Let there be light!
Some people like the ambience of a semi-lit abode, but if your tastes are the opposite, then these Airbnb rentals are for you – because they let the sunshine stream in.
From Scotland to New Zealand via California, they are stunning properties that offer great big windows to the world (or lots and lots of little ones).
Geodesic dome, Andalusia, Spain
The stunning view across the Spanish landscape from the geodesic dome in Tarifa, which is enclosed in glass and available to rent on Airbnb from £45 per night
Hidden behind trees and bushes, this secluded geodesic dome is described as being the perfect place for ‘lazing in the sun’.
Located close to Tarifa in southern Spain, the igloo-shaped structure is set on a wooden platform and is enclosed with glass.
It has just one bed and a bathroom, making it big enough for three people. A night’s stay in the dome starts from £45.
The Glasshouse, Northland, New Zealand
The Glasshouse on New Zealand’s North Island, which has floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides of the house. Stays start from £675 per night
The Glasshouse is a somewhat jaw-dropping luxury one-bedroom property on New Zealand’s North Island that has beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides of the house.
It is nestled in a forest, with the hosts saying it allows guests to feel as though they are ‘in the environment rather than watching from afar’.
Stays at the Glasshouse start from £675 per night and guests can be assured of complete privacy – it is the only property on the tip of the Northlands coast peninsula.
Glass Cottage, Santa Barbara, California
Glass Cottage in California has mirrored glass that enables it to blend into its surroundings
The bizarre house has one bedroom and one bathroom and can sleep up to just two people. Its glass design is such that it gives guests the illusion that they’re outside
Set in three private acres, the Glass Cottage in Santa Barbara is a modern design that has two walls of thick solid glass that gives guests the illusion of being outside.
But the mind-boggling design features don’t stop there. It’s also (almost) invisible, thanks to mirrored walls that reflect the surrounding woods and make it blend in.
The bizarre house has one bedroom and one bathroom and can sleep up to just two people. Prices start from £174 per night.
The Glass House, Cusco, Peru
Set on the side of a Peruvian mountain, The Glass House in Cusco is described as having ‘front row seats to world class views of the mountains’
The Glass House is a studio loft with airy windows that is integrated into the side of a Peruvian mountain.
The stunning property is described as being ‘surrounded with nature’ and having ‘front row seats to world class views of the mountains’. It is also listed as being a great base for those visiting Macchu Piccu.
A night’s stay at the house, which can sleep up to two people, starts from £75.
Forest retreat, North Uist, Outer Hebrides
At this secluded forest retreat in the Outer Hebrides spectacular views come as standard – thanks to lots of large windows
The retreat has one bedroom, one bathroom and sleeps two. On cloudless nights, because there are no street lights, guests can step outside onto a balcony and enjoy incredible views of the stars
Guests can relax by a log fire and gaze through the huge living room windows to the forest and beach beyond
At this secluded forest retreat in the Outer Hebrides spectacular views come as standard.
Guests can relax by a log fire and gaze through the huge living room windows to the forest and beach beyond – and on cloudless nights, because there are no street lights, they can step outside onto a balcony and enjoy incredible views of the stars.
There’s wildlife to spot, too, including the UK’s smallest bird, the goldcrest, eagles and deer, which sometimes graze right outside the cabin.
The retreat has one bedroom, one bathroom and sleeps two. It costs £204 per night.
AirShip 002, near Drimnin in the Scottish Highlands
The AirShip 002 on the Scottish coast comes complete with kaleidoscopic windows
Designed by Roderick James Architects, the aluminium-clad AirShip 002 is located on four acres of expansive greenery
The AirShip 002 on the Scottish coast comes complete with kaleidoscopic windows as well as multiple portholes so guests can almost feel like they are sleeping outdoors.
One guest, Debbie, said of the capsule: ‘We knew the airship would be amazing from the Airbnb page but we didn’t expect it to be even better than that! What a beautifully designed, thoughtful and spacious place in a stunning location.’
Designed by Roderick James Architects, the aluminium-clad AirShip 002 is located on four acres of expansive greenery near Drimnin in the Scottish Highlands and is available to rent on Airbnb for £150 per night.
The Glass House on the Lake, Cowaramup, Australia
This unusual one bedroom rental in Cowaramup, Western Australia, has three glass walls for guests to gaze out of
Surrounded by a magical forest and a beautiful lake, it’s no wonder that this property was built with three glass walls for guests to gaze out of.
Located in Western Australia’s Margaret River region, this unusual one bedroom rental is set in 40 acres of land close to Ironstone Lake.
Stays start from £102 per night and the house is just 10 minutes from the beach.
Villa, Akureyri, Iceland
This stunning villa located close to the Arctic Circle in Iceland has floor-to-ceiling windows, so guests can gawp at snow-capped peaks to their hearts content
This stunning luxury villa in Iceland capitalises on the surrounding scenery of snow-capped peaks.
That’s because the front of the three bedroom property has floor-to-ceiling windows so guests can make the most of the views.
The villa sleeps up to five people and is located close to the Arctic Circle. Stays start from £201 per night.
Penthouse, Mexico City
This penthouse in Mexico City is available to rent on Airbnb. Its large windows show off the view across the huge Chapultepec Park
Located seven floors up and with a huge window right across the front, this penthouse in Mexico City looks out on to the huge Chapultepec Park.
It has three bedrooms but it is the lounge that brings home the bacon, view-wise.
The penthouse can sleep up to eight guests and is available from £302 per night.
The Glass House, Three Rivers, California
There are absolutely no bricks, stone or dry wall in this light Airbnb property located close to Sequoia National Park in California
In a rural location close to Sequoia National Park, this property has no bricks, stone or dry wall – it is all made out of glass.
The listing says: ‘Lay in bed and see the animals stroll on by or watch an amazing lightning storm with no barriers!’
The house has two bedrooms and can sleep up to four people. Stays start from £208 per night.
Glass roof loft, Paris
This Paris loft in the city’s Montmarte area is light and airy thanks to its glass roof
Although it doesn’t have any windows, this Paris loft is still light and airy thanks to its glass roof.
It is located in the heart of the city’s Montmarte area and close to many of the tourist attractions.
With three bedrooms, the loft can sleep up to five guests with rates starting from £300 per night.
Note – other rental sites are available, such as www.homestay.com and www.homeaway.co.uk.