Grist mills are an iconic, historic feature of New England, and you can actually stay inside this one in Vermont that overlooks the Mill River waterfalls.
Photo Credit : Courtesy of Airbnb
From coastal shoreline to mountain forests, and rural farmland to bustling cities, there are plenty of different settings in which to vacation in New England. But if you’re looking for an overnight that’s a little more distinctive than a hotel or inn, there are certainly some adventurous (think: private island, treehouse) and classically New England (think: lighthouse, grist mill) alternatives to choose from. Here’s a list of some of the most interesting places for rent to help inspire your New England getaway.
10 Unique New England Rentals
All of the following are available for rent through Airbnb. Click on the name of the property to learn more. Prices and rental availability are subject to change.
Dreaming of tiny-house living? Try it out at the Honeycrisp Cottage in Vermont. Photo Credit : Courtesy of Airbnb
Honeycrisp Cottage is a bright, energy-efficient dwelling nestled on 9 acres overlooking a beautiful forested mountain with trails to explore.
Entire cottage (sleeps 4); 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom; average $192 per night
Enjoy a stay in a Massachusetts cottage that’s like something out of a storybook. Photo Credit : Courtesy of Airbnb
The Enchanted Tiny Tower is situated on 4 acres in the Berkshires, with lovely gardens, a beautiful lily pond, running brook, and wooded area.
Entire cottage (sleeps 2); 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom; average $267 per night
Love classic New England barns? Here’s one can you sleep in: a converted 200-year-old dairy barn in Connecticut’s Fairfield County. Photo Credit : Courtesy of Airbnb
Enjoy the gardens from your private patio, take a dip in the pool, read a book surrounded by fall foliage, and relax in your private suite’s soaking tub.
Entire home (sleeps 6); 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms; average $165 per night
Experience the fabled Newport coast with an overnight stay right on the water. Photo Credit : Courtesy of Airbnb
Treat yourself to the ultimate unique escape on a spacious, comfortable, and spotless houseboat with breathtaking views of beautiful Newport Harbor.
Entire boat (sleeps 4); 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom; average $529 per night
Want a truly private getaway? Here, you’ll have not only have a beautiful cottage to yourself but also two whole islands. Photo Credit : Courtesy of Airbmb
Located an hour north of Acadia National Park, the two islands sit at the mouth of Pleasant Bay facing the open ocean. Walk the rocky beaches, hike the trails that circumnavigate each island, and enjoy terrific ocean views.
Entire cottage (sleeps 8); 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms; average $389 per night
Grist mills are an iconic, historic feature of New England, and you can actually stay inside this one in Vermont that overlooks the Mill River waterfalls. Photo Credit : Courtesy of Airbnb
America’s only original Grist Mill & Covered Bridge residence, as seen on HGTV’s “You Live in What?” This central Vermont spot features a private beach with two decks overlooking Mill River’s secluded waterfall and Kingsley covered bridge.
Entire home (sleeps 5); 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms; average $308 per night
Aside from its one-of-a-kind setting, this rental offers a cedar hot tub, water views, and walls of windows. Photo Credit : Courtesy of Airbnb
This custom-designed tree-dwelling (including a wood-fired cedar hot tub) is perched atop a 21-acre wooded hill sloping to water views.
Entire cabin (sleeps 4); 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom; average $333 per night
The ocean views from the lantern room at this Massachusetts lighthouse are simply unbeatable. Photo Credit : Courtesy of Airbnb
A once-in-a-lifetime experience to vacation in a Lighthouse that combines historic charm with modern conveniences. Located just feet from the Atlantic with 360 degrees of ocean views.
Entire house (sleeps 8); 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms; average $867 per night
Get a true farm experience at this rental, whose amenities include farm-fresh eggs, artisanal breads, organic produce, and friendly animals on-site. Photo Credit : Courtesy of Airbnb
Entire house (sleeps 14); 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms; average $350 per night
Spirit Horse Farm offers a unique experience that includes horses, peacocks, chickens, organic gardens, farm-fresh eggs, a swimming pool, billiards, ping-pong, croquet, fire pits…and more!
This restored 1800s one-room schoolhouse in historic Tiverton Four Corners has all the modern amenities but is decorated with historic local memorabilia. Photo Credit : Courtesy of Airbnb
Let your imagination wander back to the mid-1800’s in this charming, updated, open-concept schoolhouse. There’s even a working vintage cast-iron school bell you can ring to gather your friends and family for a delicious meal.
Entire house (sleeps 4); 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom; average $234 per night
Do you have a favorite place to vacation in New England? Tell us about it!
This post was first published in 2019 and has been updated.
As Digital Assistant Editor, Cathryn writes, manages, and promotes content for NewEngland.com and its social media channels. Prior to this role, she lived and worked on Martha’s Vineyard as a newspaper reporter, covering everything from environmental issues and education to crime and politics. Originally from New Hampshire, Cathryn spends most of her time out of the office on the trails, slopes, or by the water.
