Our Story
We help people get away, relax, and become immersed in the lifestyle surrounding them. It started when our founder, Johnny, thoughtfully curated the first vacation retreat he built. He bet big, and it paid off. Renters came, they stayed, and they returned. Escaping the city life in an intentional space offered a break from the 9-5 grind. It also provided perspective and inspiration to return recharged like never before.
Hosting guests gave meaning to each home, and Johnny found that sharing his expertise in creating unique vacation havens helped other homeowners succeed. Shanti Mountain Properties opened its doors welcoming guests and homeowners in 2009. Since then, we’ve grown into a thriving short-term vacation rental and boutique property management agency.
Renting or owning a dream vacation home is easy…
We handle all the details so savvy travelers can send their worries packing. For homeowners, we care for their home like it’s our own, giving them more time to enjoy life.
Our People
Johnny Hairfield, Founder
Johnny graduated from Appalachian State with a degree in industrial technology and a concentration in sustainable technologies. In 2009, Johnny built his first short-term rental to give people a sanctuary to recharge and reset from the everyday grind, thus launching the company. During that time, he lived a minimalist lifestyle and traveled. From there, the company grew gradually to serve the greater Asheville community.
Today, you’ll find Johnny consulting with other homeowners on their lifestyle investment, helping to manage executive duties of the company by working “on” the company and occasionally “in” the company. He believes in living the lifestyle you want and having a meaningful career. That means you “live what you do.”
When Johnny isn’t overseeing Shanti Mountain Properties, he spends time with his wife and three girls ages 11, 9, and 3. Johnny is proficient in Sil Lum Kung Fu martial arts and loves playing the guitar and old-time Irish fiddle. In addition, he’s health-conscious and works out regularly.
Sarah J. Burnham, CPA, Fractional CFO
Sarah is a native of Asheville and spent her summers in the northeast with her grandparents. She completed her bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Thun, Switzerland. Sarah also holds a master’s in accounting from Appalachian State University. After college, Sarah began her accounting career as an auditor for KPMG Peat Marwick in Charlotte, NC. She then worked as an auditor for Deloitte & Touche and moved to Hickory, NC. After working in public accounting as an auditor, Sarah served as an in-house controller for a commercial real estate company. She later opened and managed her own consulting and fractional CFO practice for over 19 years. As part of the Shanti team, Sarah provides fractional CFO services, training on our accounting software, and more for clients.
When Sarah isn’t working with numbers, she enjoys hiking, traveling, reading a good book, walking through town, and visiting family all over the country. Sarah’s an animal lover at heart but especially loves dogs. NC CPA Certificate ##25889 | NC Firm #28563
Rebecca “Becky” Rice, Director of Operations & Financial Controller
Before joining our team, Becky held various retail and customer service positions. She came to Shanti Mt. Properties looking for a better work-life balance and future growth opportunities. Under the leadership and guidance of John, Becky quickly evolved in her role with Shanti. She loves what she does, and every day is an adventure, never a routine.
You’ll find Becky wearing many hats for Shanti, including managing inventory, hiring, managing housekeeping, communicating with customers, onboarding new clients, financial reporting, and more.
It isn’t uncommon for Becky to devour a 300-page book in one day in her spare time. She has a great love for animals and has two dogs, an 18-year-old poodle, and a 2-year-old shepherd mix.
Elizabeth “Libby” Watson, Quality Control
Libby helps ensure our standard of excellence for our guests and homeowners. Before joining our team, she worked in retail and performed small jobs. Libby also pursued some college courses. She’s excellent in an emergency because she’s trained in first aid and as a lifeguard. In her spare time, Libby enjoys hiking, outdoor activities, photographing nature, and traveling when she can.
Chris Lee, Groundskeeper/Electrical Technician
Chris holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and communications from Minnesota State University and is a USAF veteran. He’s our grounds keeping and electrical guru, supporting each home as needed.
The breathtaking rivers and mountains drew him to call western North Carolina home. You can find Chris outside tromping around the many trails, walking his dog, fishing, or hunting when he’s not maintaining a Shanti home.
Michael R Carter REAL ESTATE OPERATIONS & BROKER IN CHARGE
Michael is a native of Asheville and Western North Carolina.
During the friendship and sharing some common interest with our Founder, he joined the Shanti Mountain Properties team.
His background started by obtaining a Computer Science and Information Systems degree, he worked for a large North Carolina Bank managing computer systems related to banking operations.
During this time he also became a Commercial Insurance Agent specializing in Risk Management in the Insurance Industry.
These interests merged later and evolved to obtaining a North Carolina Real Estate Broker Certification.
His experience in Real Estate started as a Property Manager of large Homeowner Associations working with multiple Board of Directors and homeowners. Many issues relating to all facets of Real Property Management including relations with Directors, Owners, Contractors, Attorneys, Insurance firms, and many more were utilized at all times.
These insights and associations provided Michael the skill set to manage real estate operations, agents, and firms with Shanti Mountain Properties.
Michael spends time outdoors with his dogs, Aussie (Ellie) and Golden Retriever (Leo), Mountain Biking, Snow Skiing, Boating, Scuba Diving and just about all the great outdoors has for us.
Sharon Asselta, Field Manager
Sharon studied psychology in college and went on to work in the human services field. She has experience working with children diagnosed with autism and for two years she coordinated services for adults with intellectual disabilities and mental health diagnosis.
Some of her professional achievements have been helping the children she worked with reach certain developmental milestones. Helping the adults she worked with reach certain career milestones and achieve a better overall quality of life through obtaining state funded services. Working with individuals to help them achieve their health goals.
Sharon is passionate about health, veganism, helping others to live their best life, mental health, connecting with others, building relationships and putting forth effort into those relationships. She believes in honesty, being helpful, having gratitude, seeing the best in situations and always looking for lessons in any given situation as well as our connection to all things.
Sharon’s role with Shanti Mountain Properties involves customer relations a few times a week as well as property inspection and quality control. Skills include, critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, professionalism, strong work ethic, oral and written communication skills, and interpersonal skills.
When not working, Sharon enjoys cooking, baking, yoga, meditation, reading, hiking, fashion/style, interior design, health, Fungi/herbal medicine, and holistic health. Temple University, Bachelor of Arts. IIN
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Get in Touch
Vacation Home Rental & Corporate Housing Agency in Asheville, NC
(262) 922-8806
Monday – Friday: 8am – 5pm
