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Connecticut is more than just a northern suburb of NYC. It boasts 96 miles of coastline, 139 state parks, over 3,000 lakes, and some of the most beautiful forests New England has to offer.
Although CT is known for the highest per-capita income in the United States, you don’t have to be a hedge fund manager to find an Airbnbs that suits your needs. If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of New York City — which is just a hop, skip, and jump from CT — you’ll probably find it in Connecticut. From homes that inspired Mount Rushmore to underwater ghost towns to a spaceship on a hill, CT has something for everyone.
Of course, figuring out where to go in the state could be challenging: do you want the waterfront beauty of the Mystic Seaport, or are you more intrigued by the Wadsworth Atheneum, the oldest art museum in the United States, in downtown Hartford? Or both? In that case, you may need two Airbnbs.
Related Read: 10 Chill Romantic Getaways in Massachusetts
1. Lakefront Cabin
Why you should stay: Investigate an underwater ghost town.
- Location: Sherman
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $255/night
Ever wonder what the Lost City of Atlantis looked like? Well, it was never exactly lost, but there was a small town in CT that was intentionally flooded back in 1926 (don’t worry, the inhabitants were moved first).
Fortunately, many of the buildings and pieces of farm equipment stayed, and now, it’s an underwater ghost town under the guise of being CT’s largest lake: Candlewood Lake. And if you’re staying at this quaint cabin, you’ll be able to explore the streets sitting at the bottom of the lake right at your literal doorstep.
But if you don’t have your scuba certification, Candlewood Lake is known for its fishing, so make sure to bring your poles to use on your private dock on this lakefront property. The house itself exudes “lake life” and has views of the water from almost every room.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: What to See on a New York to Boston Road Trip Filled With History
2. Gunn Brook Cabin
Why you should stay: The perfect place to write your next novel.
- Location: Cornwall
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum Stay: 5 nights
- Rates from: $150/night
This enchanting cabin that blends right into the forested hillside is the ideal setting to channel your inner writer. Whether you’re sitting on the huge deck listening to the babbling brook or lounging inside with views of the green surrounds, you”ll probably be inspired to write a whimsical story (fairies and trolls, anyone?)
But if reading, rather than writing, is more your thing, you’ll find an array of novels hidden underneath the stairs leading to the sleeping areas. Even though the house isn’t truly magical, it still might put a spell on you. Lucky for you, this house allows extended stays so you can finish writing that novel at your leisure.
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3. The Little Lake Cabin
Why you should stay: Antique charm with all the modern conveniences
- Location: New Fairfield
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 4 nights
- Rates from: $180/night
Walking into the kitchen at the Little Lake Cabin feels as if you’re stepping back in time with its classic 1940s refrigerator, original to the home. The antique charm doesn’t stop there, however. The hosts have thoughtful curated items over time to create a cozy escape for their guests. They’ve thought of everything you’ll need: there are hand-poured products, two rain showers (one outdoor, one indoor), robes and slippers, a stocked pantry, and s’mores makings for the fire pit.
The house is perfect for a small family or two couples looking to have a weekend away. Whether it’s the multiple hiking trails minutes from your front door or Netflix and chillin’ on the couch, this house caters to anyone. And as an added bonus, the Little Lake Cabin even has a little outdoor hot tub.
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4. Historical Zen House
Why you should stay: Stay at a studio where Mount Rushmore was sculpted.
- Location: Stamford
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum Stay: 4 nights
- Rates from: $337/night
Wait, isn’t Mount Rushmore in South Dakota?! It is, but artist Gutzom Borglum (the American sculptor behind the famed attraction) created many parts of the monument right here in CT. Who knew?
It’s easy to see why he was so inspired by the distraction-free property with a full-sized pool, castle ruins surrounding the courtyard, an official Zen garden, and private pond and waterfall right at your fingertips.
It’s also perfect for a romantic getaway complete with photography shoots, couples massages, and a welcome chilled bottle of rosé. Make sure to take advantage of the many attractions western CT has to offer including the Glass House (a National Trust Historic Site) or horseback riding at Mead Farm.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 8 Tranquil Cabin Rentals in Connecticut
5. The Barn
Why you should stay: Become Bono with this home’s musical library.
- Location: Salisbury
- Sleeps: 5
- Minimum stay: 6 nights
- Rates from: $218/night
Though it’s called The Barn, this idyllic property is anything but dusty and rustic thanks to impeccable decor and beautiful art throughout the house. And if it’s art you want to create, this house can certainly be your muse.
Those with musical talents get a leg up here with full use of the musical instruments as well as the PA system. And since this listing currently only allows extended stays, you’ll have time to record a whole album before having to leave this incredible property.
Fortunately, you won’t have to leave your four-legged canine friends at home since they’re always welcome at the house. If concerts are more your jam (get it?) check out the free concerts put on by the Salisbury Sinfonietta (a professional chamber orchestra right in town) or Music Mountain in Lakeville.
Check Availability6. Retreat Above a Historic Mill
Why you should stay: Working remotely has never been easier (or cheerier!)
- Location: Westport
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $130/night
Working from home is the norm for the foreseeable future, so making sure you can still get a little work done while away from home is essential.
This charming, two-bedroom apartment is perfect for those who need a designated workspace or want to take advantage of the B:Hive Co-Working on the floor below. And guests get a card for 24/7 access during their stay.
But it’s not all about work at this renovated mill home. This home boasts multiple rooms inspired by the host’s favorite artists: Frida Kahlo, Johannes Vermeer, and Vincent Van Gogh. It comes fully equipped with smart TVs and all the modern amenities you’ll need. Fairfield Beach is two miles from the home in case you need a break from email.
Check Availability7. Luxurious Barn Home
Why you should stay: Stay for the 30-foot ceilings and more than 60 windows.
- Location: Fairfield
- Sleeps: 8
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $139/night
This magazine-worthy, luxurious barn home has a quintessential New England feel with repurposed wood exteriors, eclectic furniture, and charming decorations in all the nooks and crannies. And with the 30-foot-high ceilings, there are plenty of nooks and crannies to fill.
Inside, you’ll find exposed wooden beams and a chef’s dream kitchen. After cooking a Michelin-star dinner, relax in the open main space and gather around the mini-grand piano to sing your favorite Frank Sinatra songs. Although the home originally housed the oxen that built the dam down the road, this property is now quite luxurious – so leave your oxen outside.
Check Availability8. Fern Rock Cottage
Why you should stay: Books on books on books on books.
- Location: Salisbury
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $250/night
This is one of the most classically New England airbnbs in Connecticut, but the Fern Rock Cottage goes above and beyond when it comes to comfort and whimsy. This home is oozing with love, especially if you love books, since hundreds of books line its walls – and the leather-backed couch is the perfect place to read them.
Have dinner inside at the farm table or outside under the twinkling lights on the pergola.
The magic doesn’t stop there as wooded property is home to many different types of wildlife. Sit and sip your tea peacefully as you watch for critters or listen to the morning birdsongs. It’s definitely one of the best airbnbs in Connecticut if you like rural surroundings more than the cities.
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9. Riverview Hillside Home
Why you should stay: Make all the “beam me up, Scotty” jokes you want in this futuristic home.
- Location: Deep River
- Sleeps: 7
- Minimum stay: 6 nights
- Rates from: $296/night
You’ll feel like you’re entering onto the U.S.S. Enterprise as you approach this modern, unique home with vaulted ceilings and sprawling skylights in the Connecticut hills. And the spaceship-inspired design doesn’t stop with the big details.
Science fiction books fill the shelves and a curved staircase leads to the sleeping quarters upstairs. Luckily, the bedrooms are nothing like a spaceship’s; instead, there’s more than enough room for the whole family and includes a room with bunk beds for the kiddos.
To further your lessons on the universe, take a drive to one of the seven planetariums in the state less than an hour away, like the one at the Children’s Museum or Treworgy Planetarium in Mystic.
Check Availability10. Modern Wood-Clad Getaway
Why you should stay: An amazing yard and an Ikea-inspired home, minus the confusing directions
- Location: Guilford
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $175/night
This modern wood-clad home looks like something out of the Scandinavian countries. Sleek, simple, and clean lines are a constant theme throughout the house. This home is ideal for a weekend getaway entrenched in nature.
“We found ourselves lounging on the couch the majority of the time admiring the incredible view from the floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors.”
But if you do find yourself leaving the house, make sure to pop into one of the many businesses in the charming town of Guilford (like Blazing Fresh Donuts or Breakwater Books).
Check Availability11. Windy Top Cottage
Why you should stay: Feel like you’ve stepped into a Jane Austen novel (hopefully without the heartbreak.)
- Location: Granby
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 1 night
Rates from: $100/night
The Windy Top Cottage was once the quarters for the domestic staff of a wealthy Hartford businessman. So expect to be swept off your feet by the surroundings like the heroine (or hero!) of an English fairytale waiting for your Prince Charming. It’s certainly one of the most affordable airbnbs in Connecticut, especially considering how adorable it is.
Although it had humble beginnings, the house now is anything but modest. This home makes clever use of its space with a toaster oven, Keurig coffee maker, barbecue, snack and candy bar, and a 1935 Frigidaire refrigerator always stocked by the hosts with cold drinks. So you won’t go hungry while you’re waiting for Prince or Princess Charming.
Check Availability12. Cottage by the Sea
Why you should stay: Two words: private beach.
- Location: Fairfield
- Sleeps: 7
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $229/night
This renovated cottage by the sea is the quintessential beach house with wicker furniture, teal-colored accents, and shells galore. You’ll be swept back with memories from your childhood summers when you’d fall asleep on the beach and wake up half-buried in sand by your siblings.
Luckily, you won’t track any of that sand inside the house as it has an outdoor shower and ample outdoor space, complete with beehives. Cooking outside or in, this house provides everything you’ll need for a perfect summer getaway.
Check AvailabilityMore Amazing Stays in New England
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Seen in: Connecticut, Northeast, Where to Stay
