Dreamy, Uniquely Designed Homes I’m Hoping to Visit

Note: This post was created in collaboration with Airbnb.

I’m hugely grateful to be here in our little home + garden during this bizarre time of social distancing. Still — like most folks, I’m guessing — I increasingly find myself thinking back on past vacations, and envisioning various future getaways to uniquely designed homes nestled within entirely different environments.

Above: A roadside photo I captured on our most recent visit to the Aveyron region of France.

I’ve discovered that a bright side of staying in place during the present is that it has allowed me a bit more time to plan for the future.

Above: From a sunset walk through Peyrusse-le-Roc in 2017.

I began gathering a dream list of small, delightfully unusual Airbnbs that I’m eager to visit on our next visit to our home away from home: rural France. 

Above: Photograph taken during a stroll on our most recent visit to the Aveyron region of France.

Each home offers something out-of-the-ordinary. One property is nestled at the foot of a medieval castle, one is a treehouse, another is a dome, there’s a cottage that pretty much looks like it’s straight out of the Shire, and obviously a few homes have pools… because a girl can dream within her dreams, right?

Stone Apartment with Pool - This property looks like a practical and interesting blend of styles— new but traditionally-inspired, streamlined but rustic, simple but luxurious. A studio for resting and working, and a pool and outdoor zones for relaxing and revitalizing make it seem like a smart live/work retreat.

Windowed Dome - I’ve never stayed in a dome before! I like that this one is both beautiful wilderness retreat for adults and a suitable set-up for kids.

Medieval Home at the Foot of a Chateau - This small, rustic, eco-friendly home is situated a the foot of a 14th century castle, tucked within an old village surrounded by rolling hills and gorges. Between the views, the features and the unique design, it’s a place I could envision staying for a longer stretch of time for work or play.

Treehouse in Nature, but Close to a City - Nestled in old growth trees but near to the town of Millau, this small treehouse has extraordinary arching windows and cleverly designed interior features.  

Vine-Covered Home and Garden with Pool Access - This 18th century converted barn in the Lot Valley with a vine and flower covered terrace and private garden offers easy access to hiking, canoeing, and the extraordinary village of Conques.

Hobbit Home - This is a modest, happy looking home with a round front door out of a fairy tale, rustic wooden interior features, and windows framed with brick overlooking a wild garden and sprawling valley. 

Outdoor Oasis with Pool and Views - Adam and I never had a honeymoon. If we could do it over, I’d certainly want to make a multi-night stop here— an isolated, refined stone home with epic views, sunbaked terraces, and a modern but beautifully integrated pool.