These one-of-a-kind rentals have captured the imaginations of travellers around the globe.
They are Airbnb’s eight all-time most wish-listed ‘unique homes’ around the world.
The list includes a ‘magical’ treehouse in California’s Santa Cruz Mountains, a luxurious apartment inside a cave in Crete, and a grand 15th-century castle in the west of Ireland.
Airbnb reveals that, in 2021, total earnings for ‘unique stays’ were higher than for regular listings, with unique listings earning nearly $1billion (£820million) on the platform globally.
It also notes that between 2019 and 2021, nights booked at its unique properties increased globally by nearly 50 per cent and by 113 per cent in the UK in 2021 alone.
Scroll down to see the eight most popular quirky properties on the platform – which one would you book?
Redwood treehouse – Watsonville, California
You’ll be truly immersed in nature in this ‘magical’ treehouse in California’s Santa Cruz Mountains – there’s a tree growing ‘right through the main living area and another in the bathroom’. Guests can admire views of the area’s redwood trees from the hot tub or venture further afield to explore the coastline of nearby Monterey Bay. The treehouse sleeps two and costs £233 per night
Ancient trullo dome – Ostuni, Apulia, Italy
This charming Airbnb near the city of Ostuni is housed in a 300-year-old ‘trullo’ – a traditional Italian dry stone hut with a conical roof. Relax in the hammock and admire the grounds – it’s set on a four-acre estate with olive, almond, fig, cherry, and pear trees, offering a ‘garden banquet that guests can feast on’. It’s an eco-friendly spot, too. Solar power is used for hot water and wastewater is re-used. The property sleeps four and is priced from £175 per night, with a four-night-minimum stay
Historic tower – Tuoro sul Trasimeno, Umbria, Italy
Check into this Italian haven on the border between Umbria and Tuscany and you’ll be greeted by a ‘stunning view over Lake Trasimeno’. The tower, which has been built from ‘reclaimed materials’, comes complete with a private garden and barbecue, and guests can also take a dip in the estate’s shared swimming pool. The property sleeps two and costs £108 per night
Luxurious stone villa – Chania, Crete, Greece
This unique apartment in the small village of Kaliviani rocks in several ways. It’s housed in a natural cave that at one time was used as a family home, and later as an agricultural storage space. Following a renovation in 2007, the space was turned into a ‘luxurious’ 60-sq-m (645-sq-ft) studio with a balcony. As well as an eye-catching interior, guests can admire a ‘stunning’ view of Kissamos bay. It sleeps three and is priced from £148 a night
Rainforest treehouse – San Carlos, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica
You’ll find this gem at the Bio Thermales Hot Springs resort north of San Jose. The treehouse is hand-crafted with furniture made from naturally harvested trees on the land. Days will likely be spent soaking in the retreat’s 15 natural hot and cool springs pools or trekking through the trails in the surrounding 35-acre (14-hectare) rainforest. Sleeping four, the treehouse is priced from £105 per night
‘Dream caught’ treehouses – Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai, Thailand
This picturesque retreat lies amongst the ‘lush, green rolling hills’ of the Mae Taeng district in northern Thailand. The treehouse sits beside a river, which guests can admire from their own private deck. What’s more, those staying for three nights or more can enjoy a free cookery class with the hosts. The property, which sleeps two, is priced from £65 per night
Cahercastle, Galway, Ireland
Guests are invited to ‘live like a king’ in Galway’s Cahercastle, which has been standing since the late 1400s. Sleeping quarters are in the master bedroom, the highest room in the castle, with access to the turret, a living room and a dining room. Guests share the fortress with the owners, who note: ‘The castle has lots of quirks. It’s a great and fun place to stay the night.’ The abode sleeps four and costs £167 per night
Prussian village church – Havelsee, Brandenburg, Germany
Lay your head for the night in this 18th-century church in the German village of Briest – guests sleep in the gallery where the organ once stood. Described as a ‘Gothic building’, the property features a clocktower and a ‘beautiful’ garden. Anyone with a musical bent is in for a treat – according to the host, the church offers ‘great acoustics’ for musicians and singers. This quirky spot sleeps four and costs from £49 per night
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