Considering a shipping container house as your next home adventure? Why not try out an Airbnb container home rental before making the leap? It could serve as invaluable research, as you experience the pros and cons of shipping container homes firsthand. Airbnb makes it easy, with a specific category for container rentals where you can browse through unique shipping container homes all over the world.
Staying in an Airbnb container home allows you to immerse yourself in the container living experience, providing insights into space utilization, comfort levels, and design aesthetics. You can gauge the practicality of various layouts, assess the impact of different insulation and climate control systems, and discover innovative solutions for maximizing limited square footage. This hands-on approach can help refine your vision for your own container home and avoid potential pitfalls.
Ready to book your research adventure? Here’s our top 10 list of container homes you can rent on Airbnb to help you choose your next vacation destination!
10 Fabulous Airbnb Container Home Rentals in the US
Green Creek Shipyard 2.0 in Columbus, North Carolina
Our Favorite Feature: a waterfall created in the space underneath the container home
Property Description from Airbnb:
“Experience this unique container home in the heart of the Foothills! Designed and built by 3 siblings, much hard work and thoughtful consideration went into creating this magnificent retreat! As you turn down the gorgeous lane leading you to the Green Creek Shipyard 2.0, you are transported to your own private retreat in paradise! Experience the many amazing amenities provided inside of this gorgeous home that was created with the ultimate stay in mind. As fellow travelers, we have brought all of our favorite features from previous stays (as well as many more) to give you the vacation of your DREAMS! Get your day started with a fresh cup of coffee made with the provided Chemex pour over as nature wakes up around you. Whatever the day holds, we are sure that this stay will exceed your expectations!”
Sleeps 4. Check Airbnb’s website for up to date pricing and availability.
The Sea Containers in Index, Washington
Our Favorite Feature: the unique positioning of the containers, creating a treehouse feel
Property Description from Airbnb:
“The Sea Container Cabin was created to bring the beauty of nature and the comforts of home together in one unique experience. Located on a gated, 5-acre, forested property, in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, the cabin is made from two sea containers and features 2 bedrooms up, surround sound living room, and open kitchen downstairs. The Sea Containers are about 250 ft from the river bank which you can access down the trail over the stage behind Clay Baby, the gray cabin. There are 5 other small cabins on the property. They are usually filled with my family and I or other like-minded outdoor loving folks like yourselves. It makes for a perfect spot for a quiet getaway. Come and enjoy an unforgettable experience in the heart of nature.”
Sleeps 6. Check Airbnb’s website for up to date pricing and availability.
Air Castle Treehouse in Ladonia, Texas
Our Favorite Feature: the unique design of using containers vertically
Property Description from Airbnb:
“Most unique treehouse destination you will find. For ages 12+. 2 bedroom / 1 bath treehouse uses 4 shipping containers. The interior has a modern farmhouse style. After waking up with an incredible view, move outside to 1 of 5 balconies, including the 3rd floor screened porch with hot tub or to the 6th floor crows-nest 50’ in the air. Are you looking for a couples get-away, adult trip, or a romantic celebration…the unique “nature” of the treehouse will make for a unforgettable experience.”
Sleeps 4. Check Airbnb’s website for up to date pricing and availability.
Lakefront Container Home in Easley, South Carolina
Our Favorite Feature: the use of roll-up garage doors to provide unobstructed views
Property Description from Airbnb:
“Start your next adventure at The Hive at Addison Farms! Upon arrival, you will be greeted with an incredible, picturesque view of Saluda Lake. This carefully designed romantic retreat is the ultimate getaway to unwind, reconnect, and relax. Step into the world of life on a hobby farm, all while enjoying the relaxation and luxury of lakefront living. With over 200 feet of private lake frontage, guests will get to enjoy expansive water views from every room and a private dock with access to kayaks and paddleboards. The Hive is tucked away in a private 2-acre section of our quaint hobby farm where you will be able to explore the property, meet our rescue animals, and harvest fresh flowers and vegetables from the garden (when in season).”
Sleeps 2. Check Airbnb’s website for up to date pricing and availability.
Envase Casa Casita in Glendale, Utah
Our Favorite Feature: large window walls to showcase the beautiful views
Property Description from Airbnb:
“Envase Casa Casita is a tiny home made of shipping containers. It is a two story container house and has two separate units A & B. B is the bottom unit & A is the top unit. It’s a studio style floor plan. Each unit has a washer, dryer, fridge and more great amenities. Each unit has it own separate entrance and parking. It is beautifully decorated modern/ industrial style. It has a great a view of mountains and is in a great location near Bryce, Zion, Grand canyon, Bryce Canyon & Lake Powell.”
Sleeps 2. Check Airbnb’s website for up to date pricing and availability.
Cloud 9, On The Rocks in Rising Fawn, Georgia
Our Favorite Feature: efficent use of a small space and fantastic rooftop deck views
Property Description from Airbnb:
“Welcome to Cloud 9 at On The Rocks, a unique repurposed cargo container getaway atop Lookout Mountain, Georgia. The Cloud 9 Rooftop Deck is a true place to relax and meditate, therefore there is no access television. There are 2 shared fire pits located at each end of the property. Firewood is provided along with ingredients to make s’mores. This tiny mountain home features a fully functional kitchen that includes a mini fridge, induction cooktop, and convection microwave, a queen bed, a full bathroom with tile shower, and a rooftop deck.”
Sleeps 2. Check Airbnb’s website for up to date pricing and availability.
The BoHo Box Hop in Rockbridge, Ohio
Our Favorite Feature: the creative layout of the containers and good use of space
Property Description from Airbnb:
“The Boho Box Hop is the second design from the builders/owners of The Box Hop! A more intimate setting that is perfect for a couples getaway (though it sleeps four comfortably with the pull out bed on the first floor). You will have all the luxuries of a secluded getaway with solitude and peace while being only a few miles from the main highway (Route 33) and close to all that Hocking Hills has to offer. The Boho Box Hop is made out of 2 intermodal shipping containers. It is unique in design and architecture. Similar vibe to a tiny home, The Boho utilizes compact living, using every space creatively to live the simple life. On the back side of the home, there is a large deck with an outdoor chiminea (fire), gas grill and hot tub.”
Sleeps 4. Check Airbnb’s website for up to date pricing and availability.
Shipping Container Studio in Conifer, Colorado
Our Favorite Feature: the home’s well designed layout utilizing two 20 foot containers
Property Description from Airbnb:
“Experience mountain living in this unique guest suite comprised of two 20 ft shipping containers nestled within a 2-acre mountainside property. This unique space features a cozy queen bed, minimalist kitchen, luxurious bathtub, private outdoor patio, shared barrel sauna, and views of the surrounding forest. Owners live full-time in the front/upstairs unit. We love interacting with guests but are also happy to respect your privacy. The guest suite is the entire back portion of the home. The shared backyard space features an outdoor barrel sauna!”
Sleeps 2. Check Airbnb’s website for up to date pricing and availability.
3-Story Container Home in Joshua Tree, California
Our Favorite Feature: unique use of 3 containers and beautifully designed interior space
Property Description from Airbnb:
“Embark on a getaway to this unique 3-story container home, offering awe-inspiring views of Joshua Tree National Park. A fusion of shipping containers blends style with natural beauty on 2.5 private acres. Take a refreshing plunge in the pool or luxuriate in the spa. Unwind by the outdoor fire pit. Rediscover starry night skies on the rooftop deck. BlockTower is your secluded haven and located just 15 minutes to Joshua Tree National Park and 7 minutes to downtown Joshua Tree. Step into this home crafted from multiple shipping containers – a one-of-a-kind property that promises an unforgettable stay.”
Sleeps 4. Check Airbnb’s website for up to date pricing and availability.
The Scenic Orchard in Barneveld, New York
Our Favorite Feature: the use of large windows to make a small space feel bright and airy
Property Description from Airbnb:
“Escape to The Scenic Orchard, where luxury meets nature in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. Nestled on a sprawling 100-acre estate, this exclusive shipping container home offers an unforgettable retreat with breathtaking views that stretch as far as the eye can see. The high-end amenities, peaceful atmosphere & special added touches make this more than just a stay but a beautiful experience you’ll remember for years to come. Enjoy the scenic views, lounge in the hot tub & sit by the fire pit while feeling at peace.”
Sleeps 2. Check Airbnb’s website for up to date pricing and availability.
Experience Before Buying: Stay in an Airbnb Container Home
Staying in an Airbnb container home before building your own is an invaluable experience that can shape your decision-making process. It’s one thing to admire container homes in photos or videos, but quite another to actually live in one, even if just for a few days. This hands-on experience allows you to truly understand the unique aspects of container living – from the cozy confines to the innovative use of space. It’s also an opportunity to explore different design choices and clever storage solutions that hosts have implemented, potentially inspiring ideas for your own future home.
Looking for advice? Your hosts have gone through the container home-building process, gaining firsthand insights into challenges and rewards you might not have considered. Their advice can either confirm your passion for container living or help you realize it might not be the right fit for you – all without the commitment of starting your own build. Ultimately, an Airbnb stay in a shipping container home can serve as a practical, immersive research tool. The experience can help you make a more informed decision about your future living space, all while enjoying a unique vacation rental!
Learn More About Shipping Container Homes
Check out our article about the pros and cons of shipping container homes:
