Fairy Appropriate Homes for a Weekend Retreat

By Jemma Howlett

Need to get out of the city for a weekend? Traveling is exciting, but sometimes figuring out where you are going to stay can be stressful or overwhelming. Why not make your accommodations the destination? We picked out some unique Airbnbs tending toward the ethereal that could provide that sweet oasis.

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Enchanted Tree House

Where? Middle Grove, NY
How Far? 3.5 hours from NYC
Who? Accommodates 2 people
How Much? $149 per night

A great place to relax, hike, read, and get in touch with your inner child. The inside is rustic but not barren. Surprisingly, the accommodation offers comforts such as a full bathroom and hot water. Who wouldn’t want to live in this idyllic tree house, even if it is just for a weekend?

Private Island

Where? Hinesburg, VT
How Far? 5.5 hours from NYC
Who? Accommodates 4
How Much? $245 per night

Believe it or not, you can live on your own private island! This lush, 1-acre island in Lake Iroquois will be yours and yours alone for a retreat into the wilderness. Camp with the luxury of a fully functioning kitchen and shower. You can entertain yourself by swimming, fishing, kayaking, and gathering around campfires! And don’t fear—the island is only 20 minutes from Burlington if you need a civilization fix during your stay.

Tiny Home on a Farm

Where? Woodridge, NY
How Far? 2 hours from NYC
Who? 3 people
How Much? $125 per night

Ever feel like you need to simplify your life and go live in the middle of nowhere for a while? This could be your fresh start. It seems like tiny homes are popping up everywhere; try out the minimized lifestyle in Woodridge. Plus, you will get to hang out with goats, sheep, chickens, and angora rabbits if you so choose.

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Geo Dome in the Catskills

Where? Woodridge, NY
How Far? 2 hours from NYC
Who? 16+ guests
How Much? $350 per night

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Have you ever wanted to stay in a geo dome? Well here’s your chance. This Catskills haven is an amazing base for upstate adventures. Hiking, biking, swimming, sleeping in a dome—you can do it all for $350 a night. The dome can house 16+ people (if you bring your own mattresses). Could be perfect for an adventure with a big group of friends or a retreat with your new company to build camaraderie!

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Yurt and 80 acres

Where? Waterville, NY
How far? 4 hours from NYC
Who? 3 guests
How Much? $110 per night

Need to recharge your batteries, relax, and breathe in some fresh, rural air? This is the spot! Not only do you get to stay in a yurt, there are also private trails available on the property for hiking or cross-country skiing. For additional entertainment, canoeing, horseback riding, snowmobiling, and fishing are available nearby.

1941 Restored Vintage Caboose

Where? Lock Haven, PA
How Far? 3.5 hours from NYC
Who? 2 guests
How Much? $62 per night

Yup, you read that right! You can sleep, cook, shower, and live in this train! And could this caboose be any cuter? The inside has been re-done to allow for modern comforts, such as a new toilet and microwave but they have still left vintage interior touches with coffee and washroom signs. Live out your childhood fantasies and spend a night as the conductor.

Jemma Howlett is a writer, runner, traveller, college student and carb-enthusiast. Check out her coffee blog, thecoffeetravels.wordpress.com, and follow her on Twitter and Instagram @jemmahow.

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