16 Grand Historic Homes You Can Book on Airbnb, From Castles to Manors (2024)

People have always liked traveling for history—whether it is to see art, architecture, or sites that have defined the sprawling past that precedes us. So it follows that there’s a desire to stay amid history, too: As people focus more on ‘meaningful travel’, or trips with a deeper purpose, interest in historical properties has increased.

Cultural tourism accounts for 40% of tourism worldwide, and Airbnb has also seen an
uptick in users booking culturally significant homes. The “historic homes” category on
Airbnb which debuted last summer, currently has over 45,000 heritage homes available
in 26 countries around the world. Most listings are in Europe–including castles in
Germany, villas in Italy, and former monasteries in the United Kingdom. (The company is
even offering a train journey to select guests who are interested in visiting several
historic properties in one Eurotrip.)

As summer travel picks up in earnest, so does the desire to explore a world previously closed off to us during lockdown. To help inspire your next trip, here are 16 of the most enthralling historic homes listed on Airbnb.

Just 25 miles outside of Barcelona, this castle, dubbed Masia El Villar, was formerly a defense tower and Roman castle active in the 11th and 12th centuries. This colossal castle is also ideal for larger parties to occupy its vast interior – with plenty of room to roam around and lounge in. The interior is also finished with charming antique decor. Take a dip in the pool whilst you relax and take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Rooms: 7 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms

Amenities: mountain view, table tennis, hot tub, private outdoor pool

Address: Near Carrer Joaquim Mir, Catalonia Spain

Enjoy the stunning naturescape encompassing this beautiful windmill designed in the 19^th century. Although the windmill looks small from the exterior, the interior is super spacious -- incorporating stunning woodworking detail throughout, as well as a fully equipped kitchen, indoor fireplace, and thoughtfully designed rooms on each floor, boasting stunning panoramic views from the very top. Beautiful beaches and hiking trails are also located minutes away.

Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

Amenities: mountain views, indoor fireplace, outdoor dining area, shared backyard

Address: R. das Escolas, Nazaré, Portugal

For your next ocean side retreat, consider staying in this stunning modern lighthouse. Faro Punta Cumplida is 150+ years old lighthouse located on the Canarian Island of La Palma, near the coast of Morocco. The interior boasts exquisite modern decor, incorporates a fully equipped kitchen, terrace with outdoor dining, and even a stunning infinity pool with an unparalleled view of the Atlantic Ocean.

Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms

Amenities: infinity pool, terrace, indoor fireplace, fire pit,

Address: Near Camino Ias Barreras, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canarias, Spain

Featuring the perfect juxtaposition of classic and modern, the Ardrhu House -- a Scottish castle, features a beautifully renovated interior and is ideal for both small and large parties. Utilized for many private events and quite picturesque – weddings, birthday celebrations, and photoshoots are always welcomed. The castle also has private beach access, an outdoor jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room. Begin the day with a hike, engage in a yoga session, retreat to the beach, then conclude the day with a scenic sunset view by the lake.

Rooms: 7 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms

Amenities: outdoor jacuzzi, sauna, steam room

Address: Near A82 Road, Onich, Scotland

Tucked away in the Queen Elizabeth Forest, this 500-year old 16^th century castle once accommodated the Kings of Scotland, and was utilized as a hunting lodge. The stunning estate also sits on 80 acres of land with lovely lush greenery. The castle is secluded yet also nearby major cities such as Glasgow and Stirling, which are easily accessible by car within just 30 minutes of the property.

Rooms: 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms

Amenities: private balcony and patio, garden view, indoor fireplace

Just minutes from the Canadian border, the interior of this Bavarian-style castle incorporates warm brown monochrome tones that permeate the space’s quaint furnishings and fixtures. Built on an expansive 20 acres of land, the estate also boasts stunning mountain and lake views. After a skating session at the ice rink, treat yourself to a s’mores by the fire pit then play a round of foosball in the castle’s game room.

Rooms: 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms

Amenities: private patio/balcony, hot tub, fire pit, game room, ice skating rink

Address: Near W Glover Rd and Burton Hill Rd, Irasburg, Vermont

Raised atop a mountain highlighting a stunning scenic view of Lake George, this colossal castle in upstate New York is idyllic for your next weekend getaway. Decorated with midcentury modern décor, the modern castle is tucked away in an intimate location, yet also super close to the downtown district with restaurants, bars, and shopping. The estate is also within proximity of scenic beaches, hiking trails, kayaking, fishing, and a plethora of other outdoor activities.

Rooms: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths

Amenities: lake view, outdoor dining area, private patio/balcony and backyard

Address: Skyline Drive, Bolton, New York

Best known for being featured in the 1986 Miss Marple film “Sleeping Murder”, the Watch Hill Manor House asserts a luxurious and equally cozy getaway. The estate also boasts stunning scenic views of the Jurassic Coast. Its expansive interior is also designed with minimalist and delightful décor, with lush greenery encompassing the entire mansion as well as landscape.

Rooms: 9 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms

Amenities: private hot tub, treehouse, beach access, free parking

Address: Near Chapel Hill and Cricket Field Lane, Budleigh, Salterton, England, UK

This 400-year old cozy cottage is tucked away in a rural landscape surrounded vast vegetation –think apple orchards, lush fields, and woodlands. The cottage is also within walking distance of hiking trails at Haldon Forest Park. Engage in orienteering courses, take a bike ride, and if you’re seeking thrills, you can even do zip lining at Go Ape while also enjoying stunning panoramic views from numerous treetop vantage points.
Rooms: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

Amenities: indoor fireplace, backyard, washer and dryer

Address: Near George Teign Rd, Higher Ashton, England, UK

Casa Esmeralda is a 200-year-old Spanish barn hidden away in the historic district of San Sebastian. While designing the barn, the goal was to retain and preserve many of the original features that have withstood the test of time. The barn has also been beautifully refurbished with a more updated interior, yet still incorporating a rustic and modern juxtaposition.

Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

Amenities: private patio and balcony, hot tub, washer & dryer

Address: Near Calle Capitán Alonso Imperia, Agaete, Canarias, Spain

Towering on the serene sapphire shores of Lake Como is Villa Front Lake, an 18th-century Neoclassical mansion where stepping inside is like stepping into the past: a 1911 Steinway piano in the living room is framed by French doors overlooking the lake, while crystal chandeliers descend from several ceilings. A terrace provides sprawling views of the water and the surrounding towns—spy the town of Bellagio, known as the “jewel of Lake Como” as well as the famous Villa D’este.

Rooms: 7 Bedrooms, 7 bathrooms

Amenities: Beach + Pool Access, Butler, personal chef, and housekeeping services, patio/balcony access

Address: Near Frazione Meggianico

This chateau in France’s Loire Valley, owned by a retired French naval officer and his wife, features rooms named not by purpose but by color: there’s a turquoise room, a blue room, a pink room, and a fuschia room—just to name a few. Throw a dinner party in its stately dining space, or sip a glass of Sancerre by its expansive pool.

Rooms: 7 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms

Amenities: Ping pong table, private pool, indoor fireplace, outdoor dining area

Address: Near La Chauverie, France

Rising from its lush landscape like a lemon from a tree, this pale yellow villa built in 1624 was once the summer residence of Count Cosimo Bernardini. Citrus and herb gardens, ponds and brooks, and grand cypress trees surround a classic interior with terracotta floors, a library, and high, painted ceilings. Take a dip in the pool, lunch beneath the vines, and play tennis 1.5 miles away while the chef preps dinner.

Rooms: 7 bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms

Amenities: Personal chef service, indoor fireplace, pool access, outdoor lounging

Address: Near Via di Coselli, Pisa, Italy

Tucked away in St. Benedict’s Abbey—a former Scottish monastery turned private club—is this Medieval two-bedroom apartment. Once the Scriptorium, or the writing room, its two floors are adorned with stained glass and a vaulted chapel ceiling. The Abbey itself is surrounded on three sides by the waters of the Loch Ness, and sits upon 20 acres of gardens.

Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom

Amenities: shared indoor pool and sauna, outdoor dining area

Address: Near Glendoe and Station Rd, Lochness, Scotland

This Creole Cottage dates all the way back to 1740, when the city of New Orleans was predominantly populated by French settlers. Although it’s been extensively remodeled since then, some centuries-old historical hallmarks remain: the floors, which are made of Cypress, as well as its yellow and green exterior. (The home is a preeminent example of Creole Cottage architecture, characterized by its bright colors, French doors, and gabled roof that is parallel to the street or sidewalk it sits upon.) Straddling New Orleans’s famous French Quarter and eclectic Marigny neighborhoods, it’s also in a prime location to explore the city’s many cultural attractions.

Rooms: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

Amenities: washer + dryer, short walking distance to French Quarter

Address: Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, Louisiana

A hotelier and opera director offers two charming apartments in their 19th-century castle near the Baltic coast to Airbnb guests. Pour over a novel in the common area conservatory, or venture out to the grounds, which include an idyllic pond and plenty of sheep.

Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom

Amenities: washer + dryer, shared sauna and patio/balcony

Address: Schlossstrabe, Behren-Lubchin, Germany