You Can Stay In One Of These Quirky Converted Homes—Starting at $70/Night
Vacations are typically focused on the destination—what restaurants you can visit, the cool touristy sites, maybe getting some great photos for Instagram. But what about upping your vacation even further by staying in a truly unique type of homestay?
Sites like Airbnb and Vrbo oftentimes feature quirky spaces, from converted lighthouses to school buses, to spice up a vacation even more. Read on for some of our favorite converted homes to stay in—and as a bonus, they all clock in at under $100 a night.
Anchorage, Alaska—from $75/night
Sleeps 4
Once a tour bus that ran through Denali National Park, the 1984 Blue Bird Bus now known as “Nellie” offers visitors a relaxing and magical respite from the wilderness. The bus—which manages to fit three(!) beds to sleep four—also has reclaimed maple wood flooring, a flat screen TV, and a mini solar shower. Can you say “glamping?”
Make sure to take advantage of all that the Nunaka Valley neighborhood has to offer during your stay, with plenty of paved trails for biking or jogging in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Phoenix, Arizona—from $116/night
Sleeps 4
You can make a home out of nearly anything nowadays—including shipping containers!
That’s right, this one-bedroom Vrbo near downtown Phoenix allows you to stretch your imagination of what can be a homestay, with floor-to-ceiling windows; smart locks for automated check-in; and typical hotel amenities like high-speed WiFi, complimentary coffee, and bath essentials.
This converted cargo container is right in the heart of the Roosevelt Row Arts District, too, close to the ASU campus, the Heard Museum, and the Phoenix Center for the Arts.
Brattleboro, Vermont — from $69/night
Sleeps 4
In the 20th century, many churches, synagogues, temples, and the like were built to keep up with the growing religious population. But now that many Americans identify as “nones” (none-affiliated), many of this places of worship are now being repurposed—and many are being converted into homes.
A great example? This former Swedish Congregational Church in Brattleboro, Vermont. Now a spacious studio apartment for up to four guests, the church features ten-foot-high pressed tin ceilings, stained glass, and arched windows. Outside is equally as serene, with a lovely vegetable and flower garden.
Brattleboro is known for being a picturesque small town with a great arts scene, so take your time in exploring the galleries, thrift stores, and markets in the town.
Fayetteville, West Virginia—from $118/night
Sleeps 2
Barn weddings and receptions have been all the rage the past few years. But you don’t have to get married to soak up a farm’s aesthetic appeal: You can just rent one for vacation.
Instead of camping along the New River Gorge in West Virginia, pop into this charming studio-sized barn loft. It includes a full-size bed, two lounging chairs, and even the company of friendly kitties!
This space is within walking distance of downtown Fayetteville, where you can explore lots of historic buildings, locally-owned restaurants, and antique shops.
Newport, Oregon—from $153/night
Sleeps 6
Interested in recreating your very own version of “Moonrise Kingdom”? With this sweet lighthouse along the Oregon coast, you can do just that. Located in Newport, the Lighthouse at Starfish Cove maintains its antique charm, but is chock-full of modern comforts (think satellite TV, stainless-steel appliances, and a full laundry room.)
The beach is directly outside and the city center is just over three miles away, meaning there’s plenty to do and explore. We recommend packing a picnic lunch, checking out the incredible tide pools, and then taking a ranger-led tour of the old Yaquina Bay lighthouse—which you’ll notice has the same floor plan and exterior façade as your homestay!
Prefer to stay in a regular home? Book one of these plant-filled rentals—starting at just $83/night.
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