Airbnb changed the vacation game when they emerged 15 years ago and now ambitious hosts are getting creative with their properties to appeal to holiday-makers seeking unique experiences.
From a secluded lighthouse on an Alaskan island, to a sprawling 3,000-sq-ft home inside a cave in Arizona and a 186ft-deep missile silo in New Mexico, home owners are pushing the boundaries to get listed as ‘super hosts’.
The website even has specific categories for ‘earth homes’ – hobbit-style properties – windmills, shepherd’s huts, caves, barns and towers, to cater to the specific demands of tourists.
Here DailyMail.com takes a look at some of the most bizarre and magnificent homes across the States.
Alaska
For $900 a night, you can stay in The Lighthouse, an Airbnb in Alaska that sleeps up to six people and offers 1.5 bathrooms.
The Lighthouse was constructed in 1983 by a local veterinarian called Burgess Bauder – who spent 18 months doing the heavy lifting to build the property by himself.
It sits on the high point of a one-acre private island in Sitka.
The main level has a full kitchen, living room, dining room and a full deck that wraps around the entire property while the bedrooms sit on the second and third floor.
‘It’s an idyllic place to relax, read, do a little yoga or just cast your eyes out for whales and other wildlife,’ the Airbnb page reads.
For $900 a night, you can stay in The Lighthouse, an Airbnb in Alaska that sleeps up to six people and offers 1.5 bathrooms
The Lighthouse was first built in 1983 by a local veterinarian called Burgess Bauder – who spent 18 months doing the heavy lifting to build property by himself
It sits on the high point of a one-acre private island in Sitka
‘It’s an idyllic place to relax, read, do a little yoga or just cast your eyes out for whales and other wildlife,’ the Airbnb page reads
The main level has a full kitchen, living room, dining room and a full deck that wraps around the entire property while the bedrooms sit on the second and third floor
Arizona
Arizona’s Canyon Cavehouse is a wildly unique property that is literally a cave settled in the Mule Mountains of Brisbee.
The $1,620-a-night experience includes the entire cave house, a stunning patio, pool areas and plenty of hiking paths surrounding it.
There is one catch – because of its cave location, there is no cell phone service or WiFi inside the house.
Sitting at an altitude of 5,300ft, the 3,000-sq-ft home was built in 1985 and took 15 years to construct because of its remote and inaccessible location.
While the Airbnb only has three customer reviews, they’re all glowing with five stars in every category. ‘Amazing cave house, gorgeously constructed and simply breathtaking piece of history,’ a guest shared.
Arizona ‘s Canyon Cavehouse is a wildly unique property that is literally a cave settled in the Mule Mountains of Brisbee
The $1,620-a-night experience includes the entire cave house, a stunning patio, pool areas and plenty of hiking paths surrounding it
There is one catch – because of its cave location, there is no cell phone service or WiFi inside the house
Sitting at an altitude of 5,300ft, the 3,000-sq-ft home was built in 1985 and took 15 years to construct because of its remote and inaccessible location
While the Airbnb only has three customer reviews, they’re all glowing with five stars in every category. ‘Amazing cave house, gorgeously constructed and simply breathtaking piece of history,’ a guest shared
California
The Pinecone Treehouse in Santa Cruz, California, is a breathtaking property majestically propped amongst the redwood forests of Bonny Doon.
Described as ‘a space created to tap into your higher self, a space to rediscover your inner calm,’ the treehouse costs $650-a-night, plus $206 in fees, and can sleep two guests.
The shiny golden structure is perched 35ft in the air with only a narrow wooden ladder leading up to the single-room ‘house’.
Guests of the Pinecone raved about their stay, describing it as ‘special,’ ‘unique’ and an ‘unbelievable experience’ – which is why the Airbnb earned a score of 4.87 from its 230 reviewers.
The only catch of this beautiful experience is the lack of bathroom. Guests are required to make a short expedition across a catwalk bridge where there is running water, but no plumbed toilet.
The Pinecone Treehouse in Santa Cruz, California, is a breathtaking property majestically propped amongst the redwood forests of Bonny Doon
Described as ‘a space created to tap into your higher self, a space to rediscover your inner calm,’ the treehouse costs $614 a night and can sleep two guests
Guests of the Pinecone raved about their stay, describing it as ‘special,’ ‘unique’ and an ‘unbelievable experience’ – which is why the Airbnb earned a score of 4.87 from its 230 reviewers
The shiny golden structure is perched 35 feet in the air with only a narrow wooden ladder leading up to the single-room ‘house’
The only catch of this beautiful experience is the lack of bathroom. Guests are required to make a short expedition across a catwalk bridge
The bathroom features running water but there is no plumbed toilet
Colorado
Colorado’s Pink Church Airbnb is located in the historic district of Leadville, nestled between Aspen and Breckenridge.
The 1888 pink church houses up to seven guests and charges $449 a night.
It features three bedrooms, three bathrooms and a fully stocked kitchen and offers guests a prime location that is walkable to everything in town.
The unique property even includes its own Tesla charger and a ‘luxury’ Aspen-style gas fireplace.
Though the Airbnb has only been reviewed by three guests, the reviews were glowing – with one visitor calling it ‘one of the coolest Vacation Rentals we have ever stayed in.’
Colorado’s Pink Church Airbnb is located in the historic district of Leadville – in between Aspen and Breckenridge
The 1888 pink church houses up to seven guests and charges $449 a night
It features a three bedrooms, three bathrooms and a fully stocked kitchen and offers guests a prime location that is walkable to everything in town
The unique property even includes its own Tesla charger and a ‘luxury’ Aspen-style gas fireplace
Though the Airbnb has only been reviewed by three guests, the reviews were glowing
One visitor called it ‘one of the coolest Vacation Rentals we have ever stayed in’
Florida
Florida’s unique Space Ship Airbnb is located in Lake Placid, Florida, and is a hit with guests, 171 of which have granted the rental 4.96 stars.
The dome-shaped property is full of fun alien references – with a special ‘galaxy arcade’ loft that is stocked with vintage gaming machines including Star Wars, Space Invaders, Terminator 2, Simpsons, Ms. Pac-Man, Tempest and Outrun Racing.
The house’s décor is entirely space-themed, with galaxy bed sheets, green and blue lighting throughout and even an alien shower curtain.
At $249 a night (plus an additional $200 in fees), this fun property can house up to 10 guests.
The hosts said that while the inside has endless entertainment opportunities, the outside of ‘Area 1609’ is peaceful and relaxing.
Florida’s unique Space Ship Airbnb is located in Lake Placid, Florida, and is a hit with guests, 171 of which have granted the rental 4.96 stars
The dome-shaped property is full of fun alien references – with a special ‘galaxy arcade’ loft that is stocked with vintage gaming machines including Star Wars, Space Invaders, Terminator 2, Simpsons, Ms. Pac-Man, Tempest and Outrun Racing
The house’s décor is entirely space-themed, with galaxy bed sheets, green and blue lighting throughout and even an alien shower curtain
At $249 a night, this is a fun and reasonable property that can house up to 10 guests
The hosts said that while the inside is fun and the entertainment opportunities are endless, the outside of ‘Area 1609’ is peaceful and relaxing
Georgia
The Glass Treehouse in Georgia is a stunning property showcasing fantastic architectural design in the state’s capital city of Atlanta.
At $250 a night, the one bedroom one bathroom home can sleep up to three guests and is conveniently close to downtown East Atlanta, Little Points and Grant Park Zoo.
Tons of natural light spills through the glass windows that spread from floor to ceiling and on the ground and roof of the house.
The astounding property is raised high up in the air and surrounded by mature hardwood trees.
The open plan home spans over two floors and is furnished with minimalist modern pieces.
The Glass Treehouse in Georgia is a stunning property showcasing fantastic architectural design in the state’s capital city of Atlanta
At $250 a night, the one bedroom one bathroom home can sleep up to three guests and is conveniently close to downtown East Atlanta, Little Points and Grant Park Zoo
Tons of natural light spills through the glass windows that spread from floor to ceiling and on the ground and roof of the house
The astounding property is raised high up in the air and surrounded by mature hardwood trees
The open plan home spans over two floors and is furnished with minimalist modern pieces
Idaho
The Big Idaho Potato Hotel in the Rocky Mountains state offers guests a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stay in a potato.
For $123 a night, up to two visitors can spend their trip to Boise, Idaho nestled in a giant cozy potato.
Recycled from the Idaho Potato Commission’s Big Idaho Potato Tour, the six-ton potato traveled on the back of a semi to (48) states for seven years.
The bizarre property was designed by Kristie Wolfe, a former Big Idaho Potato Tour spokesperson, to allow for stylish private comfort and amenities such as power outlets for your electronic devices, a mini fridge, old records to play and a custom-built bed.
The Airbnb has brought in 801 reviews so far which have granted the fun Idaho experience 4.9 stars overall.
The Big Idaho Potato Hotel in the Rocky Mountains state offers guests a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stay in a potato
For $123 a night, up to two visitors can spend their trip to Boise, Idaho nestled in a giant cozy potato
Recycled from the Idaho Potato Commission’s Big Idaho Potato Tour, the six-ton potato traveled on the back of a semi to (48) states for seven years
The bizarre property was designed by Kristie Wolfe, a former Big Idaho Potato Tour spokesperson, to allow for stylish private comfort and amenities such as power outlets for your electronic devices, a mini fridge, old records to play and a custom-built bed
Missouri
The Silo in Bonne Terre, Missouri, offers guests of the Southeast city the very exclusive opportunity to stay in a silo.
Originally used to store agricultural materials, this tower has now been converted into a lakeside experience for up to five guests to enjoy.
The $204-a-night stay is described by hosts as ‘boho, industrial, farmhouse and luxury.’
The adorable property has custom bricks, 100-year-old logs, a custom architectural ceiling and even a walk-in marble shower.
There is also a two-story deck above a pond, a hammock, two swings and a claw foot tub.
The Silo in Bonne Terre, Missouri, offers guests of the Southeast city the very exclusive opportunity to stay in a silo
Originally used to store agricultural materials, this tower has now been converted into a lakeside experience for up to five guests to enjoy
The $204-a-night stay is described by hosts as ‘boho, industrial, farmhouse and luxury’
The adorable property has custom bricks, 100-year-old logs, a custom architectural ceiling and even a walk-in marble shower
There is also a two-story deck above a pond, a hammock, two swings and a claw foot tub
New Mexico
The Bunker in New Mexico is a bizarre underground property listed on Airbnb for $499 a night.
The missile base property is located in Roswell and offers guests a private apartment and a utility tunnel that leads to the Missile Silo which is more than 180ft deep.
Major construction works have transformed the former weapons system into an incredible underground home which offers a one-of-a-kind experience.
Guests’ stay includes an amazing tour, providing insight into the fascinating history of the property.
Over 350 guests have reviewed the Airbnb – giving it an extremely impressive score of 4.99 stars.
The Bunker in New Mexico is a bizarre underground property listed on Airbnb for $499 a night
The missile base property is located in Roswell and offers guests a private apartment and utility tunnel that leads to the Missile Silo which is nearly 186 feet deep
Major construction works have transformed the former weapons system into an incredible underground home which offers a one-of-a-kind experience
Guests’ stay includes an amazing tour, providing insight into the fascinating history of the property
Over 350 guests have reviewed the Airbnb – giving it an extremely impressive score of 4.99 stars
New York
The Highlands Castle in Bolton, New York, is a breathtaking mansion poised on a ‘graceful mountaintop’ overlooking Lake George.
At a whopping $1,790 a night, the stunning castle sleeps up to eight people, with two more castles on the property sleeping six and seven other guests. The fees for this property add up to an additional $1,070.
The castle features a Great Hall – which is the property’s ‘grandest’ room, featuring 25ft-high ceilings and 21 windows overlooking Lake George and the Adirondack Mountains.
Other rooms that the astounding property has to offer include a library, music room and outdoor terraces with spectacular views.
With five reviews so far, the property has earned 4.8 stars from its guests.
The Highlands Castle in Bolton, New York, is a breathtaking mansion poised on a ‘graceful mountaintop’ overlooking Lake George
At a whopping $1,790 a night, the stunning castle sleeps up to eight people, with two more castles on the property sleeping six and seven other guests
The castle features a Great Hall – which is the property’s ‘grandest’ room, featuring 25-feet-high ceilings and 21 windows overlooking Lake George and the Adirondack Mountains
Other rooms that the astounding property has to offer include a library, music room and outdoor terraces with spectacular views
With five reviews so far, the property has earned 4.8 stars from its guests
Oregon
The Tower in Oregon provides its guests with a wholesome nook nestled 40 feet in the air.
The property, which is located in Tiller, is known as Summit Prairie and is currently closed for the season, but usually costs $250 a night.
Surrounded by the Umpqua National Forest, the private and stunning tower grants guests with true peace and relaxation.
Although simple from the outside, the interior décor is charming and homely with plenty of wood and cozy places to sit and enjoy the panoramic views.
‘Kick back and relax, read a book, play a game (or three)… write in a journal, meditate… daydream in the hammocks down the hill… soak your cares away and relax in a secluded wood-fired, spring-fed hot tub… Even dance under the moon or sing to the stars,’ the website says.
The Tower in Oregon provides its guests with a wholesome nook nestled 40 feet in the air
The property, which is located in Tiller, is known as Summit Prairie and is currently closed for the season, but usually costs $250
Although simple from the outside, the interior décor of the property is charming and homely with plenty of wood and cozy places to sit and enjoy the panoramic views
Surrounded by the Umpqua National Forest, the private and stunning tower grants guests with true peace and relaxation
‘Kick back and relax, read a book, play a game (or three)… write in a journal, meditate… daydream in the hammocks down the hill… soak your cares away and relax in a secluded wood-fired, spring-fed hot tub… Even dance under the moon or sing to the stars,’ the website says
Pennsylvania
A Converted School Bus in Pennsylvania might not be everyone’s idea of a dream vacation destination, but over 226 guests have given this unique property an overall score of 4.83 stars.
The classic yellow school bus, which is set up in Pennsylvania’s Amish Country in Lancaster County, costs just $77 a night.
On the outside, it appears as just a school bus, but the inside is fully decked out with couches, a kitchen and a tiny bedroom.
Although the showers only have cold water, the property does feature a composting toilet.
Guests can enjoy the three dogs that run loose on the property as well as chickens and even two ponies.
A Converted School Bus in Pennsylvania might not be everyone’s idea of a dream vacation destination, but over 226 guests have given this unique property an overall score of 4.83 stars
The classic yellow school bus, which is set up in Pennsylvania’s Amish Country in Lancaster County, costs just $77 a night
On the outside, it appears as just a school bus, but the inside is fully decked out with couches, a kitchen and a tiny bedroom
Although the showers only have cold water, the property does feature a composting toilet. Guests can enjoy the three dogs that run loose on the property as well as chickens and even two ponies
Tennessee
A haunted castle in Knoxville, Tennessee, offers guests a very unique and spooky vacation experience.
The Williamswood Castle, which is close to downtown Knoxville, costs $379 per night.
‘Step back in time and become royalty by staying at Knoxville’s most unique estate – your very own castle only ten minutes from downtown,’ the website advertises. ‘Surrounded by 300 acres of Ijams Nature Center. Secret passage, towers, swords, armor, and magic abound!’
The house is decked out with dozens of pieces of antique furniture and even features its very own pub.
A haunted castle in Knoxville, Tennessee, offers guests a very unique and spooky vacation experience
The Williamswood Castle, which is close to downtown Knoxville, costs $379 per night
‘Step back in time and become royalty by staying at Knoxville’s most unique estate – your very own castle only ten minutes from downtown,’ the website advertises
‘Surrounded by 300 acres of Ijams Nature Center. Secret passage, towers, swords, armor, and magic abound!’
The house is decked out with dozens of pieces of antique furniture and even features its very own pub
Texas
The Nest is a one-of-a-kind rental property in Glen Rose, Texas.
The Airbnb is a human-sized bird’s nest, surrounded by wooden twigs and sparkling lights.
The cozy nook, described as ‘a hybrid cabin with features of both a treehouse and a bohemian bungalow,’ sleeps just two guests and costs $308 a night.
‘From the cover of nearby cedar and hardwoods, you are guaranteed a concert from our local birds and maybe even a gobble from the wild turkeys,’ the website says.
The property is a ‘guest favorite’ on Airbnb and has gained average reviews of 4.97 stars from 295 visitors.
The Nest is a one-of-a-kind rental property in Glen Rose, Texas
The Airbnb is a human-sized bird’s nest, surrounded by wooden twigs and sparkling lights
The cozy nook, described as ‘a hybrid cabin with features of both a treehouse and a bohemian bungalow,’ sleeps just two guests and costs $308 a night
‘From the cover of nearby cedar and hardwoods, you are guaranteed a concert from our local birds and maybe even a gobble from the wild turkeys,’ the website says
The property is a ‘guest favorite’ on Airbnb and has gained average reviews of 4.97 stars from 295 visitors
Utah
Utah’s Bedrock Homestead is an off-the-grid, sustainable Airbnb property lodged in an actual cave.
The unique cave property is created from the surrounding landscape of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
The secluded home is so private that the visitors even need four-wheel-drive vehicle to access it because of the dirt roads and one-mile-long driveway.
At $279 a night, the property sleeps up to six guests.
‘Enjoy your own private entrance, as well as balcony and BBQ. You’ll have a coffee maker and grinder, tea, hot water kettle, microwave, and paper goods,’ the Airbnb page advertises.
Utah’s Bedrock Homestead is an off-the-grid, sustainable Airbnb property lodged in an actual cave
The unique cave property is created from the surrounding landscape of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
The secluded home is so private that the visitors even need four-wheel-drive to access it because of the dirt roads and one-mile-long driveway
At $279 a night, the property sleeps up to six guests
‘Enjoy your own private entrance, as well as balcony and BBQ. You’ll have a coffee maker and grinder, tea, hot water kettle, microwave, and paper goods,’ the Airbnb page advertises
Vermont
Honey Pond Farm Estate is a fairytale property in Middletown Springs, Vermont, that sprawls over a whopping 575-acre private plot of land.
One night at Honey Pond will cost you a staggering $4,143, but the mansion-estate does sleep up to 15 guests.
The ‘recreational retreat’ Airbnb offers golf, tennis, bocce, paddle boats, kayaking, fishing, a full gym and over 10 miles of hiking trails which lead up to a mountaintop with spectacular views.
‘The centerpiece of this ultimate playground is the USGA-rated private golf course comprised of 3 greens, multiple fairways and 26 tees,’ the Airbnb page boasts.
There is even a wine cellar, game room, a wood burning pizza oven and eight golf carts to drive around the vast estate.
Honey Pond Farm Estate is a fairytale property in Middletown Springs, Vermont, that sprawls over a whopping 575-acre private plot of land
One night at Honey Pond will cost you a staggering $4,143, but the mansion-estate does sleep up to 15 guests
The ‘recreational retreat’ Airbnb offers golf, tennis, bocce, paddle boats, kayaking, fishing and a full gym
There is also over 10 miles of hiking trails which lead up to a mountaintop with spectacular views
There is even a wine cellar, game room, a wood burning pizza oven and eight golf carts to drive around the vast estate
‘The centerpiece of this ultimate playground is the USGA-rated private golf course comprised of 3 greens, multiple fairways & 26 tees,’ the Airbnb page boasts
Virginia
Apple Ridge Farm Caboose Bed & Breakfast is a renovated train perched on Copper Hill, Virginia.
‘Go back in time in this lovingly remodeled Norfolk & Western Caboose Car complete with a queen size bed, sleeper sofa, table for two, and bathroom,’ the Airbnb page says.
This unique B&B experience provides a complimentary breakfast, mountain beauty, over four miles of hiking trails, as well as many other outdoor areas to be enjoyed by guests.
All proceeds brought in from the $175-a-night Airbnb are donated to support Apple Ridge Farm, a non-profit with a mission of Helpings Kids Grow.
The quaint and wholesome ‘home’ is a hit with guests, earning a 4.93 star rating from more than 100 visitors.
Apple Ridge Farm Caboose Bed & Breakfast is a renovated train perching in Copper Hill, Virginia
‘Go back in time in this lovingly remodeled Norfolk & Western Caboose Car complete with a queen size bed, sleeper sofa, table for two, and bathroom,’ the Airbnb page says
This unique B&B experience provides a complimentary breakfast, mountain beauty, over four miles of hiking trails, as well as many other outdoor areas to be enjoyed by guests
All proceeds brought in from the $175-a-night Airbnb are donated to support Apple Ridge Farm, a non-profit with a mission of Helpings Kids Grow
The quaint and wholesome ‘home’ is a hit with guests, earning a 4.93 star review from over 100 visitors
