New England

10 Unique New England Rentals | Stay In a Treehouse, Lighthouse, Grist Mill & More

Whether you seek an ocean-docked houseboat or a woodsy treehouse, these ten rentals represent truly unusual ways to vacation in New England.

By Cathryn McCann|Mar 09 2022| Print icon

10 Unique New England Rentals

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.

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.
Unique Ways to Vacation in New Engalnd

Dreaming of tiny house living? Try it out at the Honeycrisp Cottage, a tiny timber frame in Vermont.

Credit: Courtesy of Airbnb
Dreaming of tiny-house living? Try it out at the Honeycrisp Cottage in Vermont.
Credit: Courtesy of Airbnb

Tiny House | Putney, Vermont

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
Unique Ways to Vacation in New England

Enjoy a stay in a silo studio that’s something like out of a storybook.

Credit: Courtesy of Airbnb
Enjoy a stay in a Massachusetts cottage that’s like something out of a storybook.
Credit: Courtesy of Airbnb

Enchanted Tiny Tower | Lee, Massachusetts

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
Unique Ways to Vacation in New England

We love classic, red New England barns. Here you can sleep in one – a beautiful 200 year old milk barn in the Fairfield County countryside.

Credit: Courtesy of Airbnb
Love classic New England barns? Here’s one can you sleep in: a converted 200-year-old dairy barn in Connecticut’s Fairfield County.
Credit: Courtesy of Airbnb

Red Barn | Bethel, Connecticut

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
Unique Ways to Vacation in New England

Experience the stunning Newport coast with an overnight stay right on the water (literally!).

Credit: Courtesy of Airbnb
Experience the fabled Newport coast with an overnight stay right on the water.
Credit: Courtesy of Airbnb

Harbor Houseboat | Newport, Rhode Island

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
Unique Ways to Vacation in New England

Want a truly private getaway? Here, you’ll not only have a beautiful cottage to yourself, but a whole island.

Credit: Courtesy of Airbmb
Want a truly private getaway? Here, you’ll have not only have a beautiful cottage to yourself but also two whole islands.
Credit: Courtesy of Airbmb

Private Islands | Addison, Maine

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
10 Unique New England Rentals

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.

Credit: Courtesy of Airbnb
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.
Credit: Courtesy of Airbnb

Grist Mill | Clarendon, Vermont

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
Unique Ways to Vacation in New England

Live a lush life in the trees at this rental with a wood-fired cedar hot tub, water views, and wall of windows.

Credit: Courtesy of Airbnb
Aside from its one-of-a-kind setting, this rental offers a cedar hot tub, water views, and walls of windows.
Credit: Courtesy of Airbnb

Modern Treehouse | Georgetown, Maine

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
Unique Ways to Vacation in New England

Lighthouses are beloved fixtures along the coast of New England, and here the ocean views from the lantern room are unbeatable and guests can stay in the attached house.

Credit: Courtesy of Airbnb
The ocean views from the lantern room at this Massachusetts lighthouse are simply unbeatable.
Credit: Courtesy of Airbnb

Historic Lighthouse | Pocasset, Massachusetts

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
Unique Ways to Vacation in New England

Get a true farm experience at this rental (in one of the best foliage towns in New England), with amenities like farm fresh eggs, artisanal breads, organic produce, visiting with the animals, and more.

Credit: Courtesy of Airbnb
Get a true farm experience at this rental, whose amenities include farm-fresh eggs, artisanal breads, organic produce, and friendly animals on-site.
Credit: Courtesy of Airbnb

Country Farmhouse | Kent, Connecticut

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!
Unique Ways to Vacation in New England

This restored 1800s one room schoolhouse located in Historic Tiverton Four Corners has all the modern amenities, but is decorated with schoolhouse and local historic memorabilia.

Credit: Courtesy of Airbnb
This restored 1800s one-room schoolhouse in historic Tiverton Four Corners has all the modern amenities but is decorated with historic local memorabilia.
Credit: Courtesy of Airbnb

Restored Schoolhouse | Tiverton, Rhode Island

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. 

SEE MORE: 10 Cozy Cabins for Rent in Vermont Favorite Acadia National Park Cabins You Can Rent White Mountain Cabin Rentals 

Cathryn McCann

While on staff as digital assistant editor, Cathryn wrote and promoted 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.

More by Cathryn McCann

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