Ever found yourself scrolling through Airbnb (or Rightmove) in search of properties which are both beautiful and unusual?

You’re certainly not alone.

The vast selection of stunning properties on Airbnb can quickly lead you down a delightful rabbit hole.

It might be for interior design inspiration, imagining a getaway with family or friends, or simply indulging in the joy of having a sneaky peek round others’ homes, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love that?

The properties I’ve selected for you today are meant to spark your creativity and show what’s possible. Some are the personal homes of individuals who have kindly allowed me to feature their homes, whilst others are available for holiday lets.

If any of these incredible properties inspire you, please find more information through the links I’ve provided.

Happy scrolling…..

1: I Pini: www.ipinitoscana.com
Imagine being welcomed into someone’s home amidst the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside; that’s precisely the experience awaiting you at Vegan Agrivilla I Pini.

Tucked away from the tourist path, just moments away from San Gimignano’s storied walls, this peaceful haven sits atop a hill, surrounded by nature. It’s the ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of normal life.

I Pini boasts eleven beautifully designed rooms for guests. Each room is styled with refurbished vintage furniture, terracotta tiles, and hand-sewn linens.

Francesca and Benjamin, the owners of I Pini, have created a philosophy of understated elegance and sustainable living, which also includes their vegan restaurant, where a seed to table approach is celebrated.

 

 

“Our elegant and meditative atmosphere allows guests to rest, replenish and return home to their best selves”

For more details explore grivilla_i_pini on Instagram or reach out directly to Francesca and Benjamin to inquire about reservations.

2: Island Lodge: www.cotswoldwaterparkretreats.co.uk
Nestled within a 55-acre private eco-reserve at the heart of Cotswold Water Park, near Cirencester, you will find Island Lodge.

It’s striking glass-fronted design immediately catches the eye, and for someone who loves bringing the outside in, those floor-to-ceiling windows are a definite win.

Step inside, and you’ll find a blend of simplicity and sophistication.

The minimalist decor enhances the light-filled, open-plan space, allowing the natural beauty of the surroundings to take centre stage.

The bedroom, positioned on a mezzanine floor, continues the same understated styling, making Island Lodge the perfect sanctuary to escape to.

If you’re interested in staying in this gorgeous lake-side lodge you can find out more here.

3: Albion Nights: www.albionnights.co.uk
Located in the Waveney Valley on the Norfolk/Suffolk borders, the cabin at Albion Nights provides you with a secluded eco-retreat, set in 6 acres of wildflower meadow.

I’ve been fortunate enough to stay in the cabin at Albion Nights and if you’re looking to immerse yourself in a complete off-grid experience, you’ll be hard-pushed to find anything as unique.

Beautifully handcrafted by the owners Helen and Pete have built a cabin from scratch, mainly using salvaged materials.

Every element in the cabin has a story to tell; pallet wood has been used to clad internal walls, the porch and steps have been built using timber from stables that were being demolished, the roof was the tin on pig sheds.

And to top it off, you can relax in the outdoor bath, which is housed in an old galvanised water butt, situated on the veranda where you can while away the lazy afternoon looking out to the lake, or spend late evenings star-gazing.

To find out more about why not follow albion_nights on Instagram, and if you’re looking for an opportunity to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, book a few days away in the cabin, and experience it for yourself.

4: The House of Glass: grannys_beachhouse

Now, my next property really does have the wow factor!

Just imagine living in a property like this!

Located on the beach in West Sussex, the property was built in 2011, and Louise has been able to call this home for the last 8 years.

It’s no surprise with these views that Louise couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.

“I love all the glass, the views and the magical light here”

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to stay in Louises’ property, however if you’d like your daily dose of gorgeous beach views and access to the most incredible sunsets, pop over and give grannys_beachhouse a follow on Instagram.

5: The Harbour Deckhouse: www.theharbourdeckhouse.com

Continuing with properties by the water, I’m delighted to share The Harbour Deckhouse owned by JP Clark.

A monochromatic 1960s deckhouse on stilts built on the foreshore overlooking Emsworth Harbour, in the county of Hampshire near the border of West Sussex.

It will be no surprise to read (or see) how beautifully styled The Harbour Deckhouse is; having been completely renovated and modernised by JP.

If you’d like to discover more about the renovation journey of bringing this fabulous property back to life, pop over and follow theharbourdeckhouse on Instagram.

Creating a comfortable, homely vibe, with clean contemporary lines and a Scandi-coastal undertone, The Harbour Deckhouse is the perfect weekend retreat.

If you’re interested in checking into The Harbour Deckhouse, you can book directly here.

As an added bonus if you book before Friday 3rd May you can save 15% off a stay booked between 1st May-31st October 2024 using code RELAX24.

And, if renovation journeys is your thing, you won’t want to miss JP’s next exciting chapter, having just moved into his forever home, an incredible 1500’s English barn with so much potential!

If you don’t already give jpslifeandloves a follow on Instagram, and of course please do sign up to his Substack newsletter where he shares all things Home and Hort.

6: Trentanove: trentanove.ie

Taking you back to Tuscany now, and the incredible home of Aisling and Keith.

Aisling and Keith’s home is a centuries old stone property in a village perched on a mountain in Tuscany, where they are fulfilling their dream of quitting their Dublin city life and making the conscious decision to spend more time on the mountain, living a slower and simpler pace of life.

Their interior aesthetic is a combination of mid-century & vintage industrial with natural textural elements.

The exposed beams have been brought back to their natural finish, instantly transforming the rooms, and with the muted colour choices the tones enhance the rough textured walls, complimenting the harmonious surroundings perfectly.

Aisling and Keith generously open their home up to guests, so if you’d like the opportunity to experience the relaxing, simple things in life, check for availability, although you need to be quick if you fancy visiting this summer.

7: Spinks Nest: www.spinksnest.com
Over two years in the making, Spinks Nest is described as a finch-sized flint cottage offering vintage style and luxurious comfort in North Norfolk.

A centuries’ old cottage which has been beautifully restored using reclaimed and vintage materials.

“A finch-sized flint cottage offering vintage style and luxurious comfort in North Norfolk”

Spinks Nest is the very definition of rustic luxe, and each room has been carefully considered when it comes to the individual interior styling of each room; where credit has to be given to owner, Ana.

My favourite part of Spinks Nest has to be the sunken bath.

Such a fabulous creation, especially if space is limited, giving the option for both a bath or a shower all in one.

I also love how creative Ana has been when designing each room; using this old fruit picking ladder that has been used in place of a wardrobe, which is an ingenious idea when space is limited.

If you’d like to explore more I highly recommend following spinks.nest on Instagram for more stunning shots of Spinks Nest, and if you’d like to book a stay, you can do so by booking online here.

8: Life in the Old Mansion: life_in_the_old_mansion

Imagine being able to call this property home!

Abi and her husband are very fortunate to do exactly that; owning one of the 8 apartments that this fabulous 14th century character property has since been converted into.

Back in the 14th century the property consisted of a fortified pele tower and as time went on it grew into a substantial family home, until it was sold in the late 20th century, following it’s deterioration.

Since becoming the custodians, almost 4 years ago, Abi and her husband have sympathetically renovated their apartment, breathing life back into the property and making it feel homely again.

Brimmed with original features the old mansion is full of character, including the most beautiful sash windows, high ceilings, archways, ornate fireplaces, and leaded windows set in ornamental stonework.

“Hopefully our efforts are protecting it for future generations to enjoy”

If you’d like to see more beautiful photos of the Old Mansion, do pop over and follow Abi’s account life_in_the_old_mansion on Instagram.

9: Slow Norfolk: www.slownorfolk.co.uk

Experience a little slow living with Slow Norfolk.

Helen and Mark moved from the city 15 years ago to the Norfolk countryside where they set upon their renovation journey.

“Slow down. Unwind. Reconnect”

Since renovating a number of amazing old properties, Helen and Mark made the decision to keep hold of a couple of properties which they now rent out to allow others to enjoy the beautiful spaces they have created.

The Hideaway is the property I’ve chosen to focus on.

A recently converted Methodist chapel offering luxurious accommodation tucked in the heart New Buckenham, a historic South Norfolk village.

The chapel conversion has been inspired by the idea of slow living with interior decor that’s; simple, authentic and stylish.

With Mark’s love for architecture, restoring and renovating old buildings and Helen’s love for interior design; it’s the perfect partnership for creating beautiful spaces for you to enjoy a slow-living break.

If you’d like to experience a slower-pace, you can book your stay at The Hideaway directly through Airbnb.

10: The Lodge: thelodge_essex
We were lucky enough to stay at The Lodge back in November last year, and where I shared a behind the scenes of a photo shoot, I thought it was worthy to include The Lodge for this post.

I mean, who wouldn’t want to wake up to this view?

Located close to the Essex coastline, The Lodge is perfect to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

For anyone that’s stayed in a shepherds hut, you’ll know that space can be slightly restricted however the design of The Lodge, built by Ollie, has been very carefully considered.

Two deep drawers under the bed provides ample storage and with a perfectly formed kitchen and bathroom everything you need for a short break has been carefully thought about.

If having a digital detox is your thing, then The Lodge is perfect, with the option to lock your phone away if you desire and there’s the added bonus of no WiFi!

One of the highlights has to be the secluded outside space with its very own private wood burning bath, the perfect way to spend an evening and if you’re fortunate, as we were, a clear sky to do a spot of star gazing.

The exciting news is that Ffi and Ollie are currently adding hut No.2.

They’re just at the finishing touches, and you can follow to see how it’s all progressing on Instagram.

Or, if you’re interested in booking into the shepherds hut, you can check availability here.

I hope I’ve managed to inspire you’re interior design creativity, with the incredible properties I’ve shared today, and maybe you’re even tempted to check-in for a cheeky weekend away and discover the full experience for yourself.

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