Airbnb has opened up a whole new realm of possibilities for travellers eager to think outside of a certain box made up of check-in desks, identikit furniture, do not disturb signs, a single chair and a T.V you need a telescope to see. Whether it’s castles, treehouses, log cabins or submarines, there really is a dwelling out there purpose built to suit all manner of esoteric tastes. The good news is; many of these quirky places are housed within our very own shores. With that in mind, here are 7 IDEAL Airbnb rentals for a unique stay away in the UK.
LIVE LIKE A KING – GALWAY
If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones (who isn’t?) then this one’s for you; a castle built in the 1400s which could quite feasibly host a scene from the hit series. The host of this pad is offering guests full use of the top two floors of his restored castle, Cahercastle. The master bedroom where guests stay is the highest room in the tower, so you’ll certainly feel like royalty here, overlooking your kingdown – if that’s your kinda thing of course. With access to the parapet, living quarters, kitchen, bath, and master bedroom, it’s time for some serious royal roleplay. The listing is certainly as popular as it is quirky, with Airbnb reporting that Cahercastle is its most visited private room listing ever as of March 2019.
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HOBBIT HOUSE – PENGENFFORDD
If you’re more a Tolkienite than a Targaryen, The Hobbie House, in Pengenffordd, is built underground and is a perfect reflection of Tolkien’s Hobbiton. Shaped after the classic comfort of a Hobbit hole from the master author’s works, this small but cosy space has a wood-fired cooker and (perhaps not chiming with the authenticity of the novels) WiFi access making for the perfect blend of traditional and modern amenities. There are fantastic areas for a good walk, and you can even take the owner’s friendly dog Bear with you on your strolls. Plus, you can’t be a Hobbit without loving a good pint — there’s a pub just down the road from the Hobbit House!
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THE UFO, REBERTH
A sci-fi lover’s dream, this accommodation lets you sleep in a UFO, without the added danger of getting abducted by some fluorescent green aliens. This Airbnb listing is certainly out of this world; a night or two sleeping in a spaceship? Yes please. The UFO comes with all your earthly comforts, such as basic kitchen equipment, video games and WiFi. The futuristic, sleek white décor will certainly beam a smile up your face, while the surrounding seaside resort will let you set your feet firmly back on the ground when needed. Disclaimer: you won’t actually be visiting real, actual space. Sorry.
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THE JET STAR – REDBERTH
Why book a hotel and a flight when you can have both in the same package? Here’s now; the ‘building’ here, named the Jet Star, is a 1970’s private jet plane. Its combination of luxury and comfort is truly the stand out feature here, with all the amenities a guest would expect from both experiences, including WiFi, a fully-equipped kitchen, and electrical sockets. As an added bonus, the cockpit has an Xbox installed with aeroplane-themed games for the budding pilot in you.
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THE GARDEN REFUGE – NAUNTON
If planes, UFO’s and things that fly in the sky aren’t your cup of tea, then nestled away at the bottom of the garden, among the reeds and beside a beautiful pond, is the Garden Refuge; a ‘tiny house’ and a cabin hidden away in nature. This little place uses space so economically that you’ll never feel cramped, with a double bed and a mezzanine offering respite from the hectic, ‘always on’ culture back there at the top of the garden. Hide away from the world with this perfect little digital detox and embrace your inner peace.
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TEMPLAR TREE HOUSE – NARBERTH
Everyone wanted a treehouse as a child, but not many of us were lucky enough to have one. Well, no one like this anyway. How about a treehouse, a private hot-tub, garden, pond, and firepit? Now you’re talking. Now that you’re all grown up, make the most of that new freedom with a trip to the gorgeous Templar Tree House; certain to scratch that age-old itch within every one of us to live in a treehouse. Here, though, there are a number of added indulgences, such as a private hot tub and firepit. Either would make a lovely spot for sipping a glass of wine. Not one for the kids, after all…
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TENT IN THE TREES – NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
If treehouses aren’t quirky enough for you, how about a tree tent? Perhaps channelling the energy of environmental protesters, this one, suspended in the trees of Northamptonshire, is truly how to be one with nature. The host Pauline notes that the closest neighbour to your tent will be Gabe the horse; excellent news for animal lovers and human haters, that.
Snuggle up in the trees as the tent lightly rocks between the branches (your safety is assured, fortunately) and for those who like the idea of falling sleep in a hammock but are too worried about falling out, this will give you a fool-proof way of achieving that same gently-swaying sleep sensation.
View it on Airbnb here