From a sky-high treehouse to a private castle, the 10 coolest NC Airbnbs
Whether you want a relaxing beach vacation or an adventurous mountain getaway, North Carolina is home to some pretty popular destinations.
When you’re booking a trip, of course it’s all about the location. But sometimes the beauty of a vacation getaway can also be in where you stay, not just the place you visit.
If you want to switch things up with your accommodations, there there are dozens of cozy cabins and luxurious beach houses across the state that you can book for a trip— and several over-the-top places you can stay in, too.
We did some research and sifted through Airbnb’s unique stays in North Carolina, including some in the ‘OMG! home’ category of the quirkiest, most mind-bending vacation rentals, and these are our favorites.
From a sky-high treehouse to a private castle, here are 10 extraordinary Airbnb rentals across the state:
1933 Little Red Caboose
Location: Andrews, North Carolina
Cost: $139/night (3 guests, 1 bedroom, 2 beds, 1 bath)
Book: Online here
“Take a trip back in time to the 1930s and experience staying in a little red caboose in Andrews, NC,” the Airbnb listing says. “This one of a kind, fully renovated, Southern Railway caboose is located on 2 riverfront acres with stunning mountain and valley views. The caboose has all of the comforts of home as well as an amazing deck and outdoor area where you can relax along the riverfront or fish for dinner.”
‘80s arcade and bedroom
Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Cost: $275/night (2 double beds, 1 bathroom)
Book: Online here
“Your totally awesome bedroom at the ‘80s arcade is ‘80s themed with a private entrance. The ‘80s arcade is the largest private collection on the East Coast,” the Airbnb listing says. “Whether you’re an ‘80s kid or an ‘80s junkie you will swear you’ve time traveled back to the ‘80s.”
Barbie Dream House
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Cost: $86/night (6 guests, 3 bedrooms, 3 beds, 1 bath)
Book: Online here
“From the moment you walk in, you’ll be surrounded by the iconic Barbie aesthetic, with glamorous décor and dazzling lighting,” the Airbnb listing says. “Live out your Barbie dream in style. This is the perfect place for a glamorous getaway, a special celebration, or just a weekend of fun with friends.”
Gas Station Cabin
Location: Union Mills, North Carolina
Cost: $195/night (2 guests, 1 bedroom, 1 bed, 1 bath)
Book: Online here
“Special gas station touches throughout the cabin, including old gas cans, original gas pumps out front, and private trail to large lake with fishing opportunities,” the Airbnb listing says. “One of a kind private 1-bedroom cabin located on over 1,350 acres. Access to private lake on property. Amazing scenery and hiking trails make this the perfect mountain getaway.”
Hobbit Henge
Location: Weaverville, North Carolina
Cost: $127/night (3 guests, 1 bedroom, 1 bed, half-bath)
Book: Online here
“It’s stunning and unique. It’s a hobbit house built into the hill, crafted by hand from materials all on the land. Though it’s small, it feels spacious,” the Airbnb listing says. “It’s nestled into a meadow in wild nature with an astonishing view, yet it’s only 25 minutes from Asheville.”
Luxury Condo at Charlotte Motor Speedway
Location: Concord, North Carolina
Cost: $303/night (4 guests, 2 bedrooms, 3 beds, 2 baths)
Book: Online here
“An experience like no other. Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Mustangs and Indy cars are using the track throughout the year and there are activities going on 300 days out of the year,” the Airbnb listing says. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Off-The-Grid Treehouse
Location: Fletcher, North Carolina
Cost: $138/night (2 guests, 1 bedroom, 1 bed, half-bath)
Book: Online here
“The Raven Rock Treehouse is a remarkable haven suspended 50 feet in the air, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the surrounding wilderness from a truly unique vantage point,” the Airbnb listing says. “Once you ascend to this elevated oasis, you’ll find a cozy and inviting interior that offers comfort and style amidst the treetops.”
The MidKnight Bus
Location: Hayesville, North Carolina
Cost: $282/night (4 guests, 1 bedroom, 3 beds, 1 bath)
“Visitors will leave the hustle and bustle of reality behind as they cross a wooden bridge and step onto grounds reminiscent of some of the world’s most well-loved fairy tales and stories,” the Airbnb listing says. “Guests will be charmed by the quirky Scottish double-decker bus many magical guests would expect to see zipping through tight spaces and stopping to rescue wizards and witches in a pinch.”
Private Castle
Location: Spruce Pine, North Carolina
Cost: $2,509/night (16+ guests, 7 bedrooms, 10 beds, 7.5 baths)
“Smithmore Castle is unlike anywhere in the world,” the Airbnb listing says. “Unlike other experiences, Smithmore Castle offers an in-house 5-star rated gourmet chef as well as concierge services. Each stay is uniquely designed for your specific booking. Whether you are celebrating an anniversary, birthday, graduation or just wanting a luxurious getaway, Smithmore Castle delivers.”
Treetop Tipi
Location: Marshall, North Carolina
Cost: $124/night (6 guests, 1 bedroom, 3 beds, 1 bath)
“Our treetop tipi is a one-of-a-kind experience you will not soon forget. Take a short nature walk up to the roughly 400-square-foot tipi decked out in woodsy cabin decor,” the Airbnb listing says. “Enjoy your morning cup of tea or coffee on the porch while gazing into the canopy of trees and listening to the array of bird songs, which are sure to impress even a non-camper.”
