10 of the Coolest Vacation Rentals in New England
Autumn! Like many of you, it’s my favorite season. Trees start turning to lovely gold and rust, the air starts to get a little crisp, and people can start breaking out their cold weather gear. Well, some people. I live in Los Angeles, where it is currently a balmy 92°F outside. The only thing that has alerted us to the changing of season is that everything seems to now be spiced with cinnamon, and Trader Joe’s has a very cute pumpkin and Dia De Los Muertos section set up.
Now is the time I most desire to get out of L.A., and head over to New England, the land of Leaf Peeping. I want to hike through multi-colored forests, take a brisk stroll along the water, sit on a porch with a cup of hot cider, bundled up in a cozy sweater.
So in this getaway planning, I scoured Airbnb.com for the coolest places to have as my home base for this adventure. And here’s what I found: 10 of the coolest vacation rentals in New England.
1 - Cottage/w ocean view, hiking + lobster boat lounge
Where is it located?: Machiasport, Maine
What’s special about the property?: This beautifully designed mid century modern home comes complete with a repurposed lobster boat, which is now a library and lounge. And it all looks over some epic views of Holmes Bay.
What’s special about the location?: It has stunning nature views, access to a small beach, and is just minutes away from some of the best hiking trails in Maine.
2 - The Canopy Treehouse, a Luxury Carbon Free Retreat
Where is it located?: Sanford, Maine
What’s special about the property?: It’s a friggin’ TREE HOUSE! And, it’s a tree house with heating, 2 queen sized beds, a full kitchen and bath with hot water, a hot tub, and all run on wind and solar power.
What’s special about this location?: It’s nestled in the woods of Maine on its own 3 acres, overlooking a trout pond, where you have access to the dock and a canoe.
3 - The Sparrow’s Nest Charming Country Cottage
Where is it located?: Boothbay Harbor, Maine
What’s special about the property?: This French country cottage oozes with charm, and the owners clearly pay great attention to detail, from the well-curated décor and fully stocked kitchen, to the fire pit and outdoor shower. The garden even has an apple tree for your autumn apple picking. This place has some of the most glowing reviews I’ve ever seen for both the home, and the hosts.
What’s special about the location?: The Sparrow’s Nest is set on a beautifully gardened property, surrounded by trees, and a stone’s throw from the water. There are many of trails close by, and downtown Booth Harbor is just a 5 minute drive away.
4 - Vermont Schoolhouse Farm Cottage
Where is it located?: Shaftsbury, Vermont
What’s special about the property?: It’s a newly renovated historic schoolhouse, set on a 270 acre working organic 4th generation farm, with views of rolling hills, and the surrounding Green Mountains. Inside is beautiful rustic-farmhouse-cabin chic, and the large outside deck boasts a firepit, hot tub, outdoor shower, and sauna!
What’s special about the location?: It’s such a special property, with trails on it’s own land, and a farm whose animals you can go visit. It’s 10 minutes into town for groceries and shops, and 30 minutes to Manchester for designer stores and fine dining, but you probably won’t be able to tear yourself away from the property.
5 - Nebi—Private Yacht on Scenic Damariscotta River
Where is it located?: Damariscotta, Maine
What’s special about the property?: You’re on a boat! A unique Airbnb experience to be sure, 2 bedrooms, 2 ½ bathrooms, a beautiful warm wood interior, and 360° views from the deck. It includes a canoe and kayaks to go exploring the river.
What’s special about the location?: This yacht is close to so much. By water, you can explore all the oyster farming along the river. (I was sold right there!) By land, the dock is just steps away from coffee shops, restaurants, and shopping. Ans just a little farther than that are a bunch of trails to explore, either by water or through forest.
6 - Alpine A-Frame - midcentury cabin by Lake Raponda
Where is it located?: Wilmington, Vermont
What’s special about the property?: It’s an Instagram-worthy cozy cabin in the woods, complete with midcentury wood burning fireplace, a full kitchen, and super comfy beds. The furnishings lean midcentury modern, but the beautiful wood clad A-frame preserves the mountain cabin feel. There’s a BBQ & dining on the deck, and a firepit and adirondack chairs to roast marshmallows and bask in the surrounding woods. And there are giant windows to take in the view when you want to stay cozy and warm inside.
What’s special about the location?: It’s tucked in the woods, just down the road from Lake Raponda where you can swim, kayak, and fish. The charming downtown of Wilmington is only 5 minutes away, and Mount Snow only 15 minutes away. And there are tons of trails to explore in the area.
7 - Breathtaking, Modern & Luxurious Home from Home
Where is it located?: Belfast, Maine
What’s special about the property?: This GORGEOUS bright and airy house on a hill has 4 bedrooms, perfect for that family or friend gathering. The large kitchen has everything you could need, and one of the bathrooms even has a steam shower. The wrap around porch looks over the 6 acres of its land, and has views of trees, and the water beyond it.
What’s special about the location?: This home is just a few minutes away from the charming historic downtown Belfast area with lots of local shops, restaurants, and farmers markets. Belfast sits on the Passagassawakaeg River, and there are lots of walking trails in the area, like the Harbor Walk or Rail Trail.
8 - Hobbitish Fantasy in The Lush Green Mountains VT
Where is it located?: Middletown Springs, Vermont
What’s special about the property?: Holy Hobbiton! These hosts have built themselves their very own mini Hobbit-like Village! The property of earth houses includes a “Baggs Inn” and a “Double Dragon Pub”, all with Tolkienesque styling, all of it included in your rental. No detail has been missed. The garden area is so quaint and lovely, has an outdoor clawfoot tub, a fire pit of course, all looking over their 12 acres in the Green Mountains. There’s even a spring-fed pond to swim in when it’s warm enough. You’ve got to check out the listing. It’s remarkable!
What’s special about the location?: Middletown is a quaint village of 800 souls. It’s definitely a place to “get away from it all”. Lake St. Catherine is only 20 minutes away for boating or golfing.
Where is it located?: Guilford, Connecticut
What’s special about the property?: The hosts are principals in a design firm, and it shows. The interior of this guest house is both modern, and warm, with wood clad walls and thoughtfully curated art. The living space hosts a wall of sliding glass doors, joining the interior with the exterior. The deck overlooks a beautiful garden and pond that separates the guest house from the main house.
What’s special about the location?: This home is tucked away up a scenic road just half a mile from the shores of the Long Island Sound. The guest house is at the back of the 3 acre property with it’s own private driveway. There are lots of trails to explore in the area, and, though tucked in a wooded, secluded area, it’s only a 10 minute drive into town.
10 - Cosy, modern, forest cabin with babbling brook
Where is it located?: Cornwall ,Connecticut
What’s special about the property?: Rustic cabin in the woods on the outside, lovely Scandinavian modern cottage on the inside. This homey 2 bedroom is tucked in the woods alongside a babbling brook. 2 walls of glass sliding doors that go out to a deck bring in lots of light, and your wooded surround.
What’s special about the location?: The cabin itself is quiet and secluded in the woods, but it’s only a few minutes drive from the quaint covered bridges of Cornwall, Kent Falls State Park, and Mohawk Mountain Ski area. So much exploring and leaf peeping to be had!
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