Airbnb Stays in Historical Homes: Experience the Charm of the Past

22 September 2025

Let’s face it — when it comes to booking a place to stay for your next vacation, you’ve got options. Tons of them. But if you’re anything like me, you’re not just searching for a place to crash for the night. You want something different. Something that tells a story. Something with soul.

That’s where historical homes on Airbnb step in.

Imagine sipping your morning coffee in a 200-year-old farmhouse that once belonged to a Revolutionary War general. Or maybe you’re winding down in a beautifully restored Victorian mansion, where creaky floorboards whisper tales from another century. These places aren’t just rentals — they’re time machines. Ready to jump in?

Why Stay in a Historical Home?

You might be thinking, “Why would I want to sleep in an old house?” Good question. Let me throw a better one back at you: why settle for a cookie-cutter hotel when you can live inside a piece of history?

Here’s what makes these stays unforgettable:

1. The Character is Unmatched

Old homes have this undeniable charm that modern buildings just can’t replicate. From hand-carved banisters to original fireplaces, every corner tells a story. You’ll find quirky little details that make modern design feel, well… boring.

There’s something deeply comforting about walls that have stood the test of time, and trust me, they make for killer Instagram backdrops.

2. History at Your Fingertips

It’s one thing to visit a museum. It’s another to sleep inside one — minus the “Do Not Touch” signs. Staying in a historical Airbnb lets you actually live the history.

Whether it’s a 19th-century Georgian manor in Savannah or a restored hacienda in Mexico, these homes often come with fascinating backstories. Many hosts even provide historical documents, photos, or little anecdotes about the house and its previous inhabitants.

3. Unique Experiences, Every Time

No two historical homes are the same. One might feature a secret passageway (yes, seriously), and another could offer hand-painted ceilings from the early 1800s. Some even come with antique gramophones and libraries filled with vintage books.

Gone are the days of cookie-cutter vacations. These stays are for travelers who want more than just a room — they want a memory.

Popular Destinations for Historical Airbnb Stays

Alright, now that you’re sold on the idea, let’s talk location. You can find historic homes all over the place, but some destinations really shine.

1. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is dripping in Southern charm, and its architectural heritage is out of this world. Think pastel antebellum homes, wrought-iron balconies, and lush courtyards. Booking a stay here means walking the same halls as people did during the Civil War era — only now you get WiFi and air conditioning.

2. Edinburgh, Scotland

Ever wanted to stay in a centuries-old stone cottage nestled amongst rolling green hills? Edinburgh delivers. Some properties even date back to the 1600s. And yes, some might be a little spooky — but that’s part of the fun.

Plus, you’re a short walk from castles, cobblestone streets, and pubs older than most modern countries.

3. Kyoto, Japan

If you’ve ever wanted to live like a Japanese royal from the Edo period, this city’s traditional machiya townhouses offer exactly that. Sliding doors, tatami mats, and serene gardens await.

Best of all? These homes are often in the heart of the city’s historic districts, so you’ll be soaking up that old-world ambiance 24/7.

4. Lisbon, Portugal

Think ceramic tiles, ornate balconies, and sun-drenched patios. Many Airbnb properties in Lisbon are housed in buildings that go back hundreds of years — but they’ve been lovingly revived with updated kitchens and stylish interiors.

Bonus: You’ll also be seconds away from mouthwatering pastéis de nata. Win-win.

What to Expect During Your Stay

Alright, let’s talk logistics. Booking a night in an old house sounds cool, but what’s it actually like?

1. Mixed Vibes of Old and New

Most historical homes strike a balance between authenticity and comfort. Expect period-specific furniture, creaky floorboards, and loads of charm — paired with modern conveniences like Wi-Fi, Netflix, and updated bathrooms.

But hey, don’t be surprised if you need to jiggle an old doorknob or duck under a low ceiling. That’s the trade-off for keeping things authentic.

2. The Stories are Priceless

Many hosts are proud of their home’s heritage and will share stories or even keep a guestbook filled with tales from past visitors. Think of it as checking into a living diary.

You’ll often find vintage maps, framed letters, or photos that connect the home to its rich past. Don’t just walk by them — take a minute to dive into the history. It makes your stay 10x cooler.

3. A Slice of Local Culture

Staying in a historical home usually means you’re smack dab in the middle of a culturally rich neighborhood. Forget the tourist traps. Instead, you’re steps from local artisan shops, centuries-old bakeries, and quiet parks that don’t show up on Google Maps.

This is real-life time travel.

Tips for Booking the Perfect Historical Airbnb

So you’re ready to take the plunge. Awesome. But before you book, here are some insider tips to make sure your trip is the stuff of legend.

1. Read the Reviews Closely

Anyone can make an ancient house look charming in pictures. But the truth is in the reviews. Look out for comments on cleanliness, comfort, and how true-to-history the place really is.

Be sure to check for mentions of any quirks — like low water pressure or creaky ceilings. They’re part of the charm, but it’s good to know ahead of time.

2. Ask Questions

Don’t be shy about messaging the host. Want to know more about the home’s history? Curious about the neighborhood? Got questions on amenities? A good host will be more than happy to chat.

And if they know you’re interested in the historical aspect, they might even throw in a cool story or two.

3. Pack Accordingly

Historical homes can have… quirks. Drafty rooms or uneven stone paths, for example. So pack smart: comfy shoes, cozy layers, and a flashlight never hurt. And hey, maybe throw in a journal to jot down your own adventures in the past.

Making the Most of Your Stay

You’ve booked your dream stay. Now what?

Here’s how to really soak it all in:

1. Go Tech-Lite

Consider unplugging — just a bit. Leave your phone on silent, skip the TV for a night, and let yourself fully experience the space. Get lost in a vintage novel, enjoy a candlelit bath, or play a board game by the fireplace. Trust me, these little moments are the ones you’ll remember.

2. Capture the Vibe

Take photos — lots of them. But don’t just snap selfies. Photograph the carved doorways, the antique furniture, the way the light filters through the old windows at 3 PM. These are the details that make your trip stand out from the rest.

3. Dive into the Story

If your host provides any background on the property, read it. Better yet, dig into local history. Visit the town museum, talk to neighbors, or take a historical walking tour. It’ll add color to your stay and make you appreciate every creak in the floor just a little bit more.

Historical Home Stays and Sustainable Travel

Here’s the cherry on top: staying in a preserved historical home is actually a big win for sustainable tourism.

How? Well, instead of building yet another high-rise hotel, Airbnb hosts are repurposing existing structures — many of which would otherwise fall into disrepair. So by choosing these types of stays, you’re helping preserve cultural heritage and reducing your environmental footprint.

Pretty cool, right?

Final Thoughts

Traveling is about more than crossing cities off a list. It’s about the stories, the feelings, the connections. Staying in a historical home through Airbnb brings all of that — and then some.

It’s like stepping back in time, but with the creature comforts of today. Whether it’s a quaint colonial cottage or a regal European manor, these homes invite you to slow down, look around, and soak in the moment.

So next time you’re planning a trip, ditch the sterile hotel and go for something that makes your heart skip a beat. Trust me — you’ll never look at travel the same way again.