrast to the sparse cabin, the most luxurious structure is the Treehouse Mansion that can fit up to a party of 16.

The Treehouse Mansion currently rents for $121 per night.

(Source: Airbnb)

The three-story structure includes a kitchen, a workspace, a hot tub, a grilling station, and an elevator.

Marie employs a cleaner for the estate and said she goes out of her way to decorate rentals for guests celebrating special occasions.

Kelly's Jubilee has had guests from as far away as Russia, China, Australia, and Scotland.

One day, Marie hopes to build a structure large enough to become a permanent wedding venue. A few guests have already tied the knot at Kelly's Jubilee, notably under a sycamore tree by the Ark.

Marie imagines her next project to be outfitting yurts and geodesic domes for the property.

For Marie, every day is a gift waking up at the Jubilee. "I've lived in 60 countries," she said, "but this is the most beautiful place I've ever been."