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Scotland is home to many of the world’s quirkiest and most inspiring Airbnbs.
In fact, there’s so many to choose from that it’s almost impossible making a choice!
You have shepherds huts, cozy cottages, yurts, and even a spaceship! Don’t worry, more on that below.
In this post, I’m going to take you through 20 of the best Airbnbs in Scotland, and offer a few extra tips to help get the most out of your booking.
With that being said, first up ....
Just a quick note before we continue, some of these links are not Airbnb. If they are booking.com links, then it's because the property is also on booking.com and we typically find that booking.com will be cheaper than Airbnb in this instance because there is no cleaning fee and/or service fee! Also we have Vrbo links too becuase they offer competitive pricing. Happy reading :)
If you’ve never stayed in an Airbnb, then it can be overwhelming trying to choose the best one. Here are a few top tips based on our experience.
Airbnbs are, by nature, a little different to hotels and hostels. Luckily, all of our picks below are quirky and unique in their own way, guaranteeing a pretty unforgettable stay!
Airbnbs are run by every day people like me and you, not experienced hotel managers; so they may sometimes lack the basics you would assume to get at a similarly priced hotel.
For example, they may lack things you consider essential: like towels, shower gel & shampoo, or WiFi. So read the property listing carefully before booking.
If you have any concerns, then just drop the owner a message; they are usually very helpful!
What we really love about Airbnb is that there’s often an opportunity to save money. Lots of properties will offer a discount for the longer you choose to stay and these can be weekly or monthly.
Also, if you’ve never used Airbnb before, then sign up using our referral code. That way you can save up to £50 (or currency equivalent) off your booking!
Before we delve in, I just wanted to say that all these Airbnbs in Scotland are Covid-friendly, with special measures in place. So you can book with greater peace of mind!
Remember I mentioned you could stay in a spaceship!? Well, this is it!
This is one of the most unique Airbnbs in all of Scotland, and quite possibly, the UK as a whole!
It’s also VERY popular, so you’ll need to book in advance. Located on a 4-acre site (with only one other Airbnb, which we will talk about next), AirShip 2 is an iconic, insulated aluminum pod designed by Roderick James offering stunning views of the Sound of Mull from dragonfly style.
It’s quirky, cool and it’s got EVERYTHING you need for a fantastic stay.
Including, a cosy wood-burning fire, glass windows for amazing views, a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, and cosy bedroom!
Special features:
The CaraPod is every couple's perfect escape.
Located just back from the glorious Point Sands beach, picture a spot where you can lie in bed and listen to the waves with a lovely morning cup of tea or coffee.
And, you've got your own private & exclusive wood fired hot tub where you can sip champagne under the stars on the west coast of Scotland.
Feel those every day stresses slip away.
There is no noise and no light pollution so offered the perfect spot for romantic stargazing whilst chilling in the hot tub.
Your cabin includes a comfortable double bed, a bathroom with shower, and a small kitchen so you can whip up your own meals. Or if you prefer, you're only a short distance to "The BoatHouse" - a Michelin listed restaurant.
Special features:
This Loch Lomond lodge is surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery of the Loch Lomond with uninterrupted views down Loch Long and surrounded by the majestic Arrochar Alps.
This detached lodge is located in an elevated position in the hillside and offers a fabulous location for those wishing to relax and explore the local area. There is even a wonderful hot tub for relaxing in the evening with a glass of something sparkling! Now with new Hot Tub.
There are two bedrooms, so perfect for a couples getaway, and it's full of all the things you need, including en-suite bathroom, kitchen and even a decked terrace which is perfect for al fresco dining or on an evening watching the stars as this area has little light pollution.
You're only a short distance from the shores of Loch Lomond.
This Airbnb has everything you need for a wonderful stay!
Fancy a beautiful stay in a breathtaking location? Look no further.
This modern Cottage with double height glazed gable offers stunning views of the countryside.
Located on a croft of 50 acres, you'll have a relaxing, rural location all to yourself. You can unwind, read a book, star gaze, all whilst enjoying the amazing peaceful scenery on offer.
This cottage is also perfectly located for exploring the castles and distilleries of the north east and you're not far from the coast for dolphin watching and beautiful beaches.
The barn is also equipped with everything you need for a perfect stay. 3 bedrooms means it's great for larger groups or a family, and you've got all the facilities you need to do self-catering.
Special features:
This is a super-unique Airbnb in Scotland. Perfect for two, and you can actually stay somewhere that Mary Queen of Scots stayed herself.
I'd say that's a pretty unique stay in Scotland!
This is perhaps the most romantic place to stay in the Scottish Borders. You will have the whole castle to yourself, complete with an antique four poster bed, deep roll top bath and open fire, all qualities of the period itself.
Don't worry though, you're still only a 10 minute walk to shops and cafes to explore.
Special features:
The Hideaway is a beautiful Airbnb in Lochinver, comes with spectacular views overlooking the bay of Lochinver and the Assynt mountains.
This open plan property features a super king-size bed, high-quality armchairs, a stylish kitchen, and a flat-screen TV.
You can enjoy a brilliant balcony which contains seating with a wood-burning stove, and a BBQ, perfect for enjoying those views.
Oh, and you’ve got your own private hot tub, perfect for enjoying a glass of bubbly in the evening whilst looking at the stars.
Special features:
Located in the fantastic location of the Trossachs National Park, this beautifully renovated 18th-century barn conversion offers you peaceful tranquility, combined with breathtaking views over Ben Lomond and the Menteith Hills.
You've got everything you need for a comfortable stay including, 4 bedrooms, which makes it the perfect spot for a family getaway. AND there is a ‘endless’ swimming-pool which provides optimal swimming conditions for a single swimmer and even without the current, it still makes a wonderfully sized pool for children to have a swim and have fun!
This beautiful Airbnb in Scotland was built with comfort in mind as it even has an outdoor hot tub, perfect for taking in those amazing views.
There's a log burner fire too to keep you cozy in the evenings. A truly wonderful piece of accommodation in Scotland! It offers truly romantic and unique accommodation in beautiful, tranquil surroundings.
Special features:
Fancy staying on your own private island just off the Isle of Skye?
Well, it’s totally possible with a stay on the Eilean Sionnach Lighthouse cottage! Check out our full review here.
You’ll have your very own private island, with just the sheep to keep you company.
Oh, and you’ll have a massive lighthouse on the island too. This cottage has everything you need for cosy stay, including a wood-burning fire, a large, fully equipped kitchen (with underfloor heating), 4 bedrooms, so perfect for hosting a family!
There’s also a BBQ for outdoor use and a fire pit. We’ve stayed here ourselves, and it was amazing! A truly charming cottage for rent in Scotland.
Special features:
Located deep in the beautiful Cairngorms National Park, this beautiful luxury cottage sleeps six with 3 cosy bedrooms, bathooms, located in the magical woodland setting in the heart of the Glenmuick Estate and provides the perfect base from which to explore Royal Deeside.
This cottage has got everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a washing machine and dryer!
There’s also a beautiful cosy open fireplace, WiFi and a Digital TV with DVD player included with your stay for those evenings in.
This is a perfect choice for those who are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and just reconnect with nature.
Special features:
This cosy retreat offers amazing views across the fields and the ability to stargaze at night. There’s a fantastic wood-fired hot tub, perfect for relaxing evenings.
They have everything you need for a perfect Scotland getaway. There’s a king size bed, private garden, outdoor and indoor dining areas.
There’s also a well-equipped kitchen perfect for making delicious meals. You’re also only 10 minutes from Inverness airport.
Plus, you’re not far from all the wonderful entertainment the city has to offer! And just a short drive from the breathtaking Loch Ness.
For more info, check out my guide on best things to do in Inverness in one day.
Special features:
The Bothy at Dod Mill is a studio-style barn conversion that is perfect for 1 to 4 guests. It’s located in the Scottish Borders.
The Bothy has its own walled-garden area with views to rivers, woodland, an orchard, and rare-breed sheep. There is a cosy wood-burning stove and it comes with unlimited logs.
Relax by the fire and drink delicious coffee (Nespresso coffee maker included!), or cook in the well-established kitchen.
It comes with a dishwasher, fan oven, hob, toaster, kettle, and microwave.
Special features:
This is created by the same people who produced the spaceship mentioned above. This one is becoming just as popular, so if you want to stay, book today!
This unique one-bedroomed aluminum structure offers 360 degree views around the sound of Mull that wrap around the balcony, perfect for an evening of stargazing and wine.
The building is over two floors and includes a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom, living area, complete with a wood-burning fire and a cosy bedroom.
This is such a UNIQUE place to stay in Scotland and one of my favourite Airbnbs!
Special features:
If you seek peace and tranquility, then this unique house boat in Glasgow is for you!
Just a 10 minute walk from Glasgow city centre, this houseboat is in the perfect position for exploring the city, but having all the home comforts you need for a comfortable stay!
It's got a very cosy vibe to it, and you're on the water so you'll have unique views from the window. I think this is an excellent choice for families, because it's unique, but equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Special features:
Located just 2 miles inland from the Highland village of Golspie, this unique property sits South and has magnificent views over hill and woodland ground and beyond to the sea and Dornoch Firth.
It's located in the woodlands bursting with Birch and a wonderful semi-wild garden. A perfect nature escape for those who want to escape the daily stresses of life.
This log cabin sleeps up to 6 people in 3 bedrooms and has a bath, shower, well equipped galley kitchen and large open plan dining/living room.
There is even a cosy log fire to heat up in the evenings.
Special features:
How about a stay in a tower? Well, how about a tower that Mary Queen of Sctos once stayed in? Now, that’s a pretty unique Airbnb experience!
If you can’t afford to rent out an entire castle in Scotland, then the next best thing is to rent a room within a castle, in the tower section!
These rooms are in a refurbished historic defensive tower (dating from 1574) providing a mini castle experience.
Enter via a large stone entrance, into an inner paneled entrance hall, and through a private door up a narrow and ancient staircase to your very own room. You’ll have a shower room, a small living area, and of course a secluded upper chamber which reveals the bedroom.
As well as a working stove, stone floors with underfloor heating, and a bookcase full of books.
Special features:
This is one of the cutest tiny homes I’ve seen in Scotland and it’s bloody beautiful!
Located in the Aberdeenshire coast, this bespoke larch clad bothy takes in a panoramic view over the Ythan estuary.
The floor to ceiling window looking out over the coastal view allows you magnificent views as you sit back and relax in the living area. You’ll also have a kitchen area, fully equipped with everything you need, including a fridge, microwave, and kettle.
In the evenings you can sink into your super king-sized mattress in the mezzanine bunk area that sits above the living area.
Special features:
Located just off the famous North Coast 500 road trip, this glamping pod is the perfect tiny home accommodation in north Scotland.
This property offers a cosy stay for couples or families wishing to visit the Highlands of Scotland. It offers amazing views out to the islands
With spectacular views out to the islands at the entrance to the Kyle Of Tongue.
The pod can accommodate up to a family of 4 with 1 large king-size bed and double sofa bed.
Extra charges will apply if extra bedding is required.
Special features:
Nestled in a private silver birch woodland, perched on a hillside, this beautiful Airbnb in Scotland offers a hand-crafted truly unique wooden roundhouse with a 180 degrees floor to ceiling glass front offering epic views.
This property features a main, cozy living area with a wood-burning stove (with logs included), a fully equipped kitchen with a dining area, and outside you can enjoy a romantic soak in the wood-burning hot tub which sits on a decking area adjoining the house.
There is also an outside deck which houses a table and chairs, perfect for Alfresco dining. This property is powered by solar panels, so an eco-friendly option in Scotland.
Special features:
This beautiful house is designed by local award winning architects to create an amazing eco friendly cottage which offers wonderful views and a deck which opens the living areas out to make the most of the sea air from sunrise to sunset.
It's equipped with every modern amenities you'd need for a comfortable stay including, two bedrooms, bathrooms, high tech gadgets, oven, microwave/oven, induction hob, large fridge and freezer plus a dishwasher so there’s no time wasted washing up.
The Backrest has been built to incorporate the latest Eco-technology - hot water and heating is provided by an air source heat pump powering the underfloor heating and there is a log burning stove for creating a cosy atmosphere.
The Backrest is small but has everything you need for a comfortable place to stay on the Isle of Skye.
WIFI and FreeSat TV is free and included.
Special features:
Looking for an affordable castle stay in Scotland? Well, this is it!
This charming castle is small but full of charm! Located on the River Tweed, you’re in the perfect position to explore the Scottish borders.
This mini medieval castle with roaring log fires comes with all the modern facilities you would expect with a royal stay!
There’s a luxurious double bed, cosy living area, and fully equipped kitchen for making delicious meals.
Special features:
So there you have it, my guide to the most unique and best Airbnbs Scotland has to offer!
Now comes the hard part … choosing which one you want to stay in.
For more help finding unique properties, check out my guide on best places to stay on the west coast of Scotland.
