Unique Repurposed Airbnbs for a Stay Like No Other
Forget the typical home rental, and stay in one of these unique Airbnbs repurposed from a plane, old wagon and everything in between.
Unique Repurposed Airbnbs For a Stay Like No Other
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In the game of Airbnb, the more unique your place is, the better. But while house rentals can certainly be unique, nothing beats repurposed Airbnbs in terms of originality.
These accommodations aren’t just designed in cool ways, they also give a second life to objects that were never homes to start — ensuring travelers have once-in-a-lifetime experiences. It’s not every day that you get to sleep in a wine barrel in a Canadian wine region, a former Icelandic hay tower or a World War II train in Tennessee.
If you’re looking for a vacation that gives you bragging rights, check out these unique upcycled Airbnbs.
WWII Train Cart
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Location: Maryville, Tennessee
Number of guests: 4
Number of bedrooms: 0
Find it: Online
The Experience: WWII Train Cart
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If you're planning a trip to Tennessee, you need to immediately book a stay at this Airbnb. Or better yet, plan a trip to Tennessee just to stay here. Where else would you be able to stay in a former World War II train cart?
The exterior of this converted train cart has stayed true to its 1940s history, but inside, it has been remodeled to exude rustic chic. Don't worry, it's rough enough that it still feels like a time capsule, but it has its own kitchen, toilet and bathtub. You also have access to an outdoor common area with a fire pit to make this one of the best glamping experiences you will ever have.
French Training Airplane
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Location: Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef, France
Number of guests: 4
Number of bedrooms: 1
Find it: Online
The Experience: French Training Airplane
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If you're the type of person who can't get enough of planes, plan a trip to this airplane Airbnb the next time you're in France. A former training plane, this vacation rental comes with some of the original plane seats, including the pilot's (though the copilot's has been made into a toilet). There are three beds in total, with a queen located in an actual bedroom. The setup makes it perfect for families that want an exciting experience.
The plane is located on a campsite that is near a waterpark, which you can enjoy spring and summer. During any season, you can explore the beautiful western coast of France.
Floating Wine Barrel
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Location: Essex, Canada
Number of guests: 2
Number of bedrooms: 0
Find it: Online
The Experience: Floating Wine Barrel
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This amazing Airbnb is a testament to human creativity. A large wine barrel has been converted into a tiny boathouse right in Ontario's wine country.
The barrel itself is only big enough for a bed and TV, but it is attached to a floating deck with a tiki bar, so you won't feel claustrophobic. The area also has an outdoor fire pit, and a small rowing boat is included for you to explore the lake.
What we love the most about the barrel is that the end has been converted into a huge round window, from which you can observe nature. Stargazing on the deck is also highly recommended, as is visiting the surrounding vineyards.
1920s Sheep Wagon
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Location: Shirley Basin, Wyoming
Number of guests: 4
Number of bedrooms: 0
Find it: Online
The Experience: 1920s Sheep Wagon
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It may have been used to transport sheep in the 1920s, but this wagon is now one of the coolest Airbnbs in the U.S. The space is used creatively, with tables that pull in and out, cool box containers and even room for an add-in bed. (Though we recommend you leave this one for a solo or couples trip.) You can even cook a simple meal using an original wood-burning stove and oven.
Those who simply can't fully disconnect have the option of connecting a generator for electricity, but we think you'll enjoy the Wyoming plains better without screens. If you like the idea of staying in a wagon but want a more upscale experience, consider this stationary wagon Airbnb in England.
Old Windmill
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Location: Abcoude, Netherlands
Number of guests: 6
Number of bedrooms: 3
Find it: Online
The Experience: Old Windmill
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Built in 1874, this old windmill near Amsterdam has found a new life as a vacation rental. Besides being beautiful and one-of-a-kind, it's also impressively big. It has three floors, each with a bedroom and two toilets. There's also a spacious living room and a full kitchen!
The space has been decorated to keep a historic feel and has nice touches, like a quintessential white-and-blue Dutch tea set. You'll have access to bikes and a kayak to visit the surrounding area. In the summer, you can go for a swim in the lake.
If you're ever around Amsterdam, don't hesitate to book this absurdly cool Airbnb.
Wooden Boat Helm
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Location: Sutton, England
Number of guests: 2
Number of bedrooms: 0
Find it: Online
The Experience: Wooden Boat Helm
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You may have stayed in a boat before, but we bet you've never stayed in a boat helm transformed into a tiny cabin.
This repurposed Airbnb is the ultimate glamping rental. You can choose between having two single beds or making a large king-sized bed. Inside the helm, you'll also have a small sink, a tea kettle and a table. Right outside, there is a boat shack that has the kitchen, toilet and shower. Both are connected by a wooden deck with a fire pit that provides perfect views of the English countryside. Idyllic barely begins to cover it.
Steel Shipyard Container
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Location: Columbus, North Carolina
Number of guests: 4
Number of bedrooms: 1
Find it: Online
The Experience: Steel Shipyard Container
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In the past decade, shipyard containers have been a preferred upcycling space. They've been turned into stores, restaurants and even unusual pools. In North Carolina, you can stay in one.
This former shipyard container has an industrial chic decor, with bold colors and steel and wooden touches. A large rooftop deck has been added to provide an amazing hangout space with exterior lights. But the piece de resistance of this Airbnb is the outdoor hot tub, from which you'll be able to relax and stargaze.
Grain Silos
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Location: Kalispell, Montana
Number of guests: 3
Number of bedrooms: 0
Find it: Online
The Experience: Grain Silos
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Five, grain silos have been transformed into gorgeous Airbnbs in the middle of a Montana farm. The spiral structure makes it possible to have incredible views and to fit much more than you'd think possible. Each silo has its own kitchenette as well as a private full bathroom.
Besides a scenic stay in an unusual accommodation, the location is practically perfect. The farm is 40 minutes from Glacier National Park, 30 minutes from Whitefish (one of the best small towns in the U.S.) and 15 minutes from Bigfork.
Converted Skoolie
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Location: Weaverville, North Carolina
Number of guests: 2
Number of bedrooms: 0
Find it: Online
The Experience: Converted Skoolie
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If you want something more rustic than the Malibu trailer, we recommend this converted school bus near Asheville. This incredible skoolie conversion is nestled in the woods, so you can feel close to nature without necessarily camping in a tent.
The interior is decorated simply, but you don't really need something chic to appreciate the forest. You'll have everything you need in this incredibly romantic Airbnb.
Royal Blue Train Caboose
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Location: Laurel, Maryland
Number of guests: 2
Number of bedrooms: 0
Find it: Online
The Experience: Royal Blue Train Caboose
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The Royal Blue connected passengers from New York to Washington D.C. from 1890 to 1961. Managed by a historic train enthusiast, this caboose — a railroad car with crew accommodation — has been faithfully preserved and restored. The owner even found an original toilet head. (Don't worry, the plumbing isn't from the 19th century.)
With a bed, a sofa and a pull-out bed, you and two friends can enjoy this quirky stay that's close to the Baltimore Airport. You won't necessarily be isolated in nature, but the experience is still worth it.
Malibu Dream Trailer
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Location: Malibu, California
Number of guests: 2
Number of bedrooms: 0
Find it: Online
The Experience: Malibu Dream Trailer
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If there is one thing Californians dislike, it's conventionality, so it's no surprise that you can count on a unique stay when you visit Malibu.
This Airbnb was made from a 1954 Spartan and turned into a chic glamping getaway with all the necessary amenities. The interior space is small, yes, but you'll have a large deck with views of the Santa Monica mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The hosts of this vacation rental invite guests to disconnect from technology and make themselves at home in the wooden, earthy space. Sunsets and hikes are highly recommended.
Icelandic Hay Tower
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Location: Selfoss, Iceland
Number of guests: 2
Number of bedrooms: 0
Find it: Online
The Experience: Icelandic Hay Tower
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If you liked the idea of staying at a grain Silo in Montana, you'll absolutely love the possibility of sleeping in a hay tower in Iceland. Located within the Golden Circle in the small town of Selfoss, this Airbnb was once used to dry hay for feeding the cows. Today, it's a chic accommodation that has four, one-bedroom studios. Each studio has a private bathroom and kitchenette.
Iceland already offers incredibly unique experiences, so it makes sense to look for an accommodation that is equally unusual. We love the peacefulness and beautiful views that this former hay tower provides guests.
Historical Trolley Car
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Location: Wheat Ridge, Colorado
Number of guests: 2
Number of bedrooms: 1
Find it: Online
The Experience: Historical Trolley Car
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Rather than end up in a scrapyard polluting the environment, this trolley car found a second life as a beautiful Airbnb near Denver. The original car structure has been mostly maintained, though one side was cut open to join with an actual home. This design is unusual, even for this list, but the result is great.
The part of the cart is the living room, which allows for a lot of natural light to come in through the large trolley windows. The rest of the space has a colorful design, an indoor fireplace and a patio next to a creek.
Big Idaho Potato Hotel
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Location: Boise, Idaho
Number of guests: 2
Number of bedrooms: 0
Find it: Online
The Experience: Big Idaho Potato Hotel
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No one in history has ever wished to stay inside a giant potato, and yet this Idaho Airbnb proves it's actually something you may want to do.
The giant potato spent seven years touring the contiguous 48 states as part of the Idaho Potato Commission’s Big Idaho Potato Tour (yes, that's really a thing). After being retired, the commission couldn't just discard its beloved potato, so they decided to leave it on a farm near Boise and turn it into a hotel. And they did a great job of it, too. White dominates the interior, with pops of pink and green for contrast. Right outside, a silo has been turned into a private bathroom with a tub (also upcycled.)
But the best part is that you'll get to pet the farm's resident cows.
Renovated Boys' School Gym
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Location: Beacon, New York
Number of guests: 8
Number of bedrooms: 4
Find it: Online
The Experience: Renovated Boys' School Gym
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This renovated boarding school gym may be the closest structure to a house on here, but it is still an incredible transformation. Built in 1906, it was originally part of a boys' school. The brick exterior has been pretty much left intact, but the inside is unrecognizable as a place where kids used to play sports.
The result of the remodel is a sleek, open-plan loft with wooden floors and lots of natural light, courtesy of its 7-foot windows. The former gym has four rooms, one that can also be used as a secluded office and one that is located on a separate studio right behind the gym.