North Carolina

10 Most Romantic & Unique Airbnbs in North Carolina

Posted by
Brittany Varano
October 28, 2020
Updated September 11, 2023

best airbnbs north carolina
Photo: Airbnb

From rolling mountain ridges to beachside sand dunes, North Carolina boasts a diverse landscape, pleasant weather, and decadent cuisine that attract millions of visitors each year.

If this trip will be your first to North Carolina, put top destinations like Asheville, the Blue Ridge Mountains, Pisgah National Forest, and the Outer Banks on your radar. And be sure to find restaurants and serving famous regional dishes like North Carolina BBQ, shrimp and grits, hush puppies, and all variety of fresh seafood. Add in the great craft beer and there’s truly something to satisfy everyone’s appetite in North Carolina.

But first things first: no trip is complete without exceptional lodging, and there’s no better place to look than Airbnb. Travelers can book stays at modern marvels, bohemian bed and breakfasts, and mountain cabins with spectacular views. North Carolina has it all.

Here’s the top list of the best and most unique Airbnbs in North Carolina so you can explore the Tarheel State in style.

Related Read: 9 Chic Airbnbs in Charlotte, North Carolina

1. The Nook

nook airbnb north carolina
Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: A modern reclaimed-materials home tucked away in a thicket of trees near Asheville.

  • Location: Swannanoa
  • Sleeps: 2
  • Minimum stay: 2 nights
  • Rates start from: $169/night

Crafted by local artisans with high-end natural materials, The Nook is an architecturally unique North Carolina Airbnb that offers guests a respite from daily life. Conveniently located only eight minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway and just 15 minutes from downtown Asheville, this natural oasis has everything you need for a romantic getaway.

As you approach, attractive cypress shiplap siding and a circular window from the breakfast nook catch your attention. Inside, the lofted tea area, entertainment loft with T.V., and living room rope swing provide ample space to relax. In the mornings, wake up and enjoy a cup of coffee on the reclaimed oak deck that looks out into the trees. It’s a creative little space and would be a great space for a couples’ weekend getaway.

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Related Read: 6 Pet-Friendly Hotels in Wilmington, North Carolina

2. The Glass House on Hyco

glass house airbnb north carolina
Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: A unique mid-century modern cabin with luxury amenities and beautiful lake views.

  • Location: Roxboro
  • Sleeps: 4
  • Minimum stay: 3 nights
  • Rates start from: $331/night

The Glass House on Hyco is a prime example of modern and contemporary interior design. This North Carolina Airbnb boasts large windows, hardwood floors, and an open floor plan with a central wood-burning fireplace. Dark-stained wood furniture complements the white walls and black cabinets, and adjacent to the living room, an all-glass enclosed porch holds two hammocks overlooking the nearby lake.

From the porch, step out onto the spacious and private wooden deck where you’ll find even more seating options, an outdoor shower, and a fire pit with wood provided. There’s a fantastic amount of outdoor space in this home, and the hot tub is a great spot for a soak after an all-day hike. Along the lake is a private boat dock with two kayaks and two paddleboards you’re free to use.

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Related Read: 10 Incredible Glamping Spots Near Asheville, North Carolina

3. Egret Beachfront Cottage

beachfront airbnb north carolina
Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: A duplex cottage only seconds from the soft sand and peaceful waves of Holden Beach.

  • Location: Holden Beach
  • Sleeps: 4
  • Minimum stay: 1 night
  • Rates start from: $130/night

Egret Beachfront Cottage is an idyllic and pet-friendly escape to the Atlantic shore. Wake up each morning to the surf’s calming sounds and take in the fresh sea salt air from the front porch while you sip your morning coffee. The hosts go above and beyond to provide beach necessities for your use like beach towels, chairs, coolers, and even umbrellas and floaties upon request.

The home’s interior reflects the peaceful exterior and features white tongue-and-groove paneling, a sliding farm door, and ocean-inspired blue tones. It also has some luxurious touches, like heated bathroom floors and a beachfront fire pit. This cozy studio cabin has a queen bed and a pull-out sleeper sofa.

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Related Read: 10 Unique Places to Stay in North Carolina

4. Urban Rustic Treehouse

north carolina treehouse airbnb
Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: Make friends with goats during a stay in a vibrant treehouse.

  • Location: Morganton
  • Sleeps: 8
  • Minimum stay: 2 nights
  • Rates start from: $70/night

Spend your time in North Carolina sleeping in a radiant urban rustic treehouse on a goat farm and yes, fresh and delicious cheese is usually on offer. The Blue Ridge Parkway is only an hour away, and the hiking trails of Lake James State Park aren’t too far, either. This Airbnb is broken up into two different structures, one of which houses the kitchen and a full bath. Here, white walls and cabinetry are coupled with concrete floors and natural wooden ceilings.

Just across the bridge, a second building holds the lofted bedroom with a half bath. It has a queen bed and comfortable sofa that pulls out into an additional sleeping space. A sliding glass door leads out to a balcony with rockers that overlook both the forest and fire pit and benches in the yard. The home is beautiful and feels like a steal at a starting rate of just $70 a night.

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Related read: 8 Charming North Carolina Tiny Home Rentals

5. The Summit House

blue ridge mountains airbnb
Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: A contemporary Blue Ridge Mountains home perched in the Pisgah National Forest.

  • Location: Candler
  • Sleeps: 6
  • Minimum stay: 2 nights
  • Rates start from: $500/night

The Summit House is an extraordinary home perfectly placed facing the Hominy Valley’s rolling mountains. You’ll be able to take in the views from the large wraparound deck or the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room and largest bedroom.

The home has an open floor plan connecting the living room and kitchen and features a unique fireplace, stainless steel appliances, and a small dining area. The largest bedroom connects to an ensuite bathroom with a large soaking tub and walk-in closet.

If you’re just a duo traveling together, you may instead want to just rent the lower section of the home, which is a separate Airbnb listing from the same host.

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Related Read: 11 Most Beautiful Swimming Holes in North Carolina

6. Sweet Ashley

cherry treesort north carolina airbnbs
Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: A private wooden treehouse on stilts with a cupola, fire pit, and front porch.

  • Location: China Grove
  • Sleeps: 5
  • Minimum stay: 1 night
  • Rates start from: $135/night

Sweet Ashley is a quaint treehouse tucked away on Cherry Treesort, a 26-acre farm on pristine wooded land. Although small, this mighty tiny home is decked out with all of the amenities of home and has running hot and cold water, a full bathroom, and a kitchenette with a mini-fridge and microwave.

When it’s time for bed, climb up the ladder into the home’s cupola, where you’ll find a queen bed for two. There’s also a queen pull-out sofa bed and a single floor mattress, packing a lot of people into this tiny home.

When you’re tired of taking advantage of the home’s outdoor fire pit and hammock, have fun checking out China Grove’s local wineries and attractions. There are other treehouses for rent on Cherry Treesort, making this an excellent destination for large groups looking for a unique stay.

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7. Hello Bungalow

bungalow airbnb north carolina
Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: A cheerful bungalow within walking distance to an off-the-beaten-path beach in North Carolina’s Outer Banks.

  • Location: Kill Devils Hill
  • Sleeps: 2
  • Minimum stay: 2 nights
  • Rates start from: $110/night

At the Hello Bungalow oceanside cottage, you’ll be greeted by colorful pops of lime green, fuchsia, and yellow, as well as modern decor and bright hardwood floors. The hosts go above and beyond to make guests comfortable with a well-appointed kitchen, hanging wicker chair, record player, yoga mats, and more.

When you’re not relaxing at home, spend your days exploring the best attractions of the Outer Banks. America’s tallest sand dune systems are right down the road at Jockey’s Ridge State Park — where you can also give hang gliding a try. There are also fabulous beaches, shipwreck dives, and fantastic eateries a short distance from the property.

“The cutest place I’ve ever stayed. There are two bikes on-site to use, which was a great touch,” says Airbnb guest Christian.

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8. The Big Round Cabin

round cabin airbnb nc
Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: A rustic round cabin with striking views of Linville Gorge, the Rocky Knob, and Grandfather Mountain.

  • Location: Lenoir
  • Sleeps: 7
  • Minimum stay: 1 night
  • Rates start from: $215/night

The Big Round Cabin is a 360-degree, three-bedroom cabin in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This secluded and rustic cabin has a wraparound deck complete with patio seating, a dining table, an eight-person hot tub, and a porch swing overlooking the epic views. There’s plenty of space to stretch out, hang out, and enjoy the stunning views.

Inside, homey decor and an indoor fireplace, jacuzzi tub, and pet bathing station for those traveling with furry friends will help you get into vacation mode very quickly. Top NC attractions like The Blowing Rock and North and South Mountains State Park are nearby. Winding and unpaved mountain roads lead the way to this remote North Carolina Airbnb, so 4WD is recommended.

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9. The Starling

starling airbnb nc
Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: Eye-catching A-frame for a rustic escape to the Appalachian Mountains.

  • Location: Swannanoa
  • Sleeps: 3
  • Minimum stay: 2 nights
  • Rates start from: $85/night

The Starling is a pet-friendly rustic escape from the city on 20 acres an hour from the Great Smoky Mountains. The ground floor of the cabin features a six-foot window seat perfect for curling up with a book and a steaming cup of joe as the wood stove warms the home.

In the mini-kitchen, a cooler, single butane burner, coffee supplies, and fresh drinking water are provided. The bedroom is a small lofted space with a queen bed, and the window seat can accommodate a single traveler.

Outside, enjoy roasting s’mores over the open fire or taking a snooze in the hammock. The outhouse is a short walk from the home on a well-lit path, so the Starling is more of a glamping experience than a classic hotel. But its trendy decor, intimate atmosphere, and fantastic location in the woods make it one of the best Airbnbs in North Carolina.

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10. The Rock View Cabin

chimney rock state park airbnb
Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: A mountain cabin with a hot tub and panoramic views just 10 minutes from Chimney Rock State Park.

  • Location: Chimney Rock
  • Sleeps: 2
  • Minimum stay: 2 nights
  • Rates start from: $170/night

The Rock View Cabin is a cozy mountain stay that features a rustic cabin interior with wooden walls, leather furniture, and a fireplace. The Rock View also has an expansive deck with a hot tub and grill and fenced-in yard with a fire pit. Pets are more than welcome at this one-bedroom, one-bath property, too.

Downtown Chimney Rock and Chimney Rock State Park are very close. to this home, and the latter has fun events open to the public like cell phone photography classes. In the town of Chimney Rock, you’ll find a family-friendly riverwalk, a craft brewery, and even a spot to pan for gold. And guests rave about the location.

“The location is unbeatable – just a minute’s driving from the main road/entrance to the state park, but quietly situated with incredible mountain views from the patio,” said Airbnb guest Lauren.

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