The most quirky and unusual holiday rentals are booked well in advance, so with that in mind here are some suggestions of unusual places around Ireland, Europe and the United States to consider for future quirky holidays.
Quirky Holiday Rentals Worldwide
Ireland –Hobbit Hideaway – Mayo Glamping
Welcome to the Mayo Shire where you can experience life as a Hobbit. These Hobbits homes in Mayo are in Ballyvary near Castlebar, the fairytale homes are set into a hillside with colourful doors. Feel like Frodo and his friends when you stay here.
Mayo Glamping also has other unusual properties to rent including Nordic Cabins, and a railway carriage. Bookings include continental breakfast and there is a firepit, BBQ and outdoor cooking area. In addition, the adults will love the wood-fired hot tub and the sauna. There is an indoor play area for children with board games and a place to watch films, see here.
St Johns Schooner Lighthouse Cottages in Donegal
Kilometres from anywhere, a stay at St. John’s Point Lighthouse offers the perfect getaway. Enjoy a stay in one of the two characterful lightkeepers cottages managed by Irish Landmark Trust and experience the delights of wild and wonderful Donegal on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Discover the pretty, almost pink, sands of Coral Beach. Breathe in the fresh sea air. Take in the fantastic views across Donegal Bay and towards Sligo, Mayo and far beyond. For the active or adventurous, dip your toe into what’s said to be some of the clearest diving waters in Europe. They say there’s great fishing here too. Sleeps four, see here.
England – Rent a Barn
The beauty of renting a property in England is the ease of access by ferry with your car, and most places take dogs too. Picture yourself in a beautiful barn with wooden beams, vaulted ceilings and big wood burning stoves. Let the children roam the countryside in freedom and enjoy a taste of country life. See a selection of converted barns around England, some with swimming pools and hot tubs ideal for families, see here.
Scotland – Castles and Stately Manors
What else would you rent in Scotland other than a castle, stately manor, baronial house or lodge. Scotland has more castle per square mile than any other country in Europe. From the Lowlands to the Highlands and islands, find a very exclusive property, whether it is for small family or a big gathering. Olivers Travels are the experts in unusual holiday properties and all are vetted personally.
Italy –Trulli – Quirky Conical Houses
Trullis are some of the prettiest and most unusual property rentals in Italy; they are conical-shaped white-washed stone houses. You will only find them in the far south, in Puglia. Some are now holiday rentals and even come with swimming pools. The ancient Puglia region is a fascinating place to visit with great food, wine and sandy beaches.
Rentatrulli are an Irish/English company and they have converted three of these historic places into gorgeous holiday homes. No cost was spared to make them into comfortable homes while retaining their historic style. They are located between Ostuni and Ceglie Messapica. In addition each house has a private pool, olive groves, landscaped gardens and shady nooks for reading a book. There’s great access from Ireland with flights to Bari and Brindisi and they will be flexible on check in days to coincide with the flights. They sleep 5 – 8, see here.
Spain, France– Cave Houses
In the limestone regions of France and Spain you will find these quirky dwellings in caves. These cave houses are carved out of the soft rock and make comfortable year-round homes. Due to the rock the temperature stays the same all year round, about 20 degrees so you do not have big variations in heat You will find a lot of these homes to rent in the mountainous regions. Airbnb has a whole section devoted to Caves, see here.
Netherlands – Canal Boat Cruising
Canal boat cruising is one of the most relaxing and leisurely holidays you can enjoy. Imagine a gentle trip along the canals of the Netherlands, taking in the scenery and stopping whenever you feel like it. There is a great comradery on the canals and you will find yourself making friends as you overnight in pretty towns and villages. See a great selection of boats for hire.
Europe – Camping, Glamping and Caravanning
If the great outdoors is your idea of heaven, than a camping holidays is perfect. There has been a big increase in more upmarket glamping and yurts in recent years. Pitchup.com are the recognised go-to site to find what you looking for in Ireland, UK, France, Italy and Spain. They have huge range of properties to choose from and rates can be reasonable. Many of the campsites are stunning, beside beaches and with swimming pools and facilities for children, see here.
USA – Unusual Tree Houses
In recent years there has been a surge in the building of tree houses in the United States. They have become a very popular quirky holiday home for many people. These tree houses are not a few planks nailed together, but very comfortable home in the treetops. Furthermore, the locations are usually ideal for family with lots of space for children to explore. You can see a variety of places to rent not just in the United States, but across the world. There is also a series of helpful articles of how to build a treehouse, see here.
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