Sometimes a change of scenery makes all the difference – and, thankfully, there's no shortage of unusual places to stay in America. Think a converted silo with views of rolling hills, a peaceful treehouse tucked in the woods, a historic mansion in the heart of Savannah, or even a restored railroad freight car. Far from your average hotel room, each one offers something a little out of the ordinary.
Scroll through this gallery to see what we believe may be the most unique Airbnbs in each US state...
The small coastal village of Fairhope is home to two storybook castles, built side by side by a local artist and his family. Sculptor, master carpenter, writer, environmentalist and World War II Marine Craig Sheldon and his wife, teacher Annie, started work on Sheldon Castle in 1946, moving into the shell, and eventually creating the unique, artistic structure.
Nowadays, guests are invited to walk the grounds and explore Sheldon and the neighbouring Mosher Castle with its moat and dragon. Eastern Shore Art Center is just across the street, while the castles are nestled against protected park land.
When it comes to fishing, the Last Frontier is one of the top spots in the world. So, for a truly Alaskan experience, skip the on-land options and book this totally private houseboat in Sitka Harbor. It’s actually a World War II tugboat, and has been featured in numerous TV shows and glossy magazines.
On board, guests have access to four bedrooms, multiple decks, and a full kitchen. While Sitka is a great place to go fishing, you can also paddle and access great hiking trails and see plenty of wildlife.
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It takes a little effort (and good all-terrain vehicle) to get to this remote getaway which is up a steep dirt road. However, the stunning view from 6,500 feet above sea level is worth it. The best part of the property is undoubtedly the floor-to-ceiling windows that open up to epic vistas.
While it’s off the beaten path, The Majestic Mountain Retreat, which was featured on CNBC's Cash Pad and was previously known as the Walker Getaway, is perfect for outdoorsy types. It’s close to hiking trails and fishing spots, and a 15-minute drive to Prescott’s shops and restaurants.
Located in the heart of Arkansas, close to Highway 7 South, what makes this spectacular treehouse so special is the breathtaking views of the Arkansas Grand Canyon. Guests can relax and unwind on the spacious balcony, and sip on a cup of coffee while soaking in the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, there are several great hiking trails that circle well-known local landmark Round Top Mountain, as well as scenic overlooks a short drive from the treehouse.
Desert mountain views, stunning sunrises, breathtaking sunsets, rabbits hopping around the yard, and coyotes howling at night. Staying in this Airstream near Joshua Tree National Park is a truly memorable experience.
Start your day off with breakfast on the wooden deck, before cooking lunch on the built-in propane grill, and sitting by the cozy gas fire pit at night. In between, jump into the refreshing cowboy tub to cool down on hot days or lie in the Jacuzzi in the evening while gazing at the stars.
If you’re looking for an Airbnb that is both unique and environmentally friendly, this newly constructed green home in Loma is just the ticket. Solar-powered and built with eco-conscious construction panels, the home allows nature to take care of you, while you also take care of nature.
The home, which sleeps four guests, is located on a farm eight minutes away from hiking, mountain biking, road cycling, and river rafting, making it a great location for adrenaline junkies.
Once the servant’s quarters for HL Bitter’s wealthy Hartford family who summered in the cool (and windy) hills of North Granby, this historic 1932 stone house is full of character, but has no kitchen. Therefore, it is an ideal spot for anyone wanting to enjoy the food scene in the rural town.
The furniture in the home has been lovingly restored by the owners, who also own painted furniture business A Girl With a Paintbrush. And as it’s located in the foothills of the Litchfield Hills, the area is full of outdoorsy activities.
Sitting in a beautiful garden on a 10-acre property in Ocean View, this Airbnb is a great choice for those interested in the quaint setting of rural Delaware and the shore access at Bethany Beach. The tiny house makes great use of the space with a lofted queen-size bed that can sleep two guests.
While there is a full kitchen stocked with cooking essentials and a dishwasher, you’ll probably want to check out the popular neighborhood grocery store and restaurant, Good Earth Market, open daily for brunch and dinner.
This incredible Florida Airbnb is a paradise for the game-playing kid in us all. Not only are there exciting themed rooms throughout, but there is also a giant waterslide, lazy river, an escape room game, a laser maze, movie theatre, human foosball, and outdoor TV.
Every corner of the Great Escape Lakeside is entirely about games, and each room is immersive, with themes involving Monopoly, Scrabble, Clue, and Risk. The 10-acre mega retreat often sells out years in advance. It sleeps groups of up to 45 people and has been in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Fancy staying in a 27 foot-diameter grain bin silo? This Airbnb, nestled in the mountains of northwest Georgia near Chattanooga, sits on 20 acres giving guests privacy and access to wide-open spaces. The inside of the silo has been beautifully repurposed by the owners, with a beautiful king master bedroom, updated kitchen and bathrooms.
The rustic yet modern home has stunning mountain views and is less than two miles from the historic Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.
The community of Waimea is probably one of the last places you'd expect to find a Frank Lloyd Wright house. This three-bedroom home was originally planned for the Cornwell family in Pennsylvania in the 1950s, but wasn't built until 1995. It features reproductions of the famed architect's furniture designs and his signature Cherokee red concrete floors.
Floor-to-ceiling windows look out over the Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and Hualalai volcanoes – but the best view is from the lava-rock hot tub, which overlooks a stream.
The Flower Pot has to be one of the world's most unique homes, and every season is a totally different experience. Between April and October, the property’s neighbouring flower farm is in full swing. When flowers start to grow and bloom, you can eventually pick your own bouquet.
The home itself has everything you need for a unique and cozy stay. The sleeping loft is accessed by the spiral staircase, while the record player features some of the artists the owners listened to while building the Flower Pot. The hot tub is the perfect spot to relax.
Sip rare teas and indulge in the sophistication of this Asian-industrial loft in this one-of-a-kind former spring factory. The Tea Studio is an early 1900s warehouse – formerly a Prohibition era distillery, then a spring factory – that was recently converted into a gorgeous, open loft space.
The space itself, which seems to be straight out of the pages of a design magazine, contains 14-foot-tall timber ceilings, exposed floor-to-ceiling brick walls, solid oak floors, and a unique decor mixing various Chinese, Japanese, and industrial elements. There is also a cocktail bar fully stocked with a unique selection of whiskeys.
In recent years, Indianapolis, with its bustling convention and sports scene, has become a sought-after travel destination. If you’re looking for an Airbnb with a difference, this 3,200-square-foot home, built out of seven shipping containers and including a finished basement and three-car parking garage, should fit the bill.
Featuring four bedrooms, three bathrooms, dining and living room space, and a large outside deck, the home is about a mile away from downtown Indy’s best restaurants and shops.
Formerly the living quarters for the men stationed there from 1916, the Bohemian Firehouse sits above a retail space in the hip NewBo district. After surviving a major flood and storms, the charming brick building is amazingly very close to its original condition, with gorgeous woodwork, vintage tile and light fixtures.
The second-floor apartment features warm wood floors, many windows, a modern kitchenette, an ample bathroom, and built-in lockers for each fireman who was on duty. One has been converted into a micro museum of historic firehouse memorabilia.
From the rolling Flint Hills to the bustling city of Wichita, there are a number of unforgettable Airbnbs in Kansas. Among the most unique is Konza Cabin, two reclaimed grain bins located on the working 100-acre Farley Ranch along the Native Stone Scenic Byway.
Guests can enjoy viewing the cows and the ranch operation, as well as access to the property's livestock, horses, and a private pond. Inside, the cabin's four-berth accommodation features a full kitchen, a bathroom, and a lofted bedroom above the kitchen. The Flint Hills Discovery Center is just down the road in Manhattan.
Offering the 'ultimate recipe for a stress-free holiday in the country', the Cabin of Freedom Falls was completed in 2019, with every detail meticulously crafted to perfection. Hidden away in the Red River Gorge, the luxury cabin is equipped with a billiards room, a private hot tub, and a private waterfall.
Situated in Paradise Valley, it is just two minutes from Kentucky Reptile Zoo, and a 15-minute walk away from Daniel Boone National Forest and Natural Bridge State Park. Keyhole shaped passageway Fat Man's Misery is just down the road.
Voted the most unique B&B in Louisiana by Good Housekeeping magazine, this contemporary architectural wonder is like no other. Soaring above the Bayou Teche, Tensas Tower is made up of three floors accessed by a spiral staircase.
On the ground floor is a sculpture garden with boat docking, while the second floor is home to a European-styled kitchen, modern living space, and its crowning jewel – an entertaining balcony with grill that extends over the banks of the Bayou Teche.
Privately nestled into the most picturesque spot on the Sunday River Golf Course in the Mahoosuc Mountains of Maine, the magnificent Glen House is ideal for extended family vacations, and special occasions.
A luxury estate home, spa, and entertainment destination all wrapped into one, it sleeps 26 people in nine bedrooms, and has a full arcade, basketball court, pool, spa, three kitchens, four bars and two hot tubs. Best of all, there is a full movie theatre with a working candy and popcorn machine.
At the bright-white Cove Point Lighthouse in sleepy Chesapeake Bay, guests can book the old lighthouse keeper’s cottage, which can sleep up to 16 guests. The original structure dates to 1828, making it the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in Maryland.
Other structures on the property include the 40-foot-high brick light tower, and a keeper's house enlarged in 1925 to make it a duplex for two keepers and their families. There’s also the 1901 fog bell building, now used as a mini theatre for public orientations, a small cottage built in 1950, and a brick building housing the Coast Guard's radio transmitter.
A stay at the quirky Gingerbread House in the tiny Berkshire County town of Tyringham is a magical fairytale experience. The one-of-a-kind nature retreat sleeps four guests in two bedrooms, including a storybook tower loft. If you're a Harry Potter fan, you'll love the bookshelves.
The property was transformed a century ago by Sir Henry Hudson Kitson, an English-American sculptor best known for the Lexington Minuteman statue and Plymouth Rock Maiden statue. In addition to the fairytale ambiance of the tower, there are four acres of lovely gardens on the Santarella Estate.
Designed by architect Claudia Wigger in 1972, this secluded European-style Bauhaus vacation home on the Leelanau Peninsula has a 270-degree view of Grand Traverse Bay and the surrounding orchards. If you’re arriving during the winter months, a four-wheel drive vehicle with winter tyres is a must.
Despite being secluded, the modern property has a whole host of features to make your stay comfortable, including a sound system, board games, fireplace, dedicated workspace, a wrap-around porch, soaking tub, rain shower, and woodburning stove.
‘Klarhet’ means ‘clarity’ in Swedish, while ‘Berkanan’ is Old Norse for ‘Birch, new growth, and Mother Earth’. These impeccably designed geodomes in Lutsen, and from the moment you wake up to the sunrise to seeing the stars above at night, you’ll experience a rebirth of your spirit and, dare we say it, clarity.
Nestled in 25 acres of regenerative food forest on the North Shore of Lake Superior, each of the four cozy units are crafted to showcase an alternative living environment and are equipped with a kitchenette, fireplace, and rainfall shower.
Tucked away on several acres amid a charming grove of southern live oak trees, the enchanting Bird Nest feels wonderfully secluded. Beyond the delightful accommodation, the site also serves as an enchanting event venue – the pole barn pavilion provides ample space to eat, dance, and be merry.
Step outside onto the upper deck for an outstanding view of the tranquil pond, where cranes and blue herons often feed on the bountiful perch. Anyone who enjoys foraging will appreciate the seasonal harvests: chanterelle mushrooms, dewberries, and huckleberries – all ripe for picking at different times of the year.
Though it looks like an 1800s-era fieldstone homestead, this Ozarks retreat was built in the 1980s by the property’s former owners, Dillard ‘Junior’ Blankenship and his wife, Wilda. Every wall stone was handpicked and hand-placed to create a soul-filled space.
An off-the-grid stay at the Stone Cabin is like stepping back in time, and while there’s hot water, there’s no electricity or indoor toilet. At night, light comes from propane lamps, and the home’s cool stone walls provide natural air conditioning during the summer, while the fireplace keeps things cozy in the colder months.
Part cozy retreat and part modern haven, this one-of-a-kind A-Frame Home tucked in the Montana mountain range near Flathead Lake is the ultimate getaway for adventurers who also appreciate their creature comforts. There aren’t many rustic places that have four 48-amp electric car chargers.
As well as soul-nourishing views through the day and star-gazing opportunities at night, the property also has a private hot tub and a putting green. If kayaking and watersports are your thing, there is a boat ramp near Lakeland Beach.
The beautiful and unique structure elevated between two cottonwood trees was sustainably crafted from reclaimed materials. The interior combines a rustic atmosphere with elegant touches, including a crystal chandelier, a modern indoor fireplace, and high-end furnishings.
Outside, you’ll find a private upper deck, and there is a small establishment next door that provides treehouse guests with full showers and complimentary breakfast. This Airbnb is also just a short drive away from Ponca State Park and the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center.
There are over 150,000 hotel rooms to choose from in Sin City. But instead of checking into one of those, have you thought about renting an Airbnb? Among the most spectacular is the D&D Mansion, a 12-bedroom, 13,000-square-foot private compound, with architecture inspired by ancient Rome and Greece.
It’s a palace of a place with five kitchens, a 3,000-bottle wine cellar, and two pools. There are also waterfalls, a grotto, swim-up bars, and 38 palm trees. It’s big, it’s bold, and it’s quintessential Las Vegas.
How many times in life can you say you've slept in a railroad freight car? Ideal for a romantic getaway or family fun, The Lil' Red Caboose has one bedroom with a queen bed, a cupola, and a living room. The caboose has lots of fun little touches, including children’s train toys, a copy of The Little Engine That Could storybook, and a photo album with pictures of the caboose before it was renovated.
It is located next to Whale’s Tale Waterpark and close to other popular local attractions, such as the Flume Gorge and Loon Mountain ski resort.
Here’s a unique rental that is perfect for animal lovers. Guests at the one-bedroom Alpaca Cottage are encouraged to spend time with the small herd of alpacas and pygmy goats that live there.
They’re a curious bunch who love to meet, greet, and beg for treats. The two-acre rustic barn and paddock house, which was built in the 1800s, is also on the edge of Rancocas Creek, so bring your fishing poles and kayaks, and there are also hiking trails nearby.
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The Land of Enchantment has some really intriguing places to visit including the incredible ‘Earthships’ that dot the state. Fitted with all the modern amenities you could want, while allowing you to go off-grid, Taos Mesa Studio Earthship catches its own rainwater and generates its own electricity.
The Earthship, which sleeps four, is surrounded by the wondrous Sangre de Cristo mountains. Visitors are also close to downtown Taos.
Originally built for the famous choreographer Eugene Loring and then owned by Oscar-winning actor Willem Dafoe, who faithfully retained the original separate dance studio, the Rubber House is a creative retreat and architectural masterpiece. It plays host to artists, performers, academics, designers, and anyone else seeking inspiration.
Situated in Mohonk, about 100 miles from New York City, the house is nestled within a set of giant moss-covered prehistoric boulders. The grounds are left wild, providing sanctuary to a wealth of wildlife.
A well-lit path and swinging bridge welcome you to this quiet, cozy but luxurious home suspended 16 feet up in the trees. Surrounded by 14 acres of native Laurel and abundant hardwoods, you can listen to the birds while having your morning coffee on the deck or relax in the hot tub below.
Old Fort is just a 10-minute dive to Black Mountain and 20 minutes to Asheville. It’s also within a short drive from outdoor spots like Catawba Falls and Craggy Gardens. Make sure to soak up the romance in the Jacuzzi and pick up some local beer to enjoy in the secluded forest.
We’ve already seen a railroad freight car, so what about a historic 1890s train depot? As a rustic glamping experience, the rental has electricity, a small kitchen, and a TV, but there’s no climate control or inside bathroom, so guests will need to use the outhouse.
Hunker down just like folks did way back when, and enjoy incredible views right from the front door, including a small stream and a wooded area for hiking. There is also a large lawn and firepit area.
Current owners Stefan and Stacey built this barn in 2016 after tearing down a 200-year-old carriage house, an old chicken coop, and two barns before recycling all the wood. Filled with creativity and inspiration, the ongoing project is perfect for musicians, artists, or folks just wanting a whimsical place to unwind.
It is awash with character – it has its own saloon (with full-size shuffleboard table), a stage and even a ‘keg urinal’. Although it is in a rural setting, Bock's Jukejoint Magical Barn is just a 30-minute drive to Cleveland and minutes to local beaches, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
While it is one of the Sooner State’s most expensive Airbnb listings, Stags Leap Lodge is worth every penny. Two handsome stags greet you as you make your way up to the front of the eight-bedroom, 10-bathroom lodge on the new development of Lost Creek North near Broken Bow Lake and Beavers Bend State Park.
The extensive game room is ideal for hosting a poker night, as well as playing air hockey, shuffleboard, and old-school arcade machines. Not into games? No problem. Step outside through the oversized front doors to a huge patio and mini golf course.
Ideal for vino lovers, this studio-style hobbit home is perfect for enjoying a good book with a cup of tea or doing a spot of wine-tasting nearby. Falling into the monolithic dome homes category, it’s created with concrete and can hold up throughout most natural disasters – not that Oregon experiences too many of those.
If you feel like stretching those legs, Spencer Butte and Mount Pisgah are both good options. And among the wineries nearby is Sweet Cheeks, nestled in the Willamette Valley, where you can enjoy a bottle on the outdoor patio.
Built by salesman Mahlon Haines in 1949 to promote his chain of footwear stores, Haines Shoe House didn’t originally serve as a home. Its first use was as a retreat for couples wanting to get away for a bit, and in more recent decades, it has been open for tours and as an ice cream stand.
Shaped like a work boot, the house, which has received a Historical Marker from the Pennsylvania Museum Commission, is made from stucco exterior, with a wood interior frame. Within its roughly 1,500 square feet, you'll find three bedrooms.
Forget Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, Block Island is the place to go for a wonderful New England escape. This three-level modern home, perched high above the Mohegan Bluffs, has unmatched views of the Atlantic Ocean through the day and the moon and stars at night.
As it is situated on the southeast corner of Block Island at the end of a dirt road, there aren't too many neighbours, although you may bump into the odd local or visitor, enjoying the cool ocean breezes and sandy beaches.
Another home with no TV or internet which provides a rustic glamping experience ideal for nature lovers looking to unplug and unwind. The secluded cliffside Airbnb, designed by architect James Fox, is situated on over 90 acres of wooded property in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.
The floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to take advantage of the stunning waterfall views, whether you’re cozied up in bed, cooking a meal in the kitchen, or chilling by the living room’s large brick fireplace. Outside, there are plenty of opportunities for exploring, hiking, and kayaking.
Is it a cozy cabin, a tiny house, or a glamping yurt? Actually, this unique geodesic dome is all three rolled into one. It provides a top-of-the-range glamping experience, with views of the beautiful Black Hills and night sky from the mezzanine sleeping nook, and hiking, biking, skiing or relaxing scenic drives through Spearfish Canyon.
Inside the meticulously designed space, you’ll find a full bed, a kitchenette stocked with glamping essentials, and a charming living room complete with a comfortable loveseat, 40-inch TV, and a backpacker guitar for musical interludes.
No expense has been spared renovating this cabin, with beautiful hardwoods, exquisite decor, and premium finishes throughout. However, when you hear the sound of the roaring fork river from the back deck, you won’t be able to resist exploring outside too.
The mountain town of Gatlinburg is known as a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Among its key attractions are the 407-foot Space Needle observation tower, and the Sky Lift, a 2.1-mile aerial cable car that journeys from downtown to amusement park and ski resort Ober Gatlinburg.
Take a trip to the Middle Ages in this vacation rental ‘inspired by the German Medieval-Gothic castles of the Old World'. The majestic Castle at Lake Livingston sleeps up to five guests and has crenellations, large wooden beams, gothic furniture, a knight-in-armour, and tapestries.
With access to the entire castle property, guests can also stay at The Castle Guesthouse, which was designed to replicate a Bavarian home from the past.
Located on 145 acres in the heart of the Escalante Grand Staircase National Monument, this three-bed, three-bath vacation rental and wedding venue features a living area inspired by the circular ‘Kiva’ room of the Ancestral Pueblo Native Americans, who once inhabited the land and left behind several cliff dwellings.
Escalante Cliff House is a perfect base for exploring, while still having your own privacy in the desert. Squirrels, chipmunks, birds, ringtails, skunks, raccoons, and foxes are among the wildlife you’ll see. There are no stores nearby, so bring your food and whatever you'd like to drink (besides water).
Offering tennis, bocce, croquet, paddle boats, kayaks, fishing, cross-country skiing, and 10 miles of hiking trails leading to a mountaintop, the eight-bedroom, six-bath house on the 575-acre Honey Pond Farm Estate in Middletown Springs is for those who like to stay active and relish the great outdoors.
However, the home’s main draw is its USGA-rated 18-hole golf course. You can play as few or as many holes as you want, practice on the driving range, or just hang at the halfway house and have a drink. There are eight golf carts to drive around the property.
Run for the hills, or the Blue Ridge Mountains to be precise, and check into the cabin which has to be the most unique Airbnb in Virginia. Sitting on almost 60 acres in Vesuvius, the characterful cabin is made of 19th-century logs, flooring, and stones. It features a wrap-around porch, an outdoor hammock, and is essentially a nature lovers' paradise.
Points of interest in the surrounding area include trails such as St Mary’s Wilderness, an old iron ore mining area with a waterfall, the secluded Bee Mountain, and The Priest, a challenging 3,000-foot climb.
Designed by award-winning Johnston Architects, Miners Refuge is an all-season cabin retreat overlooking the Chechaquo Ranch meadow in Mazama which is mindful and reminiscent of the valley's mining history.
The exceptionally well-finished cabin sleeps up to four guests. The living space has floor-to-ceiling windows with sliding doors opening onto the patio with BBQ grill, and leather couches arranged around the stove. Guests of the cabin can use The Inn at Mazama outdoor pool, while a local snow-plowing service takes care of the ranch road and the driveway during the winter.
Unspoiled natural beauty, cozy countryside retreats, and unique small towns are just a few of the things you have to look forward to when planning a trip to the Mountain State.
This French country-style studio apartment offers sweeping views of the plants and fields. What's more, there is also a fire pit overlooking the river which is great for watching the sunset over the mountains.
This rental is inspired by a mythical beast that is the mascot of the Rhinelander area. The Hodag’s story is closely tied with the lumber industry’s history, and it has also been seen in an episode of Scooby Doo, as well as JK Rowling’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
You’ll find the Hodag pretty much anywhere you look in Rhinelander, including all over this Airbnb which is tailored for one or two adults and up to three children, and is located right behind the Hodag store in the centre of town.
If you are looking for a special Airbnb in the Cowboy State, consider this five-star barn loft. Decorated with stunning signed prints by wildlife photographer Peter Mangolds, it was formerly an old store in Cody from where Buffalo Bill Cody is rumoured to have purchased his feed.
The rental is located 20 minutes from the Bighorn Mountains and under two hours from Yellowstone National Park East Entrance. Just minutes away, in Lovell, you'll find plenty of restaurants and shops.
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