Updated December 2022
Sometimes finding a fun vacation home is half the adventure. If you're looking for a vacation rental with a little something extra, these 10 homes—each a one-of-a-kind getaway—are a great place to start. Splash the summer away in a pool with all the works or check living like a celebrity off your bucket list. From treehouses to beachfront beauties, we offer awesome vacation homes for every style of traveler.
And speaking of style, some of these homes are no stranger to awards or magazine features recognizing their eye for design. We hope you’ll find travel inspiration, and maybe a little intrigue, whether you’re planning your next big adventure or simply admiring some enviable interiors.
While a bird’s eye view is nice, turns out a water tower’s view is just as breathtaking. Lofted 87 feet above the waves, this decommissioned water tower was saved from demolition by being converted into a home. Today, this unique vacation home boasts 360° views, outdoor decks, a bar, a hidden room, and a hot tub that makes the perfect relaxing spot to sit and watch the waves come in.
This isn’t your average lake house vacation. While you’ll enjoy panoramic water views from the main house’s sporty living room to its large deck, there is also the guest cottage, the private boat house, the massive chef’s kitchen, and a 75-foot water slide to consider. A walk around the estate’s grounds only adds to its wow factor, revealing a waterfront hot tub and an outdoor patio to savor meals and the 14-foot cascading waterfall.
Just outside of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, your traincation awaits. Train enthusiasts, youngsters, and those young-at-heart are welcome aboard this 1916 CSX caboose-turned-tiny home, fully decked out with a replica ticket stand, modern amenities, and two cozy bedrooms. This unique vacation rental rests in the heart of the Smoky Mountain action, only 1.6 miles from Dollywood and less than a mile from the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster. Head out on a day of hiking or amusement park fun and wind down the night by the fire pit or hot tub.
Ever dream of living the celebrity life? This awesome vacation rental offers a taste of the luxe lifestyle, with a one-of-a-kind infinity island swimming pool to boot. Practice your best MTV Cribs tour impression while wandering the home’s 17,000 square feet, including a sauna and spa, a massage room, a gym, and a 15-seat home theater. Soak up the city views or the wall-to-wall glamour in this rock ‘n’ roll L.A. masterpiece.
Sneak away to a romantic tropical retreat for two. This treetop-style getaway, just steps away from the beach, ensures you’ll never miss a relaxing ocean breeze. Add some freshly-picked tropical fruit to your breakfast before you head out for a day of horseback riding by the ocean. Tucked away from the busy streets, with nearby nature tours, waterfall hiking trails, and jungle wildlife, you’ll feel you have this private corner of Costa Rican paradise to yourselves.
Upgrade your family reunion or summer trip away to this vacation home with a water park just beyond the back door. The 8-bedroom, 9-bathroom home along Lake Michigan will house plenty of laughs and elbow space for your whole crew. Outside, delight in a pool day unlike any other, with a 7-foot waterfall, a slide into the swimming pool, a goldfish pond, and an adjacent hot tub. Of course, when you’ve had enough fun at the pool, there’s also the private beachfront to Lake Michigan ready to keep the good times rolling.
Meet the best place to spend your snow days. This luxury-meets-cozy vacation rental promises winter thrills for skiers and non-skiers alike. In the morning, wake up to snowcapped mountain views of Park City and get ready to start your day, whether that’s hitting the slopes (just three minutes away) or never leaving the hot tub. Pop a few bowls of popcorn in the chef’s kitchen for a movie marathon in the home theater or grab a drink at the wet bar before your turn at the pool table. End your evenings with a coveted après-ski spot by the stone fireplace, snuggled in with your loved ones, watching the snowflakes dance outside.
Relive your favorite summer days or make up for lost time with this Smoky Mountain treehouse-style cabin. This unique vacation home stands aloft in the surrounding tranquil forest and features a large cedar tree running through the center of the house. Unlike treehouses of old, this upgraded hideaway comes with the comforts of home, including a washer/dryer, a fireplace, and an arcade table. Take in the views and sounds of nature from a rocking chair or the hot tub on the porch.
Step out on Boxer Bay’s large deck and it might be a challenge to pull yourself away from watching the waves. Whether on a romantic retreat or seeking some quiet time, you’re sure to find it in this vacation home’s unique design, as its curved structure frames the dramatic Oregon coastline as the focal point. The home’s tasteful interior suits the soothing ocean atmosphere, where you can ease back, soak in the hot tub, and savor some well-deserved R&R. Though you can feel free to indulge in the seclusion, there’s WiFi and nearby restaurants and cafes to keep you connected.
The Puget Sound has no bad angles—luckily, neither does this architectural stunner. This scenic oasis sits just 6 miles from downtown Seattle, but you wouldn’t know it given the setting’s serene atmosphere, featuring a koi pond, luxury fire pit, and several patios to take in the sweeping water and mountain views. This vacation home’s open design and floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to feel in perfect harmony with your surroundings—never missing a sunrise or sunset. Balance a little remote work on your vacation with WiFi and the private home office or take a hiatus from the world lounging the days away.
