“Living under a rock” is starting to feel a bit more real, as AirBnB rentals continue to test the limits of vacation housing. Across the world, listings have gone viral for their unconventional structure, making anything from helicopters, windmills, yurts and wagons into homes. As this genre of living starts to popularize, the Cleveland area is hopping on the trend, hosting a batch of their own wacky AirBnBs. Whether you tell your out-of-town friends, or take the trip yourself, make your stay in Northeast Ohio most memorable at one of these unique AirBnBs.
Shipping Containers
A sustainable and rustic take on the tiny house, these rentals in Dover and Cleveland repurpose shipping containers from trains. For a remote getaway, the Dover rental secludes you among greenery, providing an outdoor firepit and hot tub for a way to relax as you take in the views. The Cleveland container goes back to its roots, situated adjacent to the Amtrak railroad, inviting an interesting sort of ambiance as you enjoy an expansive kitchen with a modern, sleek interior.
Silo
Tapping into its rural setting on the outskirts of Amish country, this silo is a unique choice for a couples trip. Near Canton in the charming village of Navarre, the beautiful farmhouse interior teases luxury in a quaint and affordable space. The silo’s cone-shaped roof creates a stunning ceiling structure, making the living space — equipped with a coffee bar, fireplace and leather couches — feel open and inviting.
Postal Cottage
Got mail? Travel east to the small town of Parkman, and look for the post office for your next vacation rental. The city’s former hub for mail was built in the 1840s, an age shown by its beautiful brick exterior. In 2018, it was closed and renovated into a tiny home. Though newer to the rental market, much of its old bones remain, reflected in the tin ceiling, patterned bathroom tile and vintage furniture.
Barn
Praised for its pops of colors and maximalist design, you’ll forget you’re in a barn at this Amherst rental. Built from scratch using recycled wood from a carriage house and chicken coop, the towering space is decked with ample amenities and features an upstairs lodge for a private sleeping area. Coined the “Jukejoint”, music memorabilia paints the walls with posters and antique decorations, and a downstairs stage is an inviting opportunity for musicians in need of a retro venue.
Train Caboose
Tucked away among the vineyards of Madison and the Grand River Valley, you’ll find the lost relic of an old train car. Deep red and brown hues create a comfortable interior among antique furnishings, cozied up in a small space featuring a wood stove and spa-style bathroom. Step out into a seemingly endless yard, and explore the sounds, sights and tastes of wine country.
Eco Dome
Vacation among hiking trails at the Highlands Nature Sanctuary in Bainbridge. Adjoined monolithic domes crafted with native hardwoods blend into nature on a private plot in the sanctuary’s Whispering Springs’ property area. Green and brown walls mimic the outdoors, and vast windows bring them throughout the space, as you’re steps away from the preserve’s 2,600 acres of canyons, rivers and botany.
Opt for an Experience Instead
Already have a place to stay and need things to do? AirBnB now offers experiences ranging from photoshoots, painting classes and food tours, hosted by locals. And in true Ohio fashion, one Chesterland family presents a 2-hour class on how to raise a chicken flock. Learn the ins and outs of chicken husbandry and what goes into maintaining farm-fresh eggs, and meet all the chicks on the farm, alongside alpacas and goats.
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