Airbnb has announced its top 21 most wish-listed homes by Britons for 2021 – and they’re all in the UK.
Yes, Britons have gone staycation-crazy, which isn’t surprising given the circumstances. And it’s rural retreats that dominate.
In the ranking, made up of the homes that have been most frequently saved on Airbnb, a luxury ‘pigsty’ in Winchester has cleaned up, stealing the top spot from last year’s exotic Greek cave.
An Airbnb spokesperson said: ‘With so many of us set to staycation in the UK this year, it’s more opportunity than ever before for Britons to capitalise on increased demand and turn their homes into income engines.
‘The pandemic has prompted a fundamental shift in travel and a realignment of what’s most important to us as human beings. As we prepare to be able to travel once again, where previously, our most wish-listed homes have been dominated by far-flung and exotic destinations, this year it’s all about the rural retreats to explore on domestic shores.’
Scroll down to see pictures of all 21 of the most wish-listed Airbnbs, presented in reverse order. So the further you scroll, the dreamier the abodes become…
21. ‘The Weekender’, Bude, Cornwall
One guest described this one-bedroom abode for two as the most beautiful small space they’d ever stayed in. Host Sara says on the listing: ‘My clever husband built this little beauty last year and it evolved into something unique. With our skills and experience in various design projects we have created something we feel is very special.’ It costs £85 a night
20. Lynbrook Cabin, New Forest, Hampshire
This enticing cabin for two has a large bed, a kitchenette and a hot tub with LED lights. Reviewer Samuel said: ‘A perfect cabin for couples wanting a break from the city. Anna and Rob are truly lovely hosts.’ It costs £97 a night
19. Farm Barn, Warwickshire
The listing for this gem for two says: ‘This stunning little barn [is] set on a working farm nestled in a newly planted vineyard. You can walk the vines on an evening stroll and see the magnificent sunsets.’ Sold. It costs £150 a night
18. Hillside Hideaway, Dorset
This ‘unique and romantic’ hideaway for two offers ‘epic’ views of Lyme Bay and Charmouth, including from the double shower. Plus the chance to stargaze from a freestanding bath, read under an old oak tree and curl up in front of a woodburner. Reviewer Nasreen said the cottage is ‘adorable’. It costs £169 a night
17. Romantic Field Barn, Grindon, Staffordshire
‘A romantic field barn with a chic contemporary twist,’ says the listing. It adds: ‘Situated in a stunning private setting 1,000ft above sea level and overlooking the Manifold Valley, Little Barn offers peace and tranquillity along with modern amenities.’ This one-bedroom barn for two costs £100 a night
16. The Orchid Suite Barn, Mayfield, East Sussex
Movies buffs will love this rental for two, because it comes with a 10ft cinema screen (above) and a film server offering over 6,000 films. It costs £137 a night
15. Loveday Cottage, Staveley-in-Cartmel, Cumbria
Over to reviewer Tommy for a summation of this cottage for two: ‘A lovely cosy gem. [A] roaring log fire to sit beside and [in a] gorgeously crafted cottage. Everything has been thought of. Minute touches really add up to make an unforgettable trip. A stellar bathroom along with a breathtaking bedroom make this a must return.’ It costs £208 a night
14. Toad Hall Luxury Lodge, Norfolk
This luxury lodge for six costs £217 a night and comes with ‘incredible views across open unspoilt countryside’, a hot tub, under-floor heating and is just 15 minutes’ drive from Kings Lynn station
13. The Buzzardry Woodland Treehouse, East Sussex
The listing states in no uncertain terms that this Airbnb for four will win guests over. ‘This stunning structure will not disappoint,’ it says, ‘from the luxurious copper bathtub with exquisite views over woodland grounds to the extravagant beamed ceilings that protrude through the building, this magnificent treehouse offers unparalleled style and luxury.’ It costs £356 a night
12. The Lodge, Heathfield, East Sussex
This lodge for two, it’s claimed, will give you a sense of an Alpine stay. It’s set in the grounds of a 17th-century farmhouse and affords guests ‘far-reaching views to the South Downs and coast’. It costs £105 a night
11. Scandinavian Cabin, Cumbria
It’s billed as a Scandinavian barbecue cabin – but many will see something of Hagrid’s hut in it. The piece de resistance is undoubtedly the barbecue pit in the centre of the cosy one-room abode. It accommodates two guests and costs £75 a night
10. Airship 001, Billingshurst
This unique aluminium pod for three is nestled in private woodland overlooking a dew pond and the valley below – sci-fi meets Middle-earth. It costs £130 a night
9. Sunset Beach Cabin, Cumbria
This double-bedroomed abode for four is billed as a ‘unique rough-luxe beach shack’ with a snug interior. It costs £161 a night
8. The Old Bakery, Surrey
This barn for two is set in the heart of the beautiful South Downs National Park and accommodates two in 60 square metres (645 sq ft) of space. Reviewer Jay said his stay was ‘superb’. It costs £89 a night
7. Unique Glamping Hut, Sutton, Cambridgeshire
In at No7 is this amazing converted 1945 boat, originally called the Anthony Stevenson, nestled within a private forest. An adjacent building houses the kitchen. It accommodates two in a double bed or two singles and costs £150 a night
6. Undercover Woodland Treehouse, West Sussex
Discover your inner Robin Hood/Maid Marian at this incredible treehouse for two hidden away up an oak tree in 50 acres of private woods. No camping kit necessary – there’s even a hot shower (outside). It costs £84 a night
5. Traditional Log Cabin, Kent
It’s really hotting up now as we get to the top five. And in at No5 is this log cabin set on a working livestock farm. The listing says: ‘The beautiful woodland surrounding the cabin means that every season is special here and offers an ever-changing view, from the vibrant autumnal colours right through to the start of spring, bringing an abundance of bluebells through the woods and summer here definitely has the wow factor.’ It costs £104 a night and sleeps two
4. The Pond and Stars Cabin, Abergele, Wales
At No4 is this ‘quirky cabin’ that the listing states is a ‘slice of paradise’ that’s ‘perfect for couples wanting a romantic getaway’. It sleeps two, costs £110 a night and you’ll need to bring wellies, apparently
3. Twmbarlwm Luxury Retreat, Gwent, Wales
Stay here and ‘rest assured, you won’t be disturbed by neighbours’, says the listing. This holiday cabin in the hills costs £129 a night and sleeps four
2. The Willow, Pembrokeshire
The listing invites you to stay at ‘the ultimate in luxury glamping’, a cabin with a full kitchen, two smart TVs, a hot tub, Wi-Fi and ‘amazing views’. It sleeps four and costs £140 a night
1. The Pigsty, Winchester
Release the bunting, pop the party poppers and behold the No1 most wish-listed Airbnb for Britons in 2021 so far, which it should be noted isn’t an actual pigsty, but a pigsty-style abode on a working farm that offers two guests a ‘cosy open plan living space, a roll-top bath and beautiful views’. Naomi, Airbnb Superhost at ‘The Pigsty’, said: ‘I list “The Pigsty” with my husband, Sam, who works on the farm that has been in our family for generations. We started hosting on Airbnb in late 2019 and we’ve honestly never looked back, especially during this past year when places like ours have been in such high demand. We’ve created Winchester’s first luxury woodland hideaway and have had so many great reviews already. The most rewarding part of hosting on Airbnb – when restrictions allow, of course – is meeting and welcoming new guests to our beautiful farm and being able to earn extra money through sharing our space.’ It costs £171 a night