Fairy-tale Airbnbs you can book in the UK and beyond for a magical stay

Magical escapes

When retreating to a regular vacation rental just won't cut it, Airbnb has thousands of enchanting properties in its catalog that will make you feel like you've fallen into the pages of a whimsical storybook.

From lavish castles and turreted villas to hobbit homes, thatched cottages and secluded treehouses, these are the best finds on Airbnb that could help turn your daydreams into reality.

Elizabethan house in East Sussex, England, UK

Guests can feel like royalty at this Grade I-listed mansion in East Sussex that's been improved with a swimming pool and a tennis court. There are seven bedrooms to choose from, plus five acres of gardens and a 100-acre park surrounding the stunning country house to enjoy. Inside, the exquisitely decorated rooms bring a feeling of old-style grandeur while the kitchen has been modernised to suit any occasion.

Old hayloft in Chianti hills, Italy

Located on picturesque farmhouse grounds in the Chianti hills, 12 miles (20km) from Florence, this quaint restored hayloft has two bedrooms, a kitchen and a living area. Situated in a typical Tuscan agriturismo (B&B on a farm), this charming Airbnb is surrounded by cypress trees and offers sweeping views of the area. There's also a swimming pool and a private garden surrounded by towering oak trees.

Medieval towerhouse in Cuffesgrange, Ireland

Carefully restored over 25 years, this medieval 16th-century towerhouse is set on beautiful and secluded grounds, yet is just a five-minute drive from the town of Kilkenny. To really get away from it all, guests can head up to the four-bedroom tower which doesn't have a TV or Wi-Fi, and enjoy the beautiful countryside that surrounds the property.

Cottage in British Columbia, Canada

This cosy cottage's undulating roof, wooden balcony and curved windows could come straight from a fairy tale. The property is hand-sculpted from natural materials and surrounded by orchards with grazing sheep. Inside, it’s every bit as charming with stone floors, a wood-burning stove and wood-clad bedroom. 

Hobbit home in Washington, USA

This Lord of the Rings-inspired hobbit home transports guests to the mythical Middle-earth. Nestled into a mountainside in central Washington, the one-bedroom home has a round doorway that opens up to incredible mountain scenery where the only neighbors are local wildlife like deer, rabbits and grouse.

Old windmill in Kent, UK

Set in the idyllic Kent countryside in the south of England, this old windmill has been beautifully restored. There's one bedroom with a king-sized bed, a fully-equipped kitchen and a cosy living room with a gas wood-burning stove. It's easy to give into the charm of the area and enjoy relaxing rambles before stopping at one of the charming country pubs for a meal. Due to its remote location, the sunrises and sunsets here are stunning.

Jungle hideout in Selat, Indonesia

This secluded bamboo home is set on the bank of a shimmering river in a peaceful Balinese village. It may be rustic but there's a kitchen, bathroom and bedroom which sleeps up to four. Guests can relax on the hammock or bean bag and listen to the sound of the water below. There’s limited Wi-Fi here but who needs the internet when there are cute kittens to play with? They often use this jungle hideout as a shelter.

Arabic villa in Marrakech, Morocco

Like something out of a real-life Arabian dream, this exquisite Moroccan villa near Marrakech has five bedrooms and is beautifully decorated throughout with lots of North African and Arabic motifs. Built around a covered central riad-style courtyard, it's brilliant for escaping the hubbub of the city. There's also an opportunity to hire a private driver during the stay.

Nkala Safari Lodge in Pilanesberg, South Africa

Located on the edge of Pilanesberg National Park, this luxurious safari lodge is anything but ordinary. A three-hour drive from Pretoria and Johannesburg, the Nkala Safari Lodge is on a black rhino game reserve and there are plenty of wild animals to spot from the private patio or through the floor-to-ceiling windows. There's also a swimming pool, a kitchen and a viewing deck for taking in the surrounding wilderness.

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Cabin in the woods in Ohio, USA

Guests can go full Hansel and Gretel (without the witch) in this unique A-frame cabin in the Ohio woods. There's a wood-burning stove, exposed beams throughout and small terraces on both levels. The quaint village of West Farmington is close by and has several local produce shops while the surrounding landscape is fantastic for relaxing nature walks.

Traditional finca in Mallorca, Spain

An authentic Mallorcan finca (a Spanish rural cottage) is ideal for family vacations. This charming stone house has three bedrooms, a swimming pool, an ivy-covered terrace with a large gas grill and a fully-equipped kitchen. The nearby Port of Pollença is great for restaurants, shops and the beach during summer while the island capital Palma de Mallorca is less than an hour away.

Italian villa in Positano, Italy

Clinging to a clifftop in the picturesque Italian village of Positano, Villa Dorata is a vision in pink. The dreamy four-bedroom villa is surrounded by fragrant citrus trees and overlooks the rugged Mediterranean coastline. The Baroque-style home has ornate fresco ceilings, tiled floors and even a private spa with a Turkish steam bath.

Castle in Saint-Georges-sur-Cher, France

A two-hour drive from Paris, this seven-bedroom storybook château in the Loire Valley offers modern amenities combined with regal interiors, an outdoor pool and great countryside location. There's no need to completely shut the world out if guests do fancy getting out and about – Château de Chenonceau and Beauval Zoo are both nearby.

Fairy-tale farm in Vågå, Norway

The Blessom family have owned this charming Norwegian sheep farm since the 17th century and it's one of the oldest in the Gudbrandsdalen valley. In summer, guests can spot sheep grazing in the rolling green hills and in winter, cosy up by the stone fireplace of the wood-paneled house. It's a place to slow down, relax and soak in the fairy-tale surroundings.

Tropical treehouse in Hawaii, USA

Guests can sleep nestled among the trees in this secluded haven on the outskirts of Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park. A wraparound veranda gives panoramic views over the rainforest while the shower cascades with naturally caught rainwater. Falling asleep to the sound of coquí frogs chirping away and waking up surrounded by the stunning jungle scenery is a one-of-a-kind experience.

Cave house in Santorini, Greece

At Hector Cave House guests can soak up the staggering sight of the Santorini caldera from the private plunge pool. The house, which was once a wine cellar, was carved into the cliff face more than 250 years ago. The stylish interior has two bathrooms, a seating area with a flatscreen TV and space to sleep five.

Rural casa in Silves, Portugal

Surrounded by picturesque vineyards, Casa do Planalto is a stunning three-bedroom villa that occupies one of Algarve's most stunning spots. Although it's in a rural setting, 38 miles (62km) from Faro, the villa has all the amenities of a modern home, from Wi-Fi and air-con to a TV and a fully-equipped kitchen. There's also an infinity pool looking out to the storybook countryside beyond.

Luxury mansion in California, USA

Oozing old Hollywood glamor, this Beverly Hills mansion is located just five minutes from the legendary Rodeo Drive. Classic luxury and modern amenities come together at this regal, seven-bedroom estate. Marble floors, wood paneling, a seven-car garage, a wine cellar with tasting room and a spiral staircase looking onto a private pool and spa are just some of the property's incredible features. It's perfect for a modern-day queen or king.

Alpine chalet in Bagnes, Switzerland

As if plucked straight out of Frozen, this six-bedroom chalet offers panoramic views of the Mont Blanc mountain range and snow-clad Verbier. After a day on the slopes, guests can relax in the steamy hammam or hot tub on the terrace, overlooking the gardens. It's equally as charming in summer when the lush green hills are covered in fragrant wildflowers.

Villa Carista in Pieve di Compito, Italy

Leaving this delightful 15th-century estate in Tuscany can't be easy. Set in 100 acres of woodlands, olive groves and vegetable gardens, the restored farmhouse is surrounded by palm trees, lush lawns and a terraced garden. Inside, state-of-the-art mod-cons sit comfortably with historic details.

Historic villa in Cape May, USA

Located in the heart of Cape May's historic district, this grand Victorian villa – known as 'The Empress' – has eight bedroom suites, a wraparound porch, huge hosting spaces and even its own movie theater. It's located just two blocks from the nearest beach and within easy access of nearby restaurants, bars and shops.

The Seashell House in Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Sleeping inside a seashell on Isla Mujeres, just off the coast of Cancún couldn't be any closer to a storybook experience. It isn’t just The Seashell House's whitewashed exterior that follows the shell theme – inside, there are shell-encrusted mirrors, sinks and bathrooms. The shower water even sprinkles out from a shell. Outside, there’s a private pool or you can hop into a golf buggy for a 15-minute drive to the beach.

Medieval revival casa in Las Catalinas, Costa Rica

With gorgeous views over the South Pacific Ocean, Casa Pacifica is a dreamy vacation destination. Built over several levels into a cliffside, the five-bedroom villa has several terraces and an infinity pool to make the most of those ocean views. Inside, terracotta floors, wood and stone details, and colourful tiles give this Costa Rican getaway a Mediterranean feel.

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