Why book an ordinary hotel room when you can rent these one-of-a-kind spaces? With the rise of Airbnb, there's no shortage of rare accomodations you can rent. Gina Valente, who runs the blog, Moody Cabin Girl, has stayed in quite a few of these and knows her way around a quirky cabin. Here, Gina takes us on a tour of the five most interesting rental cabins she's stayed in.
Shed in the Woods - Carp Lake, Michigan
Sleeping in a shed may not be your idea of a cozy weekend retreat, but this northern Michigan cabin aims to change your mind about storage spaces. Located about 10 miles from popular Mackinaw City, the rental is in a prime location for those looking to explore the area. It comfortably sleeps four and provides more than enough space for lounging and cooking. If the adorable staircase leading to the loft doesn’t win you over, maybe the wood fired sauna tucked neatly in the forest will do the trick. One night in this charming rental is sure to have you looking at storage sheds in a new light!
Camlachie Chapel - Plympton-Wyoming, Ontario
Does the thought of spending the night in a church give you shivers? Good! The Airbnb host of the Camlachie Chapel has made the delightful decision to play off that stigma in a 19th century church turned living space. The owner has created a beautiful and modern aesthetic by using white wood, an open floor plan, and stainless steel appliances. Yet the space still manages to maintain the hauntingly cool vibes of a sanctuary by keeping the stained glass windows, using a pulpit as decoration, and decorating with a black bird statue sitting above the refrigerator. It's the perfect size for a romantic getaway or small group gathering. With its unique religious history, this is a rental experience you’re not likely to forget!
Shipping Container Cabin - Hocking Hills, Ohio
When you think of shipping containes the words "trendy" and "modern" may not come to mind, but they are a sure fit when describing The Box Hop in Hocking Hills, Ohio. This container cabin is breaks down any preconceived notions of how we use metal transportation units. Painted black and trimmed in wood, the cabin is quite striking against the surrounding tall trees. Inside you’ll find crisp, tiled bathrooms, bedrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, and a spiral staircase. There is even a hot tub located outside on the wraparound deck. This eco-friendly rental will leave you dreaming of your next container adventure.
Cordwood Chalet - Golden, British Columbia
This tiny rental located in British Columbia is the fairytale cabin of your dreams. Its interesting shape, geometric windows, and wooden accents will leave you feeling like you’ve stepped into a Disney princess movie. The house is located in the woods of the stunning Blaeberry Valley with access to many hiking trails. A weekend at the Cordwood Chalet will be your fairytale dream come true.
Kids Camp Turned Cabin Resort
If you never had the chance to attend summer camp as a kid, Camp Woodbury could give you the experience as an adult! The current owners have transformed a 1920s camp into a multi-use rental property complete with a 1,824-square-foot lodge and additional cabins along Nordman Lake. Large groups can rent out the entire property for a three-day weekend. When big events aren’t booked, you’ll find the smaller cabins available for rent on Airbnb. The owners have tried to retain as much of the original cabins as possible. You can still see the signatures of students who signed their names on the walls of several buildings. Guests are allowed to use paddle boats and canoes free of charge. A stay at Camp Woodbury is sure to bring out the inner child.
Gina Valente lives in Ferndale, Michigan and runs the cabin blog, Moody Cabin Girl. She has a love for unique dwellings, adventures, and all things whimsical. Follow her cabin adventures on Instagram here. When not running around renting cabins, she is trying new restaurants in the Detroit area and posting about them on her Instagram account, Girls Gone Hungry.