Webstager
From Traveler to Innovative Rental Host: The Calm Chaos Journey
Think of us as the alternative to vanilla rentals with a truly unique experience...
The short-term rental space has hundreds of millions of listings, mostly run by entrepreneurs like myself. I entered this industry not by choice, but through a life event that would change the course of my career. Once I dove into it, I transformed it into a huge success. In less than a year, I became a Guest Favorite and Super Host, generating 1,300 times more Airbnb views than the closest competition and earning amazing reviews. My long-term vision is to leverage my knowledge and our platform's technology stack to create a direct booking platform that harnesses AI to dominate organic search and social media.
Here's my story:
Roots of Adventure
Perhaps my affinity for unique experiences and transformation was written in my DNA long before I was born. I come from a lineage of remarkable individuals who shaped history in their own ways. My eighth great-grandfather, Guillaume Couture, was one of New France's most celebrated pioneers—a man who survived torture, became an adopted member of the Iroquois nation, and helped establish early settlements in what would become Canada. Even more distant in my family tree stands Louis VIII of France, "The Lion," my 27th great-grandfather, whose courage and determination earned him his leonine nickname. He became the King of England after an invasion instigated by English barons, only to be betrayed by those same barons. He later died at an early age in the Crusades.
I've often reflected on how the memories and quests for adventure embodied by my ancestors might have shaped the person I've become—someone drawn to challenges, transformation, and creating something meaningful where others see only obstacles. This heritage of exploration and resilience would eventually express itself in my own journey from traveler to innovative host.
From Traveler To STR Host
Throughout my career, I've traveled to interesting and exotic locations for work and pleasure. I've always been drawn to unique spaces with charm and character that provide exceptional experiences. This appreciation for distinctive accommodations would eventually shape my business approach.
People's personal and professional lives often intertwine. For me, travel has always been a way to meet new people and experience new things. I've consistently been attracted to the unconventional—a theme that appears repeatedly in my personal life and travel journey.
I once stayed at a quirky place in Paris: the only English-speaking bookstore beside the Notre Dame cathedral. The elderly gentleman who ran the place was quite a character. He served afternoon tea, but since all his teacups were broken, tea was served in jam jars! A diverse group of English-speaking visitors enjoyed life surrounded by books on the second floor of the Shakespearian Bookstore. It was epic.
I was traveling alone in Paris after my divorce, so I spent considerable time writing and thinking there. The bookstore owner and I developed a connection. During one of our conversations, he mentioned that Hemingway had written there, and that I reminded him of the famous author. To this day, I still don't know if that was a compliment or jab, but it certainly adds to the tapestry of my life's travel adventures.
Looking back, I wonder if it was that same pioneering spirit of Guillaume Couture or the bold determination of Louis VIII that led me to seek out these unconventional experiences rather than settling for ordinary tourist accommodations. Whatever the source, this desire for authentic connection and memorable spaces has guided my path.
The Birth of Calm Chaos
In parallel with my love for unique accommodations, I've always been a roll-up-my-sleeves, no-nonsense, get-things-done creative type. Our teams share these same values. So when the opportunity arose to relocate to a tired, nearly abandoned estate—just a 40-minute float plane ride from Vancouver Island in what's known as the Mediterranean of Canada—I saw tremendous potential.
I thought it would be wonderful to combine the unique living space of our property, which we call Calm Chaos Maple Bay, with other like-minded folks and creative types. The property offered possibilities to extend projects well beyond just the living area.
Having been a city dweller all my life, I finally had the chance to explore other aspects of my creative self. Entrepreneurs are often a misunderstood breed, but they possess the grit and tenacity to start something new. I've noticed that many entrepreneurs develop creative skills, hobbies, and interests outside their business lives. These pursuits help define who we are in this world. For example, I enjoy working on my classic 1961 XK 150 Jaguar collection and integrating it into my daily routine. Here at Calm Chaos, we've created our own world with access to workshops, tools, tractors, excavators, chainsaws, and our side-by-side vehicle. I work on them all.
Looking at this endeavor now, I can see echoes of my ancestor Guillaume Couture's pioneering spirit—taking on a challenging new territory and transforming it into something valuable. Just as he helped establish settlements in the wilderness of New France, I found myself drawn to resurrect and reimagine this neglected property.
The Evolution of The Personal Brand
The boundaries between professional and personal life are converging—especially in this age of social media and personal branding. Work no longer defines us as a 9-to-5 occupation. As we evolve and more people become creators, the lines between work and play blur to form our complete identity. While many individuals prefer to separate their personal life from their professional one, many realize that their creative aspects and passionate causes actually enhance their professional lives.
Personal branding often helps the companies people work for. One way I've integrated my unique style to benefit our corporate clients is through my car collection and the five macaws we have on the property. We are avid exotic animal supporters and firmly believe wild creatures should remain in the wild. That said, a few of our macaws were already quite old (equivalent to late 40s/50s in human years) when we rescued them. They had endured horrible lives previously, but now they're spoiled beyond belief.
Raising awareness for client companies using our car collection or our macaws creates a true win-win situation. People enjoy interacting with macaws in ways they might never have experienced before, or they get to see rare pieces of automobile history from my collection—vehicles that simply don't exist as mainstream items anymore. Because we're doing this on behalf of clients, it raises brand awareness for both the client and our personal/company brand.
We've collaborated with numerous companies to increase their brand awareness through storytelling, virtual events, and the curation and distribution of unique content. We were among the first to pioneer exotic content for auto dealers. The results speak for themselves: one client's revenue soared from $34 million to almost $100 million annually in under four years by utilizing our proprietary content distribution tools we built from scratch with our teams managing every facet of their marketing.
As the Internet grew and businesses recognized content as a significant return on investment, we became an approved vendor for automotive giant Stellantis. The list goes on. Much of our success stemmed from our own personal brand and the unique lifestyle toward which people gravitated. Everyone possesses their own unique qualities they can embrace.
The Calm Chaos Experience
Creativity surrounds us, something our team embraced when the founders of WebStager left the city for the countryside. Having built brands, managed major events, developed automotive tools and software, won awards, and become a chosen vendor for auto manufacturers, transforming this property into a unique experience seemed like a natural progression.
A Property With a Dark History
What makes our journey even more remarkable is the troubled history of what locals call the Dugan Estate. The Dugans were once a prominent family in the community, so influential that lakes and roads in the area still bear their name. Their reputation, however, took a tragic turn in August of 1993.
On a summer night, 18-year-old Brandee Dugan was strangled in her sleep on the property by her ex-boyfriend. After realizing what he had done, the young man returned to his home and took his own life. This devastating event marked the beginning of the estate's decline. The once-proud family fell apart—struggles with drugs and alcohol followed, and the property fell into severe neglect.
From the very day of Brandee's passing, the property began its slow surrender to nature's reclamation. What started as simple neglect evolved into something almost supernatural in appearance. After nearly 30 years without maintenance, the main house was being dramatically enveloped by massive blackberry bushes—a scene reminiscent of the enchanted thorny forest in Disney's "Maleficent." Nature's takeover felt less like ordinary growth and more like a physical manifestation of the darkness that had descended upon the estate.
The ancient forest at the back of the property had become so overgrown and choked with fallen brush and trees that it took us months just to clear it and build a ring road. Most disturbing was what we discovered as we began exploring the property—numerous deer skeletons and carcasses scattered throughout, as if local wildlife had been drawn to the place as a spot to come and die. The property seemed to radiate a palpable sense of despair that even animals could sense.
The family's troubles didn't end with the tragedy. At one point, some of the sons began operating a counterfeiting operation, producing both U.S. and Canadian currency and using FedEx to distribute it across the United States. When authorities finally caught up with them, it resulted in the largest joint U.S.-Canadian operation between the RCMP and Secret Service at that time.
Given this history, it's little wonder that no local residents wanted to purchase the property when it finally went up for sale. It remained on the market for years, its reputation keeping potential buyers at bay. When we finally arrived, everything about the place felt off—cold and lifeless, as if the property had been stripped of all love and happiness.
Transforming Darkness into Light
We saw beyond the property's troubled past and recognized its potential. Like Louis VIII, who was known for his determination and strategic vision, I approached this challenge with a belief that transformation was possible. And like Guillaume Couture, who helped establish new communities in challenging environments, I set about creating something new where others saw only darkness and difficulty.
Our transformation went far beyond simply renovating the guest house. We undertook a complete rehabilitation of the entire estate—clearing the sinister-looking blackberry fortresses, removing the remains of fallen wildlife, and reclaiming the ancient forest from decades of overgrowth. Each step felt like we were not just cleaning a property but performing a kind of healing ritual for land that had witnessed too much sorrow.
The process was as much about spiritual renewal as physical restoration. With each thorny bush we removed and each new plant we added, we felt the property slowly coming back to life. Areas that had been dark and foreboding became bright and welcoming. Spaces that had felt cold gradually warmed with new purpose. We breathed life and love into every corner of the estate, conscious that we were reversing decades of neglect and negative energy.
Fast forward to today: the place is vibrant, and guest bookings are solid. Everyone takes something meaningful away from their stay here, and the reviews reflect exactly what I had envisioned. Many guests comment on the property's peaceful energy—having no idea of its troubled history or the extent of the transformation we've undertaken.
Imagine waking up to stunning views, enjoying a productive workday in a tech-equipped environment, and then unwinding in a hot tub surrounded by nature—all within steps of your doorstep. Simultaneously, you're on our private, gated 5-acre estate shared with five cheeky macaws, six very spoiled farm cats, deer, eagles, ravens, and numerous other creatures in this park-like setting with trails and ancient forest. That's the Calm Chaos experience—where work, stay, and play come together seamlessly (one of the reason’s I choose the name WorkStayPlay.ca for our website name).
What makes this story even more powerful is knowing that we've transformed a place once associated with tragedy into a sanctuary of creativity and renewal. Where once animals came to die, wildlife now thrives. Where darkness and neglect once ruled, beauty and purpose now flourish. It stands as testimony to the possibility of reinvention—not just for a property, but for the people who choose to visit it. In creating Calm Chaos, we haven't just built a business; we've reclaimed a piece of local history and given it new life and purpose.
Perhaps this transformation reflects something deep within my ancestral memory—the drive to explore, to build, to transform challenges into opportunities. From Guillaume Couture's pioneering spirit to Louis VIII's determined leadership, these qualities continue to express themselves through my work today. As I welcome guests to Calm Chaos, I'm not just sharing a unique property; I'm continuing a centuries-old legacy of adventure, resilience, and transformation. One of the reasons I called our website WorkStayPlay.ca
Think of us as the alternative to vanilla rentals with a truly unique experience...
The short-term rental space has hundreds of millions of listings, mostly run by entrepreneurs like myself. I entered this industry not by choice, but through a life event that would change the course of my career. Once I dove into it, I transformed it into a huge success. In less than a year, I became a Guest Favorite and Super Host, generating 1,300 times more Airbnb views than the closest competition and earning amazing reviews. My long-term vision is to leverage my knowledge and our platform's technology stack to create a direct booking platform that harnesses AI to dominate organic search and social media.
Here's my story:
Roots of Adventure
Perhaps my affinity for unique experiences and transformation was written in my DNA long before I was born. I come from a lineage of remarkable individuals who shaped history in their own ways. My eighth great-grandfather, Guillaume Couture, was one of New France's most celebrated pioneers—a man who survived torture, became an adopted member of the Iroquois nation, and helped establish early settlements in what would become Canada. Even more distant in my family tree stands Louis VIII of France, "The Lion," my 27th great-grandfather, whose courage and determination earned him his leonine nickname. He became the King of England after an invasion instigated by English barons, only to be betrayed by those same barons. He later died at an early age in the Crusades.
I've often reflected on how the memories and quests for adventure embodied by my ancestors might have shaped the person I've become—someone drawn to challenges, transformation, and creating something meaningful where others see only obstacles. This heritage of exploration and resilience would eventually express itself in my own journey from traveler to innovative host.
From Traveler To STR Host
Throughout my career, I've traveled to interesting and exotic locations for work and pleasure. I've always been drawn to unique spaces with charm and character that provide exceptional experiences. This appreciation for distinctive accommodations would eventually shape my business approach.
People's personal and professional lives often intertwine. For me, travel has always been a way to meet new people and experience new things. I've consistently been attracted to the unconventional—a theme that appears repeatedly in my personal life and travel journey.
I once stayed at a quirky place in Paris: the only English-speaking bookstore beside the Notre Dame cathedral. The elderly gentleman who ran the place was quite a character. He served afternoon tea, but since all his teacups were broken, tea was served in jam jars! A diverse group of English-speaking visitors enjoyed life surrounded by books on the second floor of the Shakespearian Bookstore. It was epic.
I was traveling alone in Paris after my divorce, so I spent considerable time writing and thinking there. The bookstore owner and I developed a connection. During one of our conversations, he mentioned that Hemingway had written there, and that I reminded him of the famous author. To this day, I still don't know if that was a compliment or jab, but it certainly adds to the tapestry of my life's travel adventures.
Looking back, I wonder if it was that same pioneering spirit of Guillaume Couture or the bold determination of Louis VIII that led me to seek out these unconventional experiences rather than settling for ordinary tourist accommodations. Whatever the source, this desire for authentic connection and memorable spaces has guided my path.
The Birth of Calm Chaos
In parallel with my love for unique accommodations, I've always been a roll-up-my-sleeves, no-nonsense, get-things-done creative type. Our teams share these same values. So when the opportunity arose to relocate to a tired, nearly abandoned estate—just a 40-minute float plane ride from Vancouver Island in what's known as the Mediterranean of Canada—I saw tremendous potential.
I thought it would be wonderful to combine the unique living space of our property, which we call Calm Chaos Maple Bay, with other like-minded folks and creative types. The property offered possibilities to extend projects well beyond just the living area.Having been a city dweller all my life, I finally had the chance to explore other aspects of my creative self. Entrepreneurs are often a misunderstood breed, but they possess the grit and tenacity to start something new. I've noticed that many entrepreneurs develop creative skills, hobbies, and interests outside their business lives. These pursuits help define who we are in this world. For example, I enjoy working on my classic 1961 XK 150 Jaguar collection and integrating it into my daily routine. Here at Calm Chaos, we've created our own world with access to workshops, tools, tractors, excavators, chainsaws, and our side-by-side vehicle. I work on them all.
Looking at this endeavor now, I can see echoes of my ancestor Guillaume Couture's pioneering spirit—taking on a challenging new territory and transforming it into something valuable. Just as he helped establish settlements in the wilderness of New France, I found myself drawn to resurrect and reimagine this neglected property.
The Evolution of The Personal Brand
The boundaries between professional and personal life are converging—especially in this age of social media and personal branding. Work no longer defines us as a 9-to-5 occupation. As we evolve and more people become creators, the lines between work and play blur to form our complete identity. While many individuals prefer to separate their personal life from their professional one, many realize that their creative aspects and passionate causes actually enhance their professional lives.
Personal branding often helps the companies people work for. One way I've integrated my unique style to benefit our corporate clients is through my car collection and the five macaws we have on the property. We are avid exotic animal supporters and firmly believe wild creatures should remain in the wild. That said, a few of our macaws were already quite old (equivalent to late 40s/50s in human years) when we rescued them. They had endured horrible lives previously, but now they're spoiled beyond belief.Raising awareness for client companies using our car collection or our macaws creates a true win-win situation. People enjoy interacting with macaws in ways they might never have experienced before, or they get to see rare pieces of automobile history from my collection—vehicles that simply don't exist as mainstream items anymore. Because we're doing this on behalf of clients, it raises brand awareness for both the client and our personal/company brand.
We've collaborated with numerous companies to increase their brand awareness through storytelling, virtual events, and the curation and distribution of unique content. We were among the first to pioneer exotic content for auto dealers. The results speak for themselves: one client's revenue soared from $34 million to almost $100 million annually in under four years by utilizing our proprietary content distribution tools we built from scratch with our teams managing every facet of their marketing.
As the Internet grew and businesses recognized content as a significant return on investment, we became an approved vendor for automotive giant Stellantis. The list goes on. Much of our success stemmed from our own personal brand and the unique lifestyle toward which people gravitated. Everyone possesses their own unique qualities they can embrace.
The Calm Chaos Experience
Creativity surrounds us, something our team embraced when the founders of WebStager left the city for the countryside. Having built brands, managed major events, developed automotive tools and software, won awards, and become a chosen vendor for auto manufacturers, transforming this property into a unique experience seemed like a natural progression.
A Property With a Dark History
What makes our journey even more remarkable is the troubled history of what locals call the Dugan Estate. The Dugans were once a prominent family in the community, so influential that lakes and roads in the area still bear their name. Their reputation, however, took a tragic turn in August of 1993.
On a summer night, 18-year-old Brandee Dugan was strangled in her sleep on the property by her ex-boyfriend. After realizing what he had done, the young man returned to his home and took his own life. This devastating event marked the beginning of the estate's decline. The once-proud family fell apart—struggles with drugs and alcohol followed, and the property fell into severe neglect.
From the very day of Brandee's passing, the property began its slow surrender to nature's reclamation. What started as simple neglect evolved into something almost supernatural in appearance. After nearly 30 years without maintenance, the main house was being dramatically enveloped by massive blackberry bushes—a scene reminiscent of the enchanted thorny forest in Disney's "Maleficent." Nature's takeover felt less like ordinary growth and more like a physical manifestation of the darkness that had descended upon the estate.
The ancient forest at the back of the property had become so overgrown and choked with fallen brush and trees that it took us months just to clear it and build a ring road. Most disturbing was what we discovered as we began exploring the property—numerous deer skeletons and carcasses scattered throughout, as if local wildlife had been drawn to the place as a spot to come and die. The property seemed to radiate a palpable sense of despair that even animals could sense.
The family's troubles didn't end with the tragedy. At one point, some of the sons began operating a counterfeiting operation, producing both U.S. and Canadian currency and using FedEx to distribute it across the United States. When authorities finally caught up with them, it resulted in the largest joint U.S.-Canadian operation between the RCMP and Secret Service at that time.
Given this history, it's little wonder that no local residents wanted to purchase the property when it finally went up for sale. It remained on the market for years, its reputation keeping potential buyers at bay. When we finally arrived, everything about the place felt off—cold and lifeless, as if the property had been stripped of all love and happiness.
Transforming Darkness into Light
We saw beyond the property's troubled past and recognized its potential. Like Louis VIII, who was known for his determination and strategic vision, I approached this challenge with a belief that transformation was possible. And like Guillaume Couture, who helped establish new communities in challenging environments, I set about creating something new where others saw only darkness and difficulty.
Our transformation went far beyond simply renovating the guest house. We undertook a complete rehabilitation of the entire estate—clearing the sinister-looking blackberry fortresses, removing the remains of fallen wildlife, and reclaiming the ancient forest from decades of overgrowth. Each step felt like we were not just cleaning a property but performing a kind of healing ritual for land that had witnessed too much sorrow.
The process was as much about spiritual renewal as physical restoration. With each thorny bush we removed and each new plant we added, we felt the property slowly coming back to life. Areas that had been dark and foreboding became bright and welcoming. Spaces that had felt cold gradually warmed with new purpose. We breathed life and love into every corner of the estate, conscious that we were reversing decades of neglect and negative energy.
Fast forward to today: the place is vibrant, and guest bookings are solid. Everyone takes something meaningful away from their stay here, and the reviews reflect exactly what I had envisioned. Many guests comment on the property's peaceful energy—having no idea of its troubled history or the extent of the transformation we've undertaken.
Imagine waking up to stunning views, enjoying a productive workday in a tech-equipped environment, and then unwinding in a hot tub surrounded by nature—all within steps of your doorstep. Simultaneously, you're on our private, gated 5-acre estate shared with five cheeky macaws, six very spoiled farm cats, deer, eagles, ravens, and numerous other creatures in this park-like setting with trails and ancient forest. That's the Calm Chaos experience—where work, stay, and play come together seamlessly (one of the reason’s I choose the name WorkStayPlay.ca for our website name).
What makes this story even more powerful is knowing that we've transformed a place once associated with tragedy into a sanctuary of creativity and renewal. Where once animals came to die, wildlife now thrives. Where darkness and neglect once ruled, beauty and purpose now flourish. It stands as testimony to the possibility of reinvention—not just for a property, but for the people who choose to visit it. In creating Calm Chaos, we haven't just built a business; we've reclaimed a piece of local history and given it new life and purpose.
Perhaps this transformation reflects something deep within my ancestral memory—the drive to explore, to build, to transform challenges into opportunities. From Guillaume Couture's pioneering spirit to Louis VIII's determined leadership, these qualities continue to express themselves through my work today. As I welcome guests to Calm Chaos, I'm not just sharing a unique property; I'm continuing a centuries-old legacy of adventure, resilience, and transformation. One of the reasons I called our website WorkStayPlay.ca
Unique Stays
Easy Access
Create your own individual lifestyle solution for your needs. We know how to redefine laid-back luxury.
Create your own individual lifestyle solution for your needs. We know how to redefine laid-back luxury.
Unique Lifestye
Live work and play in wide range of contemporary landscapes
Live work and play in wide range of contemporary landscapes
Dream Your Future...Right Here!
Imagine yourself making a life here with your family. We can help you take the first step.
Imagine yourself making a life here with your family. We can help you take the first step.
Reviews
Reviews are the life blood of hospitality. The properties that succeed are the ones that the operators go above and beyond to make their guests feel welcome. We've made an effort to engage our guests as we'd want to be treated and make their stay unique. Here's a sample of what our guests that stay with us at Calm Chaos have to say:
Reviews are the life blood of hospitality. The properties that succeed are the ones that the operators go above and beyond to make their guests feel welcome. We've made an effort to engage our guests as we'd want to be treated and make their stay unique. Here's a sample of what our guests that stay with us at Calm Chaos have to say:
DarahVancoiver.BCJune 2024 Group trip I recently stayed for a weekend with friends at Steven's cabin in the woods and was very pleased with our accommodations. Steven is a great host - friendly, responsive, accommodating and eager to ensure we had all that we needed to enjoy our girls' getaway, while fully respecting our privacy. The home is clean, modern and well furnished with comfortable beds, a beautiful back deck, bbq, firepit and hot tub set at the perfect 104 degrees. The location is idyllic and peaceful -- perfect for a quiet, fun, relaxing time with old friends. We had a wonderful visit. |
StephJune 2024 Stayed about a week We very much enjoyed our stay here at Calm Chaos! The home was immaculate, the hot tub and sauna were wonderful, the beds were very comfortable and Steven and Mimi were so kind, welcoming and responsive. The washer and dryer is a welcome touch, and I appreciate the extra blankets. The place really has personality and I loved the eclectic decor. We’d definitely stay here again! |
PaigePortland, OregonFebruary 2024 Stayed with a pet Steve was so incredibly welcoming and eager to make sure that I had everything I could possibly need for my adventures on Vancouver island! The house and property were even more magical than I imagined and I very much plan to go visit again when the weather is warmer! Do not hesitate to stay here! |
About Work Stay Play - Calm Chaos
We live and locally but think globally. We work, live, and play harmoniously in the Cowichan Valley, where a remarkable lifestyle awaits you and your loved ones. As the new hospital being built in the valley and takes shape, we invite you to join us in building a healthier and thriving community. And when it comes to finding the perfect place to call home, let us be your trusted companion, connecting you with an experience you'll never forget.
Work hard. Play Harder.
Work hard. Play Harder.
Locally built
Located centrally in the Maple Bay in the beautiful Cowichan Valley, our team is connected locally to bring you these unique accomodations. Step into the embrace of The Warm Land, where the sun kisses your back, flavors tantalize your taste buds, and adventure awaits at every turn. Come and experience the rich tapestry of Cowichan, where a vibrant past intertwines with a vibrant future.Check out our YouTube Channel - Fun
