9 Crazy-Fun Vacation Home Rentals Under $220

The Kiva Cave Creek, Cave Creek, Arizona

​2 beds, 1 bath, 4 guests  ​
Rates start at $111

In Maricopa County, 45 minutes north of Phoenix and Scottsdale, this unique hideaway features an architectural style inspired by Native American kivas — large underground rooms used by the Hopi and Pueblo people for rites and spiritual ceremonies. 

The structure may be partially underground, but plenty of natural light flows throughout the space. The thoughtful design accommodates up to four guests thanks to a pull-out couch in the living room, and there’s a full kitchen and outdoor fire pit and grill. 

While you’re here: Take advantage of hiking among cacti on Sonoran Desert trails at the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. And golf lovers will appreciate Cave Creek’s celebrated high desert course at the Rancho Mañana Golf Club. 

Lighthouse Retreat, Bar Harbor, Maine​

2 beds, 1 bath, 3 guests
Rates start at $170

Although this one-bedroom studio is not part of an actual lighthouse, various beacons beckon from dinner plates, throw pillows and tchotchkes around the home — there’s even a small working lighthouse to guide you to your parking spot should you arrive at night. 

The cozy accommodations sleep up to three guests (one queen Murphy bed and a sofa bed) but it’s the location that really makes this retreat so impressive — Acadia National Park is just a few hundred feet from the property.  

While you’re here: For jaw-dropping views of the mountains and the water inside the park, drive along the Park Loop Road on the east side of Mount Desert Island. The Lighthouse Retreat is also less than a mile from all the fun of downtown Bar Harbor — try the Travelin’ Lobster for a legendary lobster roll. ​

Apartment in a Stable, Clayton, North Carolina​

2 beds, 3 baths, 4 guests  ​
Rates start at $175 

Horses and goats are your neighbors in this stylish two-bedroom apartment upstairs from a working horse stable about 30 minutes from Raleigh. Situated within a horse community, the barn is home to 22 horses. Stop by to say hello (riding lessons with the kids or grandkids can also be arranged). 

Inside the chic apartment, luxury amenities include a full kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, and wood flooring throughout. 

At sunset, the community pond in front of the stable abode is a fun place to toss out a fishing line because on most evenings an ice cream truck rolls up and the locals come running. 

While you’re here: More than 10 miles of walking trails lead from the property to the Neuse River, where the Clayton River Walk is a popular place to stroll, jog or ride a bike. In nearby Raleigh, visit breweries along the Raleigh Brewery Trail and soak in the university town’s cool vibes. 

Cedar Bungalow in Texas Hill Country, Pipe Creek, Texas ​

1 bedroom, 1 bath, 2 guests ​
Rates start at $165

Are you in Scandinavia or Texas? It might be hard to tell at this rustic cedar-walled hideout surrounded by the lush greenery of Texas’ Hill Country, roughly 40 minutes from San Antonio. The Cedar Bungalow feels like a mini eco-resort with comforts that include a hammock and love seat for swinging, a fire pit, and an outdoor shower and hot tub within the bungalow’s private yard. 

Be aware that in true Nordic-hut fashion, the bathroom here is of the compost variety. And the kitchenette is simple: microwave, mini fridge, coffee maker and an outdoor charcoal grill. 

While you’re here: Verdant views of the Texas Hill country are all around, with deer, rabbits, porcupines and Texas tree lizards among your neighbors. Nearby, at English Crossing on the Medina River, spot grosbeaks and tanagers along birding trails at Bear Springs Blossom Nature Preserve and sample unique wines like orange muscat at Timber Ridge Winery atop the Hill Country’s highest hill.

Vintage Tugboat, Providence, Rhode Island ​

1 bedroom, half bath, 2 guests 
​Rates start at $219

As long as you don’t mind sleeping snug in a tug, this restored tugboat-turned-floating-apartment may be the rental for you. Docked in an ideal location for exploring Rhode Island’s capital city on foot, the erstwhile Canadian Coast Guard tugboat was built in 1956 and once plied the Canadian Arctic. 

The cozy interior boasts a mix of vintage and contemporary details throughout, including bronze portholes and custom cabinetry in the helm. There’s also a beautifully tiled kitchen, onboard composting toilet and access to shore facilities in the marina to shower (that’s right, you’ll need to disembark to bathe). 

The piece de resistance, however, might be the boat’s aft deck, where you can enjoy drinks and dinner with views of the city. With both heating and air-conditioning, you can stay onboard year round. 

While you’re here: Venture into town and walk past 18th and 19th century homes in the College Hill neighborhood (the WaterFire light installation illuminates the tidal basin to magical effect on summer nights). 

Cloverland Barndominium, Winneconne, Wisconsin​

2 beds, 1 bath, 5 guests ​
Rates start at $210

In lake-pocked Winnebago County, an hour from Green Bay, this rural getaway includes acres of private forest, a stretch of river and resident goats galore. 

Situated on five acres of private land, the renovated, two-bedroom, century-old barn is spacious and surprisingly modern — Wi-Fi, smart TVs — with restored wood throughout. The rental has a canoe on standby for paddling down the river and private walking trails with roving red hens, chickens and goats (check the property binder to learn the names of the animals). 

While you’re here: Hop in the car to stroll the riverfront in Oshkosh, about 15 minutes away, and see what’s playing in the town’s stately and historic theater, the Grand. Or go apple picking come autumn (September already glows golden in these parts) at Hofacker’s Hillside Orchard in the upscale enclave of Appleton.

Terry Ward is a Florida-based travel writer who loves languages, culture, wild spaces and urban places. Her work has appeared in Traveler, AFAR, Travel & Leisure, Lonely Planet and more.