Issue #51: 9 incredible Airbnbs worth building a trip around
We asked some of our favorite writers and travelers for the Airbnbs they've bookmarked.
Hello! When you travel, do you start with the destination or the Airbnb? I was a destination-first traveler all the way until a few years ago, when I started exploring Airbnb’s filters and realized how many incredible spots I’d been sleeping on. So these days, I usually build the trip around the Airbnb. The location is just as cool (if not cooler, because it tends to be less touristy!) and so is the stay.
For inspiration, I asked nine of our favorite writers and travelers which Airbnbs they’ve recently bookmarked…
of wants to spend a long weekend in this historical tower in Much Marcle, United Kingdom
“I've long fantasized about spending a summer in the English countryside, so pretty much my entire Airbnb saved folder is filled with cottages with thatched roofs and barns-turned-homes surrounded by flowers. I definitely couldn't spend an ENTIRE summer in this seventeenth-century gothic tower — there's no electricity or plumbing in the main sleeping area — but I sure can picture myself spending a long weekend wandering through the garden, reading by the fire, and drinking tea in the four-poster bed. The owners clearly have good taste; every last pillow and candle holder appears to have been carefully chosen. I'd rather not have to walk outside to use the bathroom, but with an outside like that, I think it's well worth it.”
of would 10/10 recommend a country home in Lake Garda, Italy
“Lake Garda often gets overlooked in favor of glamorous Lake Como and the proximity of Lake Maggiore to Milan. But, if you’re looking for a more relaxed, active, equally beautiful, and — it must be said — more cost-effective lakeside location, consider Lake Garda!
We wanted to stay away from the beautiful but very crowded and touristy Sirmione, and we were so lucky to find a place high up in the hills of Malcesine, on the east side of the lake. (It’s about a 10 minute drive down to the town and the main road.) The views were so magnificent that our family decided to forego the lovely bedrooms and sleep outside on the chaise lounges everyday, waking up to the magnificent vistas (and the sun behind the house so we weren’t roasting). I loved the ingenious design and layout of the home, which uses traditional techniques and materials, keeping it cool during the blazing heat of summer. Take a day trip southeast to Verona or further north into the national parks. 10/10 would recommend!”
Note: Irene’s exact Airbnb isn’t available, but this one and this one are very similar.
of will never stop dreaming about this room in Le Marais, Paris, France
“I'm going on a mini-moon to Paris after my wedding in May and bookmarked about a thousand apartments in the city that I loved but couldn't pick for various reasons (price, availability, location, etc.) This is the one that checked the most boxes for us — but THIS ONE will remain in my dreams for eternity. First off: centrally located in Le Marais, so it's a great home base. Secondly: the bathtub!!! Plus a washing machine, peaceful view, and rich history (it's in a seventeenth century mansion classified as a historic monument!) Yes, it's expensive, but compared to a basic hotel room in New York or San Francisco, it's actually pretty reasonable. Someday!”
of wants to (finally!) stay at the Canyon Creek Cabin in Granite, Washington
“Washington state has no shortage of A-Frame style cabins in the woods, but the Canyon Creek Cabin is a stunner — originally built as a fishing cabin in the 70s, this property has been updated and designed by the owners of Glasswing and Greenhouse (two shops in Seattle I love). The property is rustic and warm but in a chic, design forward way: knotty pine, a live-edge sofa, lush houseplants and home decor throughout. Nestled in the trees alongside a quick-flowing river, it seems like a perfect escape.
The cabin is a short drive from the Cascade Mountains, home to some of the best hiking in the Pacific Northwest. Check out Lake Twenty-Two, or continue driving on the scenic Mountain Loop Highway. I've been wanting to stay at one of the owners’ three properties forever, and I swear this year will be my year!”
of is fantasizing about a writing retreat in this coastal cottage in Cornwall, England
“I have a ton of saved Airbnbs, but I am currently fantasizing about visiting Cornwall at some point and writing in a little cottage by the sea. Lots of coffee and writing in the morning, long walks in the afternoon, a glass of red wine by the fire in the evening... you know, the dream. I love this one in particular.
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of has put the Saltwood Beach House in Ucluelet, Canada at the top of her wishlist
“I’m always on the lookout for something with architectural charm and intentional design. The Saltwood Beach House checks every box and covers all the details from linens and artwork to lighting and salt and pepper shakers. With floor to ceiling windows, it gently immerses you into the wild and rugged West Coast. Although this one is close to home for me, it’s still at the top of my wish list. The perfect forest hideaway with non-stop ocean views (cold plunge anyone?)”
of wants to cook medieval feasts with her friends in the Wilton Castle in Wexford, Ireland
“My true form is some combination of ancient sorceress, shoujo manga magical girl, and Disney princess, so I really can’t resist a castle. This particular castle happens to be in County Wexford, Ireland — my absolute favorite place in the world. I love that this one has a bright, airy interior and a huge kitchen, plus lots of little nooks where I can really see myself cozying up to write after a day of wandering the moors. Since there are seven bedrooms, it also means my friends can be there, and we can do nerdy shit like cook period-accurate medieval feasts, or live out my husband’s dream of playing D&D in an actual castle.”
of is already relaxed just thinking about the Mountain Top House in Margaretville, New York
“Many New Yorkers escape the concrete jungle by fleeing eastward toward The Hamptons or northbound toward The Catskills. The latter is a great option when you want real tranquility — but only if you know where to go. This hidden gem is about an hour west of Kingston, NY. I can feel my stress melting away just looking at images of the secluded property, imagining nights around the fire pit after days spent swimming in the pool. The sun-soaked minimalistic interior is the cherry on top. It's the perfect retreat from the nonstop, chaotic energy of the city.”
of loves the location of the São Lázaro penthouse in Porto, Portugal
“This is a pristine space in the very cool Bonfim neighborhood of Porto. It’s a two-bedroom, one-and-a-half bath modern penthouse apartment (spread over two floors, which is nice if traveling with friends or older kids). And the location is perfect: Just on the outskirts of downtown (Baxia), above the Ribeira (river), and across from Jardim Marques de Olivera, among so many trendy cafes and restaurants.”
Do you usually pick the destination or the accommodations first? Any special Airbnbs (or hotels!) you’ve saved recently?
And ICYMI…
Monday’s most popular link was the Madewell jeans both my mom and I love!
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i like the tip about staying in Lake Garda versus Lake Como - Irene is my type of traveler. Olivia's description of what she wants to do in Cornwall sounds like the dreamiest! andd bookmarking Natalie's Paris Airbnbs, since my kids fantasize about seeing the Eiffel tower!
Thanks for including me in this roundup! ❤️ Taking notes/saving these beautiful places/starting to save up *right* now 👀