Airbnb
Sure, tiny homes are cool and fun to look at, but after a while, they all start to look more than a little bit alike. That is not the case, however, with this roundup of miniature abodes. From jaw-dropping yurts to tree-suspended boats and biblically inspired structures, these tiny houses — many of which can be rented online — are without a doubt one-of-a-kind (as is one rumored occupant).
Related: Coolest Tiny Home Rentals on Airbnb and Vrbo
Boca Chica, Texas
While this tidy, tiny home is worthy of attention for how easily it can be set up (in just one day) and the relatively low price tag for a fully furnished model with everything from lights to a fridge (under $50,000) by building start-up Boxabl, what is especially unique is the purported latest inhabitant of one. Though Boxabl would not confirm the Tesla tech magnate lived in one of its casitas, Elon Musk tweeted as much after Boxabl reps stated a top-secret resident would live in one of their tiny homes in Boca Chica: "My primary home is literally a ~$50k house in Boca Chica / Starbase that I rent from SpaceX. It’s kinda awesome though."
Portland, Oregon
This yurt in the Pacific Northwest was built by couple Zach Both and Nicole Lopez. Although it might look like a fairly typical yurt outside, inside it's anything but, starting with this entryway, which sets the stage for the rest of the space.
Lopez and Both note that they were not super experienced in construction when they took on this project, but it turned out so well that they created a site called Do It Yurtself, which helps other DIYers who want to do something similar with resources such as a build guide, lifestyle guide, FAQs, and more.
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The "wow" moment in this tiny home is the bedroom, which sits atop a 200-square-foot circular platform lined with live plants. The yurt's ringed skylight gives the owners views of trees, birds, and the stars at night.
New Zealand
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If you've dreamed of staying in an unusual tiny house that also comes with its own earworm, you'll want to check out this Airbnb tucked into the redwood trees of New Zealand's North Island.
The space sleeps four in double-bed bunks and includes a two-person Chesterfield sofa and lots of nods to Victorian steampunk design. The ladder leads to the "captain's room," which renters note can be a great place to catch the sunrise. One fun feature: The owners used a recycled spa tub as a ceiling in this room, turning the spa's jets into porthole windows.
This unusual tiny home's kitchen is limited but includes a faucet, sink, and countertop that was converted from an upcycled dressing table. The house also includes a full bath — with a sink, shower, and toilet.
Lake Chelan, Washington
This fanciful structure was built by Nelson Treehouse, a family of five that has built treehouses all over the world. It was built for a client with grandchildren and includes a turret, a suspension bridge, and more.
The interior living space is "almost completely devoid of hard angles and straight lines, giving the treehouse a fantastical, whimsical look," Nelson Treehouse notes. A window in the living area gives the adults a chance to check in on children playing in the "Dream Net" below.
Two decks — with custom-built driftwood furniture — provide sweeping views of the surrounding northern Washington countryside.
Australia
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This tiny home borders a pub/saloon and other community amenities such as a barn gathering area with games, a community kitchen, and more.
This train car is actually a restored 1913 Victorian "Red Rattler" with sleeping accommodations — including bunks and beds — for up to 16 guests.
Be sure to bring your own beer, as the saloon isn't actually licensed to sell liquor — but you can throw one back with fellow guests while shooting pool, sitting around a fire pit, spotting local birds, or just exploring the 50-acre property.
Related: Creative Conversions of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
Washington Coast
Abel Zyl of Zyl Vardos builds lots of truly unique tiny homes, but he tells us he has a "soft spot" for the Ark, built in 2015. With its cedar curved exterior, it is now the home of a bicycle mechanic living on the Washington coast.
The Ark's interior includes a kitchen, bath, office area, and two sleeping lofts. Each sleeping loft is accessed by reinforced shelving that doubles as ladders.
No detail is overlooked inside the thoughtfully designed Ark. This photo shows the entryway, which seamlessly combines the front door with a circular window and miniature shelving space.
Related: Gorgeous Teardrop Trailers and Tiny RVs That Will Make You Want to Hit the Open Road
Scotland
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Located on 4 acres near the village of Bonnavoulin in the Scottish Highlands, this unique Airbnb property has great views of the Sound of Mull and the surrounding Scottish hillsides and mountains.
This rental is designated an Airbnb Plus property: "a selection of only the highest quality homes with hosts known for great reviews and attention to detail." Indeed, guests leave comments such as: "Airship 002 is quirky, unique, extremely comfortable and beautifully designed," and "has bags of charm and style."
This tiny house has what is known as dragonfly windows that provide panoramic views of the area's scenic wonders. Guest descriptions include "insane" and "out of this world."
Estonia
If the idea of staying in an entirely glass house jangles your nerves, note that this tiny home's exterior is actually a mirror. So, while you can see out, any passerby — which won't be many since it's pretty secluded — won't be able to see in.
Related: Vacation Rentals with Secret Rooms and Hidden Passages
We wouldn't suggest this property for anyone who likes to sleep in because, especially in winter, there is a lot of natural light. But you probably won't want to anyway — this area of Estonia is filled with things to do such as trails, beaches, landmarks, the nearby Jägala River, and a golf course and country club. It takes an early riser to tackle all that.
At the end of a long day, shore up those tired muscles in your own private handcrafted Nordic Iglucraft Sauna.
Joshua Tree, California
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Sure, you have to actually rent a larger house to get access to this bubble-shaped tiny house, but you'll get the best of both worlds: Larger quarters to get comfy in, and a truly one-of-a-kind experience in the form of your very own inflatable sleeping quarters with a deck.
The bubble house comes complete with a plumbed toilet and sink. There's even a skylight in the bath area, so you can even stargaze during any nighttime trips to the loo.
No shower? No problem. The main house has two full baths, and there's this outdoor shower, which gives you a view of the surrounding area's stark desert beauty.
England
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You actually get two tiny homes for the price of one with this Airbnb rental: the triangular, repurposed boat hull, which is actually the accommodation's sleeping quarters, and the adjoining boat "shack."
The secondary space houses an industrial-style bath and kitchen with a vintage carpenter's workbench for prep. If you prefer a bath connected with nature, the deck offers a clawfoot tub (with roll-top curtain for privacy).
The sleeping quarters include a wood-burning stove, two single beds (that can be pushed together at day's end to form a king bed), and views of the English countryside. There's a tea kettle and Wi-Fi inside the boat hull so you can enjoy leisurely mornings.
Spain
This tiny home — dubbed the El Avistador — is about an hour or so south of Madrid, near the base of the Iberian Toledo Mountains.
The inside of this tiny home has a minimalist-yet-cozy vibe due in large part to its plywood walls and ceiling. A large window provides opportunities for spotting wildlife by day and stargazing at night.
The property shares a pool with another nearby accommodation, and there are hiking and biking trails in the area.
New Zealand
This tiny home suspended in the trees near Auckland has a rich history. Built in 1935 in England, she enjoyed an existence as a fishing and pleasure boat before touching down in the land of the Kiwi, where the current owners found her as a "rundown shell."
The owners note used a lot of upcycled materials, including kauri, a wood native to New Zealand's North Island, to help restore the boat's interior.
A double bed is flanked by porthole windows and a skylight in the ship's cozy bedroom area.