Looking for the perfect, most unique Airbnbs to getaway for the summer? With Greta Gerwig’s much-awaited Barbie movie on the horizon, we’re now in with a chance of staying in an actual Barbie Dreamhouse. Yes, really. The pink mansion has an infinity pool, an outdoor disco dance floor and every guest leaves with their own piece of Ken-ergy: a pair of yellow-and-pink Impala skates and surfboard.
Guests also get to enjoy the luxury of a concierge, who will show you around the mansion and arrange meals for you. Dreamy.
If you’re interested in a free stay in the one of the most unique Airbnbs on the site, the Barbie Dreamhouse, you can request a stay from 10am PT (6pm BST) on Monday 17 July for a one-night stay for up to two guests on either 21 July and 22 July.
But if you don’t win your two days in the Dreamhouse, or just can’t make it to Malibu, fear not, there are plenty of unique Airbnbs worthy of a wild weekend away.
Here are eight other unique Airbnbs for a fabulous, unexpected trip away...
BOOK: The Most Unique Airbnbs
In Rural Kent
airbnb.co.uk
Indulge your ultimate country escape fantasy and stay few nights in a converted windmill, ready for two people to stay in. It’s an unusual place to stay, and certainly very charming, complete with long-hanging beams, a spiral staircase, warm furnishings and even a balcony. There’s also a welcome basket with the chickens organic eggs, courtesy of the windmill’s owner.
Pros
- Romantic
- Quaint
- Log fire for cosy winter nights
- Close to sandy beaches
Cons
- Not suitable for groups
Can host | 2 |
Bedrooms | 1 |
Bathrooms | 1 |
Kitchen | |
Private patio or balcony | |
Private fenced garden | |
Dryer | |
Free parking on premises | |
Wifi |
- Gemma, May 2023: Clare was an amazing host from the beginning of booking the Old Smock to our arrival. As soon as we arrived Clare came out to greet us with the keys and instructions, she had left us some fresh eggs, milk, butter, bread and fruit for our arrival which we found very thoughtful.
- Karen, May 2023: This is an amazing place to stay. It’s sympathetic and authentic renovation makes this a gem of a find. We loved the quirkiness of some of the interior fixtures and fittings whilst at the same time it was extremely comfortable and had everything we needed. The views were amazing and the sunsets gorgeous too. Clare catered for our vegan dietary requirements with her welcome pack and we found great local pubs/restaurants to have dinner in. We will definitely stay here again.
Donegeal, Ireland
airbnb.co.uk
Check into one of these yurts, located on the Wild Atlantic Way with views of the gorgeous Donegal bay, for the peace and solitude you've always wanted. There's plenty of activity options, including cycling and hiking trails, wild swimming in the lakes and perfect surfing beaches. Each yurt offers supering beds, luxurious interior style and Donegal tweed woollen blankets, perfect for snuggling up in front of a warm stove every evening.
Pros
- Bright and spacious
- Clear skydome for stargazing
- Panoramic views
- Dog-friendly
- Surrounded by nature
Cons
- Shared bathroom
- No electric
Can host | 2 |
Bedrooms | 1 |
Bathroom | 1 |
- Maegan, June 2023: Stayed here for a night and absolutely loved it. I was nervous about staying in a yurt with no electric but it was wonderful, so peaceful and relaxing. It was a great digital detox! I would absolutely stay again. The kitchen, shared bathrooms were great too. Everything you needed! Dog friendly too.
- Julia, June 2023: We had the privilege of staying in the ‘Bog’ Yurt & my goodness the view was exemplary. The property in itself does a splendid job at keeping all yurts quite private due to their placement on the property, surrounded by nature.
Costantine, Cornwall
airbnb.co.uk
Described as a 'rustic Cornish getaway', this gorgeous cabin is set in a woodland garden next to a stream. It's like something out of a fairytale.
You're 15 minutes from Falmouth and even closer to Cornwall's most beautiful creeks, cliffs and beaches. Inside, it's back to (relative) basics with compost loos and an outside hot-water shower, but you've still got wi-fi, electricity a gas cooker. Divine.
Pros
- Superhost
- 15 minutes from Falmouth
- Beautiful countryside
- Great for kids
- One of the most unique Airbnb's
Cons
- Outside shower
Can host | 4 |
Bedrooms | 3 |
Bathrooms | 1 |
Fire pit |
- Marcus, June 2023: Such a magical place - sitting next to the fire listening to the stream and an owl hooting in the distance.
- Claire, May 2023: Our third stay at Riverside cabin! Fall in love with this magical valley where time slows down and Ben's craftmanship will never cease to amaze you. The bluebell woods at Bosahan are like stepping into a children's fairytale! A heartfelt thank you for sharing this wonderful cabin and corner of Cornwall.
Ards, Northern Ireland
airbnb.co.uk
This luxury haven is situated under a pine tree in a protected area of beauty in Newtownards, a seaside town just east of Belfast. Enjoy panoramic views of both Strangford Lough all the way to the Mourne mountains, watch the sun go down from your bed and fall asleep to the sound of the waves. Even the shower facilities have a seaside view.
Pros
- Dog friendly
- On the beach
- Seaside view from shower
- Mountain view
- Free parking
Cons
- Shared back garden - not fully fenced
Can host | 2 |
Bedrooms | 1 |
Bathrooms | 1 |
- Judith, June 2023: Wonderful. A fairytale setting. Beautiful countryside and local paths. Everything's handmade in wood by Ben's fantastic craftsmanship. Great restaurant across the road for breakfast, lunch and coffee (caters well for vegans).
- Louise, June 2023: Fantastic spot, BBQ was great we had everything we needed! Beautiful view and a lovely comfy bed.
Elham, Kent
airbnb.co.uk
Ever dreamt of staying 20ft up in the air, in a treehouse made from recycled timbers and nestled between three oak trees? This set up is amazing, giving you views over the North Downs and serious childhood fantasy vibes. Hosts assure that it's a cosy place to say, with the priority being a place to relax and admire the natural delights that the countryside can offer.
Pros
- Scenic views
- Quiet and romantic
- Unique experience
- Free parking
Cons
- No shops nearby
- Chemical toilet in downstairs cabin
- Shower is only available in nearby house
Can host | 2 |
Bedrooms | 1 |
Bathrooms | 0 |
- Jess, June 2023: Amazing place. Looks even better than the photos. Really magical weekend away.
- Sanaa, May 2023: Our treehouse stay was an absolute dream. Special and serene, with a lot of thought and care.
Drimnin, Scotland
airbnb.co.uk
Dubbed as the ultimate sustainable getaway, stay in this airship to get back to basics and watch the constellations on its deck. It's bring your own food supplies, so why not create the ultimate picnic and snack on your favourite foods in remote paradise?
Pros
- Perfect for stargazing
- Romantic
- Pets allowed
- Secluded
- Indoor fireplace
- Kitchenette
Cons
- Three night minimum stay
Can host | 2 |
Bedrooms | 1 |
Bathrooms | 1 |
- Paul, May 2023: Peaceful and unique structure with wonderful views. Woodland walk is a must. Directions to this remote location were perfect. Feels much bigger than you'd imagine.
- Ben, June 2023: We had the most wonderful time at the Airship, such a peaceful place to be in, hosts thought of almost everything you need to ask about, it was a great experience.
Chesterton, Cambridge
airbnb.co.uk
Climb aboard a houseboat on the River Cam and take a break from all the stresses that await you back on land. It's got serious hardwood vibes, also boasting a luxurious bath and bedroom. According to Airbnb, the delights continue outside of the boat on a private mooring: 'guests have access to a private garden, decking, a table and chairs for al fresco dining'.
Pros
- Well maintained
- Superhost
- Quiet and romantic
- Private
Cons
- Waitlist to book
Can host | 2 |
Bedrooms | 1 |
Bathrooms | 1 |
- Erika, October 2022: This is a quiet stretch of the river and very lovely to watch the water birds and rowers whilst sitting on the deck. Everything about my stay was fantastic. The boat itself is beautiful.
- Stephen, September 2022: The boat was a lovely quiet place but close enough to Cambridge to walk in and out of town easily. Perfect relaxation.
Devon
Who doesn't love a fire pit? Spend a night or two away from it all, cooking your meals on a wood-burning stove and enjoying the tranquility of the evening flames. Guests are encourage to take a walk around the surrounding farmland, but if you're looking to go further afield, Dartmoor National Park is a 45-minute drive away and nearby Honiton village offers all the antique shops and pub delights that you could wish for.
Pros
- Fire pit
- Stunning scenery
- Near Dartmoor National Park
- Surrounded by nature and wildlife
- Near cliff walks
Cons
- Narrow lanes for driving
Can host | 2 |
Bedrooms | 1 |
Bathrooms | 1 |
- Alison, June 2023: The shepherd’s hut was perfect for a few peaceful days away. Beautifully and comfortably fitted out it was close to the Jurassic coast for great cliff walks and stunning scenery.
- Richard, June 2023: A really wonderful place! Beautifully furnished - we slept so well and had such fun with the little fire pit!